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Kyoto Highlights Audio Tour: The Sacred Path of Higashiyama Temples

Audio guide10 stops

Beneath the calm facade of Kyoto’s cherry trees, the cobblestones of Higashiyama are stained with the memory of blade strikes and whispered betrayals. This is where the old capital bled for power and ghosts still linger in the shadows of ancient gates. Embark on a self-guided audio tour to navigate the secrets of Qinglianyuan, Chionin, and Yasaka that remain hidden from the typical tourist gaze. Why did a massive wooden temple gate collapse under the weight of a secret rebellion? What restless spirit is said to roam the quiet hallways of the monks? Which specific Shinto ritual was secretly performed to stop a bloodthirsty samurai army in its tracks? Traverse the winding paths of this historic district to witness the city through a lens of grit and grandeur. Transform your walk into a cinematic journey of discovery. Uncover the truth behind the silence. Start your descent into history now.

Tour preview

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About this tour

  • schedule
    Duration 130–150 minsGo at your own pace
  • straighten
    8.1 km walking routeFollow the guided path
  • location_on
    LocationKyoto, Japan
  • wifi_off
    Works offlineDownload once, use anywhere
  • all_inclusive
    Lifetime accessReplay anytime, forever
  • location_on
    Starts at Kenninji Temple

Stops on this tour

Kenninji Temple
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Kenninji TempleA Buddhist temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
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2
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Otani Hombyo Temple (Mausoleum of Shinran)A cemetery owned by Nishi Honganji Temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Kiyomizu-dera
3
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Kiyomizu-deraA Buddhist temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
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4
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Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)A temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Kōdaiji Temple
5
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Kōdaiji TempleA Buddhist temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
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6
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GionRegional name of Kyoto City

Frequently asked questions

How do I start the tour?

After purchase, download the AudaTours app and enter your redemption code. The tour will be ready to start immediately - just tap play and follow the GPS-guided route.

Do I need internet during the tour?

No! Download the tour before you start and enjoy it fully offline. Only the chat feature requires internet. We recommend downloading on WiFi to save mobile data.

Is this a guided group tour?

No - this is a self-guided audio tour. You explore independently at your own pace, with audio narration playing through your phone. No tour guide, no group, no schedule.

How long does the tour take?

Most tours take 60–90 minutes to complete, but you control the pace entirely. Pause, skip stops, or take breaks whenever you want.

What if I can't finish the tour today?

No problem! Tours have lifetime access. Pause and resume whenever you like - tomorrow, next week, or next year. Your progress is saved.

What languages are available?

All tours are available in 50+ languages. Select your preferred language when redeeming your code. Note: language cannot be changed after tour generation.

Where do I access the tour after purchase?

Download the free AudaTours app from the App Store or Google Play. Enter your redemption code (sent via email) and the tour will appear in your library, ready to download and start.

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Satisfaction guaranteed

If you don't enjoy the tour, we'll refund your purchase. Contact us at [email protected]

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Loved by travellers

Thousands of tours started.
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4.8 across the App Store and Google Play. Here's a few we keep coming back to.

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This was a solid way to get to know Brighton without feeling like a tourist. The narration had depth and context, but didn't overdo it.
Christoph
Christoph
Brighton Tour
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Started this tour with a croissant in one hand and zero expectations. The app just vibes with you, no pressure, just you, your headphones, and some cool stories.
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