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Simon F.

A guest on a sound walk recording the sounds of a temple

Recording the insects in a forest in Keihoku

Recording the sounds of the river in a forest in Keihoku

A guest recording the sounds in Shisendo Temple

A guest on a sound walk records the sound of bamboo swaying in the wind.

A guest recording the sounds in Shisendo Temple

A guest on a sound walk recording the sounds of the birds

A couple of guests walking through the grounds of Shisendo Temple, recording sounds

Me walking through Enkou-ji with some guests

Joined 2025

Simon F.

5.00 / 5

(1 reviews)

Identity Verified

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Date

People

Available Areas

Kyoto (Living)

Languages

English (Native), Japanese

Response Time

4 hours on average

Availability Updated

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.

Important

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!

Tours

All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

What is a sound walk? It’s a walking meditation with a technical boost. Using professional mics, you’ll hear Kyoto in detail: the "Nightingale floor" at Chion-in, or the deep temple bell at Shoren-in. We slow down to experience the city's character rather than just ticking off a checklist. You’ll leave with a high-quality "audio postcard" of these sonic fingerprints to transport you back to Kyoto for years to come. I have 2 sets of mic/recorders. Groups of more than 2 people will be sharing.

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

FROM$151/ per person

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

Kyoto

2 hrs 30 mins

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

What is a sound walk? It’s a walking meditation with a technical boost. Using professional mics, you’ll hear the atmosphere of Kyoto. We’ll explore the gardens of Shisendō and Enkōji, capturing the "sonic fingerprints" of these quiet spaces—from the local birdlife to a distinctive water feature. You’ll leave with a high-quality "audio postcard" to transport you back to these quiet temple gardens for years to come. I have 2 sets of mic/recorders. Groups of more than 2 people will be sharing.

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

FROM$151/ per person

Hear the Hidden Sounds of Demachiyanagi • Sound Walk

Kyoto

2 hrs 30 mins

Hear the Hidden Sounds of Demachiyanagi • Sound Walk

What is a sound walk? It’s a walking meditation with a technical boost. Using professional microphones and headphones, you’ll hear the atmosphere of Kyoto. We’ll explore the Demachiyanagi neighbourhood, where ancient history and creative life sit side-by-side. You’ll record the clatter of the shōtengai (shopping street) and the warm sounds of the grand Shimogamo Shrine. You’ll leave with a high-quality "audio postcard" to transport you back to Kyoto for years to come.

Hear the Hidden Sounds of Demachiyanagi • Sound Walk

FROM$142/ per person

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

Kyoto

2 hrs 30 mins

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

What is a sound walk? It’s a walking meditation with a technical boost. Using professional mics, you’ll hear Kyoto in detail: the "Nightingale floor" at Chion-in, or the deep temple bell at Shoren-in. We slow down to experience the city's character rather than just ticking off a checklist. You’ll leave with a high-quality "audio postcard" of these sonic fingerprints to transport you back to Kyoto for years to come. I have 2 sets of mic/recorders. Groups of more than 2 people will be sharing.

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

FROM$151/ per person

Kyoto

2 hrs 30 mins

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

What is a sound walk? It’s a walking meditation with a technical boost. Using professional mics, you’ll hear the atmosphere of Kyoto. We’ll explore the gardens of Shisendō and Enkōji, capturing the "sonic fingerprints" of these quiet spaces—from the local birdlife to a distinctive water feature. You’ll leave with a high-quality "audio postcard" to transport you back to these quiet temple gardens for years to come. I have 2 sets of mic/recorders. Groups of more than 2 people will be sharing.

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

FROM$151/ per person

Kyoto

2 hrs 30 mins

Hear the Hidden Sounds of Demachiyanagi • Sound Walk

What is a sound walk? It’s a walking meditation with a technical boost. Using professional microphones and headphones, you’ll hear the atmosphere of Kyoto. We’ll explore the Demachiyanagi neighbourhood, where ancient history and creative life sit side-by-side. You’ll record the clatter of the shōtengai (shopping street) and the warm sounds of the grand Shimogamo Shrine. You’ll leave with a high-quality "audio postcard" to transport you back to Kyoto for years to come.

Hear the Hidden Sounds of Demachiyanagi • Sound Walk

FROM$142/ per person

Reviews

Jo R.

5 / 5

Mar 24, 2026

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

Mar 24, 2026

Kyoto

3 hours

“A delightful way to discover quiet in Kyoto”

Our sound walk with Simon was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan. We started our time in Kyoto with this gorgeous, peaceful walk around the temples of Chion-in and Shoren-in, which are beautiful and surprisingly quiet. Our multi-age group all enjoyed walking slowly, recording the sounds that we heard, and learning about the temples and city from Simon. We would highly recommend this experience. Simon is a wonderful guide, full of local knowledge and adept at helping you to slow down and notice all the many wonderful details that this area of Kyoto has to offer.