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Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

Me and a couple of guests walking through Enkōji

A guest recording sound at Enkōji Temple

Me and a couple of guests recording sound

A couple of guests walking through Enkōji

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

Off the Beaten Path

Joined 2025

Simon F.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English (Native), Japanese

2 hrs 30 mins

Private tour (only you and Simon F.)

Up to 2 people

Kyoto rewards those who listen. We wander slowly with professional microphones, recording the tranquil peace of gardens, birds, bamboo and Enkōji’s distinctive water feature. I’ll guide you through easy recording techniques, then edit your takes into a polished 'audio postcard' to keep and share.

Curious about pace, group size or timing? Message me and we’ll shape it together.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

10:00 AM

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 we'll have a quick kit intro and a short listening warm‑up. How to hold the mic, record, and move quietly.

10:30 AM

Shisendō Temple

Shisendō was established in 1641 and is a National Historic Site. There are lots of beautiful sounds to discover in this garden. We'll learn steady‑hand techniques to help get clean recordings, gentle movement and framing the quiet details.

11:30 AM

Enkōji Temple

Another beautiful temple just around the corner from Shisendō. There is an interesting water feature with a fascinating sound here. We'll record the distinctive water feature, leaves in the breeze, and the gentle peace of the garden.

I’ll share local tips for cafés, noodle spots, kissaten and small shops nearby so you can keep exploring after our last recording. Your personal audio postcard is edited after the walk and delivered one week after you return home.

Ending Point

Family Mart

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

• A guide to show you around the area. I love Kyoto so I will share more interesting places for you to visit in the area after our sound walk.

• I'll pay the entrance fee to Shisendō: 700yen

• I'll pay the entrance fee 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.

What‘s not included

• Public transport fee to and from the Family Mart where we'll meet: ~500yen depending where you're coming from.

• Any lunch, coffee or snacks we buy on the way.

Tour Important Information

• This is not really a big whistle-stop tour full of information about Kyoto, these are intimate sound walks where we'll focus on 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 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.

Important message from the supplier

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!

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Simon F.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Simon F.

Hello! My name is Simon. I’m a composer who recently moved from London to Kyoto. For many years I've 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. In a city where every visitor seeks the perfect photograph, I’m learning that Kyoto is often kindest to those who listen instead.

I look forward to sharing this unique way of exploring the city with you! Message me if you have any questions or would like to book a customised sound walk.