One Perfect Day in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at % Arabica

Kick off your day with a specialty coffee and some delicious pastries at this trendy café overlooking the historic Kyoto.
Located in the Arashiyama district, a short journey from central Kyoto, this café serves some of the best brews in town.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting pathways of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene atmosphere.
Walk from % Arabica for approximately 10 minutes to reach the entrance of the grove.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

After the grove, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Tenryu-ji, known for its stunning gardens and traditional architecture.
Just a short 15-minute walk from the bamboo grove will take you to the temple.
JPY600, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Katsukura

Enjoy a mouth-watering Kyoto-style katsu lunch at Katsukura, famous for its crispy pork cutlets served with fresh cabbage salad.
You can take a bus or a taxi for about 30 minutes to reach the restaurant located in the Nishiki Market area.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Nijo Castle

Explore Nijo Castle, known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance as the residence of the shoguns during the Edo period.
A 20-minute walk from Nishiki Market brings you to this iconic castle.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, a golden Zen temple surrounded by exquisite gardens and reflecting in the serene pond.
You can ride a bus from Nijo Castle to Kinkaku-ji, which takes about 30 minutes.
JPY400, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Savor a traditional Kyoto kaiseki dinner, an exquisite multi-course meal, at Gion Kappa located in the geisha district.
Travel about 30 minutes by bus from Kinkaku-ji to reach Gion for your dinner reservation.
JPY5000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Walk through Gion

Finish your day with a leisurely stroll through Gion, where you can spot geishas and enjoy the historic ambiance of the streets.
Gion is right where your dinner took place, so just step outside the restaurant to start your walk.
JPY0, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability