4-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Landmarks

Kyoto, Japan on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at % Arabica

Enjoy a cup of expertly brewed coffee and light breakfast pastries at % Arabica, located near the Kiyomizu-Gojo station. It’s popular for its artistic coffee preparation and contemporary vibe.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, renowned for its wooden stage with stunning views over Kyoto. Open from 6:00AM to 6:00PM, this temple offers a serene start to your cultural journey.
JPY400, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, a vibrant traditional market where you can sample local delicacies like yuba and fresh seafood at various stalls. It’s open from around 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Gion District Walking Tour

Stroll through the historic Gion district, famous for its preserved machiya houses and potential geisha sightings. The area is always open, but shops and teahouses vary in hours.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine at Gion Karyo for a kaiseki experience showcasing seasonal Kyoto cuisine. Reservations are recommended as it’s open from 5:00PM to 10:00PM.
JPY8000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Temples

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on April 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Arabica Arashiyama

Start with a light breakfast and specialty coffee at Arabica Arashiyama, right by the Togetsukyo Bridge, ideal before a morning walk in the area.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bamboo Grove Walk

Walk through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, famous for its towering bamboo stalks creating a magical atmosphere. Open all day, go early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple with its exquisite gardens. The temple opens from 8:30AM to 5:30PM and is a must-see for cultural and scenic beauty.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shigetsu Restaurant

Enjoy a shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) lunch at Shigetsu located within Tenryu-ji, open from 11:00AM to 2:00PM on weekends and holidays.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and villa of Okochi Denjiro, open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, offering splendid views of Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Have a dinner of soba noodles and tempura at Arashiyama Yoshimura, known for views over the river and excellent dishes. Open from 11:00AM to 8:00PM.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto

Fushimi, Kyoto, Japan on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Inari Sushi Koji

Start with local sushi breakfast in the Fushimi area, known for fresh and quality tastes, open from 7:30AM to 11:00AM.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, known for thousands of vibrant orange torii gates leading up the mountain. It’s open 24/7 and is a highlight of Kyoto.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Izakaya Toyo

Enjoy casual Japanese pub dining at Izakaya Toyo with fresh regional ingredients, open from 12:00PM to 2:00PM and 5:00PM to midnight.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Sake Tasting Tour

Join a guided sake brewery tour and tasting in Fushimi, known as Kyoto’s sake district. Various breweries open for tours from 1:00PM to 4:00PM.
JPY2500, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum Cafe

Dine with sake pairing options at the museum café, offering light dishes and educational experience, open until 7:00PM.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Northern Kyoto & Departure

Kyoto, Japan on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy traditional Kyoto-style coffee and Western-style breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a long-established café open from 7:00AM to 7:00PM.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion temple set beside a shimmering pond. The temple is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Ryoan-ji Temple

Walk to nearby Ryoan-ji, famous for its zen rock garden. Open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, it offers contemplation and a peaceful atmosphere before departure.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Izusen

Indulge in refined vegetarian Buddhist cuisine at Izusen, located in the Daitoku-ji temple complex, open from 11:30AM to 3:00PM.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Departure Transfer

Arrange transport to Kyoto Station or Kansai International Airport depending on your onward travel plans, allowing ample time for check-in and travel.
Varies, 1 hour
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