5-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Southern Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style coffee and light breakfast at this beloved Kyoto coffeehouse dating back to 1947.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up Mount Inari, a stunning and spiritually significant site open 24/7.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Vermillion - Cafe

Enjoy light meals and matcha desserts near Fushimi Inari, perfect for refueling in a cozy atmosphere.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tofukuji Temple

Tour one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples, notable for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Fushimi Momoyama Castle Park

View the historic Momoyama Castle and surrounding park; the castle is a reconstruction with scenic views and exhibits.
JPY300, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Savor Kyoto-style cuisine focusing on fresh kaiseki dishes in a traditional atmosphere.
JPY5000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Central Kyoto Flavors

Kyoto, Japan on July 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Sample various fresh foods and local specialties at the vibrant Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Nishiki Market

Continue exploring this bustling market to enjoy shopping local crafts and tasting sample bites.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the beautiful grounds of the former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan; open 9am-5pm, free entry, guided tours available.
JPY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen

Dine on their famous udon noodles with seasonal toppings in a serene setting near the Imperial Palace.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ornate interiors and nightingale floors; open 8:45am-5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Kyoto International Manga Museum

Dive into Japan’s manga culture through an extensive collection of manga and interactive exhibits; open 10am-6pm.
JPY800, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Pick a traditional restaurant along the atmospheric Pontocho Alley, famous for its Kyoto cuisine and nightlife ambiance.
JPY4000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Eastern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kagizen Yoshifusa

Enjoy traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) and matcha tea in this historical tea house near Higashiyama.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll along preserved streets with shops and historic buildings, leading to many famous temples and shrines.
JPY0, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Renowned for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto, open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Taste Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) amid tranquil surroundings near Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

A vibrant and colorful Shinto shrine at the end of Shijo Street, open daily from dawn to dusk.
JPY0, 45m

3:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through Kyoto’s famous geisha district with historic tea houses and shops, an atmospheric early evening destination.
JPY0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Experience high-end kaiseki dining with seasonal ingredients and sophisticated flavors in Gion.
JPY8000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Nature in Arashiyama

Kyoto, Japan on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles and river views in a serene setting close to the bamboo grove.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience a breathtaking stroll through soaring bamboo stalks at this iconic natural landmark, open 24/7.
JPY0, 1h0m

10:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore the UNESCO-listed Zen temple with beautifully landscaped gardens and mountain views, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Saga Tofu Ine

Savor delicate tofu-based dishes reflecting Kyoto’s culinary traditions in nearby peaceful surroundings.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Relax on a scenic traditional boat trip along the Katsura River, weather permitting, offering beautiful views of Arashiyama.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Tour the stunning former villa and gardens of a famous Japanese actor offering peaceful natural scenery, open 9:00am-4:30pm.
JPY1000, 1h15m

6:00pm

Dinner at Shoraian

Enjoy exquisite tofu kaiseki dishes in a riverside setting, blending traditional cuisine with beautiful nature views.
JPY6000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Western Kyoto & Departure

Kyoto, Japan on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Sanjo

Start with matcha and light Japanese-Western fusion breakfast in a stylish café near Kyoto station.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ryoanji Temple

See the world-famous Zen rock garden, a contemplative spot and UNESCO World Heritage site open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00am

Tour Nijo Castle Interior

Further explore the lavish interiors and gardens of Nijo Castle if missed on Day 2, open 8:45am-5pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Honke Owariya

Dine at one of Kyoto’s oldest soba restaurants, serving traditional soba noodles since 1465.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Last Minute Shopping at Kyoto Station

Explore large shopping malls and souvenir shops inside Kyoto Station before departure.
JPY0, 1h30m
View Hotels