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Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience

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Overview

Available languages

German
English

Mobile ticket

Experience ancient Kyoto on your terms with our immersive self-guided audio tour. Unlike rigid group tours, you'll explore at your own pace, lingering where you choose and skipping what doesn't interest you. Our expertly crafted narration reveals hidden stories and historical insights that even locals don't know, connecting you to Kyoto's soul in ways guidebooks cannot. Discover secret spots and authentic local perspectives as our professional narrators and refined sound design transport you through time. Each attraction comes alive through carefully researched storytelling that brings context to what you're seeing. Enjoy the freedom to customize your journey—visit attractions in any order, take breaks when desired, and truly absorb Kyoto's magic without being rushed. This isn't just information; it's a personal journey through Japan's cultural heart, designed for the curious traveler who seeks deeper connection and memorable experiences.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

1. Complete Flexibility - Tour at Your Own Pace: This is a self-guided audio tour, NOT a GPS-guided tour. You have complete freedom to choose which attractions to visit, explore in any order you prefer, start and finish wherever you like, and even split the tour across multiple days. Spend as much time as you want at each location and take breaks whenever needed.

2. How You'll Receive Your Tour Materials: On your selected travel date, before your start time, you'll receive two important links: one for your audio guides (SoundCloud) and one for your interactive map (Google My Maps). These links will be sent via your booking platform's messaging system, and also via iMessage/WhatsApp if you provided your phone number during booking. Important: While all links are fully functional, the booking platform may not display link previews due to platform restrictions. For the best experience with instant previews and one-click access, we strongly recommend providing your phone number during booking to receive links via WhatsApp or iMessage. This ensures smoother, faster access to your audio guides.

3. Using Your Audio Guides (Link 1 - SoundCloud): Open the SoundCloud link in your web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.). You'll see a playlist of all attraction audio guides organized in a suggested order. You can listen before your tour to plan which attractions interest you most, or play them as you arrive at each location. Simply scroll through the playlist, tap any attraction to play its audio guide, and use play/pause controls as needed throughout your tour.

4. Using Your Interactive Map (Link 2 - Google My Maps): Open the Google My Maps link in your web browser - not the Google Maps app. You'll see all attractions marked with headphone icons. Navigate by either tapping directly on any headphone icon on the map, or tapping the tour title below the map to view a complete list of attractions. When you select an attraction, a popup window appears with a clickable link to that location's audio guide.

5. What to Bring & Prepare: Essential items: headphones/earphones, fully charged smartphone, and internet access. Before your visit, review both links to familiarize yourself with the attractions and audio content, then decide your priorities and create your own route or follow our suggested order.

6. Audio Guide Language Selection: Select your preferred audio guide language during booking to guarantee delivery in that language. Language selection cannot be changed after confirmation. If your preferred language isn't available during booking, you can mention it in the Special Requirements section when placing your order. However, this request must be made at least 48 hours before your selected travel date and time. We will make our best effort to prepare your requested language, but please note this is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. For the best assurance of receiving your preferred language, always select from the available language options during the booking process.

7. Important Notice - Attraction Fees & Your Responsibilities: While many attractions are free to visit, some may charge fees for special sections, additional services, or general admission. It is your responsibility to check opening hours, closing times, holiday schedules, advance booking requirements, and purchase any necessary admission tickets before visiting each attraction. If you need assistance accessing or using the audio guide, please contact our customer support team.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 23 attractions with audio guide individually

Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 23 attractions

Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days)

Entry fees (if required)

Transportations (pick-up and drop-off)

Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)

Food and drinks

What To Expect

1

Kyoto Station Building

Step into the architectural marvel that serves as Kyoto's modern gateway. This striking steel-and-glass structure, designed by renowned architect Hiroshi Hara, symbolizes Kyoto's harmonious blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation. Our audio guide reveals the fascinating architectural symbolism embedded throughout the building—from the massive exposed steel beams representing ancient temple structures to the futuristic sky garden offering panoramic views of the city. Discover how this controversial design sparked heated debates during its construction, yet has become an iconic landmark. Learn about the hidden symbols within the station that tell the story of Kyoto's evolution from imperial capital to contemporary cultural treasure, details that even regular visitors overlook.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Higashi Hongan-ji Temple

Enter this magnificent wooden temple complex, headquarters of the Shinshū Ōtani-ha branch of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism. Our audio guide unveils the dramatic history behind this spiritual powerhouse, including how it was built to rival its western counterpart and the political intrigue surrounding its construction. As you explore the massive Goei-dō (Main Hall)—one of Japan's largest wooden structures—you'll hear the remarkable story of how thousands of female devotees donated their hair to create ropes for moving the massive wooden pillars during construction. The audio experience guides you through the temple's architectural features, explaining their religious significance and revealing the hidden meanings behind the ornate decorations that most visitors miss entirely.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience

From $9.00

Check availability

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Operated by Uvamai Niche Tourism

A product of Trip Social Group

Australia: Pavel Australia Pty Ltd

Việt Nam: Công ty TNHH Trip Social

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