Take a free virtual walking tour through Kyoto, Japan — home to 1,468,000 people and one of Asia's most remarkable cities. Nearaway streams immersive 4K street-level footage from Kyoto, letting you explore its neighbourhoods, culture, and atmosphere from anywhere in the world — no passport, no flights, no account required. This virtual walk collection includes 4 different 4K walking tour videos across Kyoto.
Emperor Kanmu chose this mountain-ringed valley in 794 CE and named it Heian-kyō — Capital of Peace and Tranquility — modelling it on Tang Dynasty Chang'an. For over 1,000 years every Japanese emperor lived here, and the court culture produced The Tale of Genji, the world's first novel. When Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo in 1869, Kyoto lost its political role but retained its soul: 1,600 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines still stand.
Kyoto has over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines — more per square kilometer than any city on Earth. The best time to take a virtual walk through Kyoto is spring (late march–april) for sakura or autumn (november) for maple foliage. Must-try local foods in Kyoto include Kaiseki ryori, Yudofu (tofu hot pot), Matcha everything. Geishas (Geiko) in Gion are working — not tourist photo ops. Respect their space.
Local Greeting
こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
How locals say hello in Kyoto
Best Time to Visit
Spring (late March–April) for sakura or Autumn (November) for maple foliage
Must Eat
Local Tip
Geishas (Geiko) in Gion are working — not tourist photo ops. Respect their space.
Origin Story
MedievalEmperor Kanmu chose this mountain-ringed valley in 794 CE and named it Heian-kyō — Capital of Peace and Tranquility — modelling it on Tang Dynasty Chang'an. For over 1,000 years every Japanese emperor lived here, and the court culture produced The Tale of Genji, the world's first novel. When Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo in 1869, Kyoto lost its political role but retained its soul: 1,600 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines still stand.
Fun Fact
Kyoto has over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines — more per square kilometer than any city on Earth.
Cultural Dos
- ✓Walk quietly through temple grounds
- ✓Book popular shrines in advance
- ✓Wear comfortable walking shoes
Cultural Don'ts
- ✕Touch the geiko or maiko
- ✕Enter restricted shrine areas
- ✕Talk on the phone at temples
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