4-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey through Kyoto and Nara, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on April 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Kyoto breakfast at Inoda Coffee, known for its aromatic coffee and western-style breakfast sets.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a stunning experience and symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
JPY0 (free entry), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sushi no Musashi Kyoto Station

Enjoy conveyor belt sushi near Kyoto Station, offering fresh and reasonably priced sushi with a lively atmosphere.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Gion District Stroll

Wander through Gion, the famous geisha district, and take in traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spot a geiko or maiko.
JPY0 (free walking), 2h

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony at En

Participate in a calming Japanese tea ceremony to appreciate the details of matcha preparation and traditional culture.
JPY2000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at a riverside kaiseki restaurant in Pontocho Alley, enjoying seasonal Kyoto cuisine with elegant ambiance.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature and Golden Temples

Kyoto, Japan on April 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at this trendy café nestled in the Higashiyama area.
JPY900, 1h

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and absorb nature’s serene beauty.
JPY0, 1h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple Visit

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens blending natural landscapes with Zen architecture.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with a view of the river, highlighting fresh and delicate flavors.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning golden reflection of this famous Zen temple mirrored on the pond's surface.
JPY400, 1h

4:00pm

Nijo Castle

Explore the historic castle with beautiful gardens and famous nightingale floors.
JPY1000, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ganko Sushi

Savor fresh sushi at a well-established restaurant known for quality and atmosphere.
JPY4500, 2h
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Day 3: Ancient Capital Exploration

Nara, Japan on April 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Early breakfast with a mix of Japanese and western options to fuel up for a day of exploration.
JPY1000, 1h

8:00am

Travel Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line Limited Express for about 45 minutes to reach Nara comfortably.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the Great Buddha Hall, home to one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues.
JPY600, 1.5h

11:00am

Nara Park

Enjoy the open park where friendly deer roam freely; feed them and relax in nature.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Taste freshly made mochis known for their pounded rice cakes, a local specialty in Nara.
JPY800, 30m

1:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this famous Shinto shrine, adorned with hundreds of lanterns and sacred grounds.
JPY500, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto via JR train for your final night in the city.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try Kyoto-style burnt miso ramen, a unique local twist to satisfy your dinner cravings.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 4: Scenic Walks & Food Market

Kyoto, Japan on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Enjoy Japanese tea and light breakfast items in a relaxing contemporary setting.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Philosopher's Path

Take a peaceful walk along this cherry-tree-lined canal, ideal especially in April for spring foliage.
JPY0, 2h

11:30am

Nishiki Market

Explore this lively market packed with fresh seafood, street food, and local specialties to sample and shop.
JPY0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Savor okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake specialty, with various fillings in a local eatery.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Stroll the expansive park grounds, enjoy garden views, and learn about Japan’s imperial history.
JPY0, 1.5h

5:00pm

Afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Relax with a luxurious afternoon tea by the Kamogawa River as you reflect on your trip.
JPY4000, 1.5h

7:30pm

Final Dinner at Gion Kappa

Experience intimate dining with traditional kaiseki cuisine in the heart of Gion.
JPY7000, 2h
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