Join me on a unique walking tour to hear Kyoto, not just see it. With microphones—that I'll provide—we will explore temples, riversides, and small local streets while paying attention to and recording the soundscape of the city. From the ringing of bells to the chatter of markets, Kyoto comes alive when you listen closely.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Family Mart
- Address: 1 Ichijoji Hananokicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8151 There we can get to know each other before we embark on our sound walk and I'll introduce you to the equipment we'll be using.
Shisendō Temple
Shisendō was established in 1641 and is a National Historic Site. There are lots of beautiful sounds to discover in this garden.
Enkōji Temple
Another beautiful temple just around the corner from Shisendō. There is a really interesting water feature with a very fascinating sound here.
Ending Point
Family Mart
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
-Guide
-Entrance to Shisendō: 700yen
-Entrance to Enkōji: 600yen
-Use of professional sound recording equipment.
-A completely unique "audio postcard" that I will make using the sounds you record on the day.
-Public transport fee to and from the Family Mart where we'll meet: ~500yen
-Any lunch, coffee or snacks we buy on the way.
* This is not a big whistle-stop tour full of information about Kyoto and Japan, these are intimate sound walks where we'll listen to the sounds around us rather than me talking on and on.
* Please don't bring large bags or anything heavy with you if possible. You won't want these weighing you down whilst holding the microphones.
* Children are of course more than welcome to join but please understand that they may not be able to keep quiet during recording time and that may affect your experience. If we can get them interested in listening for sounds too that would be the best thing!
* If you want to alter the tour in any way please reach out, I'm very flexible and can be very accommodating.
These sound walks will be in English only, however, I won't be talking too much because we'll be recording sounds most of the time!
The maximum people per tour is 2 because I currently have 2 full sets of recording equipment, but if you'd like to have more people on the tour please message and I'm sure we can work something out!
Hello! My name is Simon. I’m a sound artist who recently moved from London to Kyoto. For many years I have been guiding sound walks and recording the unique sounds of places all over the world. Here in Kyoto, I offer tours where we slow down, walk together, and discover the city through its sounds — from temple bells and riversides to quiet backstreets. It’s a different way to experience Kyoto, not only by seeing but also by listening. I look forward to sharing this special way of exploring the city with you.
$157/ per group