3-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples Tour

Kyoto, Japan on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Kyoto coffee and a light breakfast. Inoda Coffee, open from 7:30am, offers a peaceful atmosphere with delicious pastries and coffee made in Kyoto style.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks, a stunning golden temple surrounded by beautiful gardens. The temple opens at 9:00am and is exceptional for photography.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden

Explore the iconic rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple, open until 5:00pm. Its minimalist design offers a unique experience in Zen aesthetics and tranquility.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Ryoanji

Enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal (shojin ryori) near Ryoan-ji. The restaurant specializes in tofu dishes and is open from 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the serene and photogenic bamboo paths of Arashiyama, open at all times but best enjoyed in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore the historic Tenryu-ji Temple and its gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site open until 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor Kyoto-style yudofu (boiled tofu) in a peaceful setting. Open from 5:00pm, this restaurant offers a wholesome dining experience reflecting Kyoto's culinary traditions.
JPY2500, 1h0m

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Kyoto, Japan on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start with a high-quality specialty coffee and pastries in a stylish café located near the historical district, open from 8:00am.
JPY900, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Gion District

Walk through Gion's traditional streets, famous for geisha culture and historic wooden machiya houses. This immersive stroll is perfect to experience Kyoto’s old town charm.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Located in Gion, this vibrant shrine is bustling with local worshippers and surrounded by seasonal flowers. Open at all times with shrine office hours typically from 9am to 5pm.
Free, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of traditional snacks and street food at Kyoto’s famous Nishiki Market. Open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, this is perfect for tasting local delicacies like yakitori, tsukemono, and fresh seafood.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, celebrated for its beautiful gardens and nightingale floors. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Arabica Coffee

Relax with another specialty coffee at a popular local café, perfect for recharging before evening activities.
JPY800, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy kaiseki dining, where artfully presented seasonal dishes highlight Kyoto’s culinary tradition. Reservation recommended; open for dinner from 6:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m

Day 3: Spiritual Sites & Nature

Kyoto, Japan on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Veg Out

A riverside café specializing in healthy breakfast options and fresh juices, open from 7:00am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Hike Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates along the trails of Fushimi Inari Taisha. The shrine grounds are open 24 hours but less crowded in the morning.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Try unique sushi dishes near Fushimi Inari, with specialties like inari sushi and fresh seafood. Open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

This temple is renowned for its autumn colors and Zen gardens, with peaceful walking trails open until 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Kyoto Tower

End your visit with panoramic views of Kyoto atop Kyoto Tower. Open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY770, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Musashi Sushi Kyoto Station

Enjoy an affordable and interactive conveyor belt sushi experience near Kyoto Station. Open until late evening.
JPY2000, 1h0m