3-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on April 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at Inoda Coffee, a beloved local cafe established in 1947.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the iconic Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, set amid beautiful gardens open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Nijo Castle

Tour Nijo Castle's historic grounds and intricate interiors dating back to the early 1600s, open from 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of local Kyoto specialties like tofu dishes and fresh seafood while wandering Nishiki Market, open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll the historic streets of Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, admire traditional wooden machiya houses, and possibly spot a geisha.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at a traditional kaiseki restaurant in atmospheric Pontocho Alley, known for seasonal multi-course meals and riverside views.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature and Temples

Kyoto, Japan on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Enjoy expertly crafted coffee and light pastries at this popular Arashiyama café, open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 45m

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the mesmerizing bamboo forest, a serene and photogenic natural attraction open 24/7.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite gardens and historic significance, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Experience authentic shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) inside Tenryu-ji Temple’s restaurant, open 11:00am to 2:30pm.
JPY3300, 1h30m

2:00pm

Saga Scenic Railway or Boat Ride on Hozu River

Choose the seasonal scenic train ride along the Hozugawa River or enjoy a peaceful boat ride to soak up Western Kyoto’s natural beauty.
JPY2500, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor yudofu (tofu hot pot), a specialty of Kyoto cuisine, at a cozy eatery near Arashiyama, open until 7:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural and Spiritual Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ippodo Tea Co.

Start your day with a traditional Japanese tea and light breakfast at this historic tea shop in central Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through thousands of iconic orange torii gates at Kyoto’s famous Shinto shrine, open 24/7, though it’s best to visit early to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Enjoy light western and Japanese fusion dishes and excellent coffee near Fushimi Inari, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Tofuku-ji Temple

Visit one of Kyoto’s largest Zen temples famous for its autumn colors and impressive gardens, open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Sake Tasting at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Learn about sake brewing history and sample local sake varieties at this museum and brewery in Fushimi, open until 5:00pm.
JPY300, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Torito Fushimi

End your trip with delicious yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at this lively restaurant in Fushimi, open till 11:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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