5-Day Relaxation and Foodie Itinerary in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Cultural Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at % Arabica

Start your day with expertly brewed specialty coffee and a delightful pastry at this famous café.
Walk to % Arabica, about 10 minutes from your hotel.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden temple surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take the #101 bus from your hotel, approximately 30 minutes.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Omen

Savor delicious handmade udon noodles in this popular noodle shop.
Take the bus back towards the city for about 30 minutes.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the iconic bamboo forest, a must-see for any visitor to Kyoto.
Take the JR train to Saga Arashiyama station, about 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Appreciate the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site and its stunning gardens.
Walk to Tenryu-ji, approximately 10 minutes.
JPY 500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Katsukura

End your day with a delicious tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) meal at this renowned restaurant.
Take the train back to downtown Kyoto, about 30 minutes.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Temple Hopping

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast with tea and locally sourced ingredients at this cozy place.
Take a walk for 15 minutes to the tea house.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the stunning thousands of torii gates that wind through the wooded mountain.
Take the JR Nara Line, about 15 minutes from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ippudo

Indulge in delicious ramen at one of the most famous noodle shops in Japan.
Take the train back to the city and walk for about 15 minutes.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Enjoy breathtaking views of Kyoto from this historic wooden temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take a bus or walk for about 20 minutes.
JPY 400, 2 hours

4:00PM

Exploration of Gion District

Wander through this charming district, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses.
A 15-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Savor kaiseki cuisine with seasonal ingredients prepared in a serene atmosphere.
A 10-minute walk from Gion.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

Arashiyama, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Start your day with delicious soba noodles and beautiful views of the river.
Travel to Arashiyama from your hotel, about 30 minutes on the JR train.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Meet Japanese macaques in their natural habitat while enjoying great views of Kyoto.
A 30-minute hike to the park.
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Shoraian

Savor yudofu (tofu hot pot) in a tranquil setting by the river.
Walk back from the park to the restaurant, approximately 25 minutes.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Visit the magical bamboo grove and take incredible photos in the stunning paths.
Approx. 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Arashiyama Park

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in this lovely park, ideal for leisurely walks.
A 10-minute walk from the Bamboo Grove.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ukai Toriyama

Indulge in a traditional Japanese dining experience with grilled meats in a beautiful setting.
A 15-minute walk from the park to the restaurant.
JPY 8,000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Journey to Nara

Nara, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast featuring rice, fish, and seasonal vegetables.
N/A
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Embark on a short train ride to Nara, famous for its historic temples and free-roaming deer.
JR Nara Line takes about 45 minutes.
JPY 800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Admire one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues in this magnificent temple.
A 10-minute walk from Nara Park.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor fresh sushi and sashimi at this local favourite.
A 15-minute walk from the Temple.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer that roam freely and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Walk back to Nara Park in about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Take in the beauty of this iconic shrine lined with thousands of lanterns.
A scenic 30-minute walk through the forest.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kakinoha-zushi

Enjoy this traditional sushi style wrapped in persimmon leaves for a unique taste.
A 15-minute walk back to the city center.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Savor a balanced breakfast buffet featuring both Western and Japanese options.
N/A
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the historic Nijo Castle, famous for its beautiful gardens and “nightingale” floors.
Take a bus for about 15 minutes.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nakajima

Relish some of Kyoto's finest kaiseki lunch made with local ingredients.
A 20-minute bus ride back to your hotel.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace

Stroll through the sprawling gardens and explore the historic palace buildings.
A 15-minute walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton

Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea experience with creative pastries and fine teas.
A 20-minute walk to the hotel.
JPY 4,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Gion Nanba

Conclude your culinary journey with a final kaiseki dining experience in the heart of Gion.
A short 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
JPY 8,000, 2 hours
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