5-Day Family Friendly Luxury Itinerary in Kyoto with Authentic Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation

Kyoto, Japan

2:00PM

Arrive at KIX

After passing through customs, prepare for your onward journey to Kyoto.
Proceed to the train station in the airport.
Free, 30 minutes

2:30PM

Haruka Express to Kyoto Station

Take the Haruka Express train to Kyoto Station, enjoying the scenic journey.
Train ride for 75 minutes.
JPY 3000 per person, 1.25 hours

4:00PM

Check into Ryokan

Settle into a traditional ryokan, such as Gion Hatanaka, where you can enjoy tatami-matted rooms and exquisite hospitality.
Short walk from Kyoto Station to the ryokan.
JPY 50000, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Stroll through Gion District

Wander through the historic streets of Gion, spotting geisha and learning about traditional tea houses.
Take a 10-minute walk from the ryokan.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Savour an authentic kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal ingredients in a beautiful setting perfect for a family celebration.
Just a short walk from Gion District.
JPY 8000 per person, 2 hours

8:30PM

Last Snack at Gion Ice Cream

Indulge in matcha and other traditional Japanese ice creams for a sweet treat.
Walking distance from the dinner location.
JPY 700 per person, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Try freshly-made soba noodles for breakfast at this famous spot with views of the river.
Take a taxi to Arashiyama (approx. 30 minutes).
JPY 1500 per person, 1 hour

10:00AM

Mid-Morning Snack at Arashiyama

Enjoy sweet bread or mochi from a local vendor at Arashiyama.
Short walk from the breakfast location.
JPY 500 per person, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various authentic street foods at this bustling market, from yudofu to sakana (grilled fish).
Taxi back to the city centre, about 30 minutes.
Varies depending on purchases, 2 hours

3:00PM

Afternoon Snack at Nishiki Market

Grab some local sweets such as yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice snacks).
While exploring the market.
JPY 600 per person, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the captivating restaurants along Pontocho Alley, where you can enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine with a riverside view.
Take a 15-minute taxi to Pontocho.
JPY 6000 per person, 2 hours

8:00PM

Last Snack at Katsu Sandwich Shop

End your evening with crispy katsu sandwiches for a delightful treat.
Walking distance from Pontocho.
JPY 800 per person, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature & Relaxation

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shigetsu in Tenryu-ji

Savour an authentic Buddhist vegetarian breakfast, known as shojin ryori, in a serene temple setting.
Taxi for a 30-minute ride to Arashiyama.
JPY 2200 per person, 1 hour

10:00AM

Mid-Morning Snack at Arashiyama

Enjoy some matcha-flavored treats at a nearby café.
Short walk from the breakfast location.
JPY 800 per person, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savour authentic soba noodles while overlooking the river, enjoying the serene natural surroundings of Arashiyama.
Return to the restaurant after the snacks.
JPY 2000 per person, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Afternoon Snack at Hozu River

Grab some refreshing tea and light snacks before beginning the boat ride.
Take a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
JPY 600 per person, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Hyotei

Experience a lavish multi-course kaiseki dinner at this renowned restaurant, celebrating Kyoto's culinary traditions.
Taxi to Hyotei for a 15-minute journey.
JPY 12000 per person, 2.5 hours

8:30PM

Last Snack at Pastry Shop

Indulge in a selection of local pastries at a nearby shop to complete your culinary experiences.
Walking distance from the dinner location.
JPY 700 per person, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Historic Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Veloce

Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and authentic Japanese pastries at this local café.
Short walk from the ryokan.
JPY 800 per person, 1 hour

10:00AM

Mid-Morning Snack at Philosopher's Path

Try some rice balls from a local vendor along the path.
Enjoy a small stroll to access vendors.
JPY 500 per person, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Katsu Yoshinoya

Delight in a traditional pork cutlet (tonkatsu) meal, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
5-minute walk from Sannenzaka.
JPY 1500 per person, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Afternoon Snack at Nanzen-ji

Enjoy a light snack of melon bread or taiyaki at a nearby café after visiting the temple complex.
Short walk from the temple area.
JPY 600 per person, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Enjoy a refined kaiseki dinner made with seasonal ingredients at this family-friendly renowned restaurant.
Take a taxi for a 20-minute ride.
JPY 10000 per person, 2 hours

8:30PM

Last Snack at Kyoto Station

End your evening with light snacks from a convenience store at the station — a unique local experience.
Taxi back to Kyoto Station.
JPY 800 per person, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Shopping & Departure Day

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Early Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Grab a last authentic breakfast of kyotan delicacies, including grilled fish and pickled vegetables at this bustling market.
Short walk from the ryokan.
Varies depending on purchases, 1 hour

10:00AM

Mid-Morning Snack at Nishiki Market

Pick up some last-minute items like sweets and snacks before leaving.
While exploring the market.
Varies depending on purchases., 30 minutes

12:00PM

Check-out and Transfer to KIX

Check out from the ryokan and take the Haruka Express train back to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight.
10-minute walk to taxi stand, then head to Kyoto Station.
JPY 3000 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Arrive at KIX

Arrive at the airport ensuring you have ample time to check in for your 11:00 AM departure.
Train ride for 75 minutes.
Free, 15 minutes
View Hotel Availability