3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples and Markets

Kyoto, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and rich coffee at Inoda Coffee, a local favorite open from 7:00am to 7:00pm, located in central Kyoto near the station.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage and spectacular views of Kyoto. The temple is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of fresh local foods and street snacks at Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto’s Kitchen.' It is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, to soak in traditional architecture and possibly spot a geisha. Open all day, best visited in the afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Visit the vibrant Yasaka Shrine which serves as a spiritual heart of the area, open from 6:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the traditional restaurants in Pontocho Alley, offering Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine and a vibrant nighttime atmosphere.
JPY4000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Gardens and Historic Districts

Northern Kyoto, Japan on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast pastries at this popular coffee shop open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning golden temple set on a pond, a must-see landmark. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Visit the famous rock garden known for its minimalist design and tranquil atmosphere, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Izusen in Daitoku-ji

Enjoy shojin ryori, vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, in a serene temple setting. Open 11:30am-2:00pm, reservations recommended.
JPY3500, 1h15m

2:30pm

Walk through Philosopher’s Path

Take a peaceful walk along this cherry-tree-lined canal, connecting several temples. Open all day, ideal for afternoon strolls.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Tour the large Zen temple complex with historic gates and gardens, open from 8:40am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Experience innovative Kyoto cuisine in a modern setting with small multi-course dishes. Open evenings from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Nature and Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Start your day with some of Kyoto’s best coffee and pastries, open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous towering bamboo forest early in the morning to avoid crowds. Open all day.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with beautiful landscaped gardens, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy tofu-based kaiseki cuisine overlooking the river; open 11:30am to 3:00pm, reservations advised.
JPY4500, 1h15m

2:00pm

Boat ride on Katsura River

Relax on a scenic river boat tour offering views of the natural surroundings and mountains. Tours typically operate 9:00am to 4:00pm, weather permitting.
JPY3000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Walk up to see wild macaques in a natural setting with great views of Kyoto; open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with river views as you end your trip; open 11:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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