Kamo River’s Timeless Tales: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Kyoto

Starting at the historic Shijo Bridge, which has watched over Japan’s ancient capital since the Shogun era, you’ll discover how bridges evolved from footpaths to modern transport routes. You’ll hear tales of intrigue from the Gion District’s teahouses, including a famous Winter revenge plot.

Next to the Kamo River, you'll pass by the statue of Izumo no Okuni and hear about the sword-wielding woman who scandalized society on the river’s outdoor stage.

On this tour, you'll have an opportunity to rub shoulders with the cultured patrons of the Minamiza Kabuki Theater as they gather for the latest performance.

On this self-guided tour, you’ll step across the exquisite stone Tatsumi footbridge, lined with sakura trees that gloriously blossom in the Spring.

On this tour you'll cross over the Shirakawa Canal and hear about the history tied to the land around it.

On this walking tour of Kyoto, you’ll stroll along the Kamo River to hear about the heart-stopping events that happened on its shores.

On this self-guided tour, you'll have a chance to cross the Sanjo Bridge and search for the pylon that bears traces of a sword fight in the waning days of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

On this self-guided tour, you'll have a chance to silently step into the Dainichinyorai graveyard where dozens of women of the Toyotomi clan were murdered so that another male claimant to the dynasty wouldn’t be produced.

On this self-guided tour, you'll have a chance to tip your hat as Charlie Chaplin did when he visited the Pontocho Kaburenjo performance house in the 1930s.

This self-guided audio tour ends close to the Pontocho Park. You'll pass the park on your way to the tour's end point and as you do, you'll hear its history.