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Free Time in Kyoto
Kyoto:
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Free time in Kyoto? Take a look at the suggested activities below to add even more to your tour experience. Please note that these recommendations are separate from your included EF tour activities. Opening times, availability and fees for these free time activities may vary depending on the time of year and are subject to change. Please check listed websites for details.
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Museums:
527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0931; Keihan Line to Shichijo Station. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9:30 am–5 pm. Closed Monday.
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The Kyoto National Museum showcases an extensive collection of traditional Japanese art, including calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, and historic scrolls. The museum's elegant Meiji-era architecture and modern Heisei Chishinkan Wing blend the past and present beautifully. Entrance fee applies. Free admission on Culture Day (November 3).
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Kyoto International Manga Museum
Karasuma-Oike, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-0846; Karasuma or Tozai Line to Karasuma-Oike Station. Open daily 10K am–6 pm. Closed Wednesday.
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Housed in a former elementary school, the Kyoto International Manga Museum features a collection of over 300,000 manga from Japan and around the world. Visitors can read manga from floor-to-ceiling shelves and explore exhibits on manga history and creation. Entrance fee applies. Discounts for students and groups.
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Only in Kyoto:
Gion Geisha District Walk
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0074; Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station. Best visited in the evening.
Strolling through the lantern-lit streets of Gion offers a rare glimpse into Kyoto's refined geisha culture. Visitors may catch sight of a maiko (apprentice geisha) on her way to an appointment while exploring traditional teahouses and wooden machiya townhouses. Free to explore; guided tours available.
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Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-8365; Keihan Line to Chushojima Station. Most breweries open daily 10 am–5 pm.
Home to centuries-old breweries, the Fushimi Sake District offers tastings, museum visits, and a chance to learn about Japan's revered rice wine. The area’s pure spring water and long brewing tradition make it one of Japan’s top sake-producing regions. Entrance to museums may require a fee; tastings vary by location.​
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Fun Activities:
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Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience
Various locations citywide; near Kyoto Station or Gion. Open daily; hours vary by shop.
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Renting a kimono for the day allows visitors to immerse themselves in Kyoto’s cultural charm while strolling through temples, gardens, and historic streets. Many rental shops include hairstyling and photography services for a full experience. Rental fees apply.
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Saga Torokko Station, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8373; JR San-In Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then walk. Open daily; trains run seasonally.
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The Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Romantic Train, offers a picturesque ride along the Hozugawa River through the mountains of Arashiyama. Especially beautiful in autumn and spring, the open-sided train allows for breathtaking views of colorful foliage and lush valleys. Tickets required; advance reservations recommended during peak seasons.
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Foods to Try:
This delicate dish of simmered tofu is a Kyoto specialty often served in Zen temple restaurants. Its clean, subtle flavor reflects the city’s Buddhist traditions and emphasis on seasonal, plant-based cuisine.
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Kyoto is renowned for its high-quality matcha (green tea), and the city offers a wide array of sweets including matcha parfaits, soft serve, and mochi. These treats balance bitterness and sweetness, offering a true taste of Kyoto’s refined dessert culture.​​
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Shopping:
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609 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8054; Karasuma Line to Shijo Station. Open daily 9 am–6 pm.
Known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen," Nishiki Market is a bustling narrow arcade filled with local food vendors, knife shops, pickled goods, and regional snacks. It’s the perfect place to sample Kyoto’s culinary specialties and pick up unique souvenirs.
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17 Shogoin Entomicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8323; Keihan Line to Jingu-Marutamachi Station. Open daily 10 am–6 pm.
The Kyoto Handicraft Center offers traditional crafts such as woodblock prints, kimonos, fans, and cloisonné jewelry. Live demonstrations and workshops give visitors insight into centuries-old techniques. Free entry; prices vary by item.​
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Churches:
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294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0862; Keihan Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. Open daily 6 am–6 pm.
Perched on a hillside with sweeping city views, Kiyomizu-dera is famous for its large wooden veranda built without nails. Visitors come to admire its dramatic architecture, sacred springs, and seasonal cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. Entrance fee applies.
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33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8092; Keifuku Kitano Line to Omuro-Ninnaji Station. Open daily 9 am–5 pm.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ninna-ji Temple is noted for its five-story pagoda, beautiful gardens, and late-blooming Omuro cherry trees. As a former imperial temple, it offers a peaceful and historic atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection. Entrance fee applies.​​
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