3-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples Tour

Kyoto, Japan on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese coffee and a light breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a beloved Kyoto institution open from 7am.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple covered in gold leaf surrounded by beautiful gardens, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

See Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden, offering a peaceful and contemplative experience, open from 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy traditional Kyoto-style udon noodles at Omen Kodai-ji, a highly rated local eatery open for lunch from 11:30am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Gion District

Wander through the historic Gion district, famous for traditional wooden machiya houses and the chance to spot geiko and maiko.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine on kaiseki, a multi-course Japanese dinner, at Gion Karyo, known for its exquisite presentation and seasonal ingredients. Reservations recommended.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Northern Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on April 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh pastries at Arabica, a popular cafe in Kyoto's Higashiyama area, open from 7am.
JPY900, 1h0m

8:45am

Visit Philosopher’s Path

Take a serene walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a cherry tree-lined canal with scenic views, perfect in the morning light.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Nanzen-ji Temple

Visit this large Zen temple complex featuring beautiful gates, gardens, and aqueducts, open from 8:40am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Nanzenji

Savor traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot), a Kyoto specialty, at Okutan near Nanzen-ji, open for lunch from 11:30am.
JPY2200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Tour the elegant Silver Pavilion and its gardens, often less crowded than Kinkaku-ji, open 8:30am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:15pm

Explore Heian Shrine and Garden

Discover this colorful shrine built for Kyoto’s 1100th anniversary, with large torii gates and picturesque gardens, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Hyotei

Enjoy refined kaiseki cuisine at the historic Hyotei restaurant, beautifully blending traditional flavors with seasonal ingredients. Reservations required.
JPY10000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto & Shopping

Kyoto, Japan on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Fuel up with premium coffee and fresh pastries from % Arabica located in scenic Arashiyama, open at 8am.
JPY900, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk among towering bamboo stalks in this serene forest area, one of Kyoto’s most iconic and free-to-visit sights, best early morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple

See this UNESCO World Heritage temple with exceptional gardens and mountain views, open from 8:30am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Experience traditional Buddhist vegetarian shojin ryori cuisine at Shigetsu inside Tenryu-ji, open 11:00am to 2:00pm (closed Tuesdays).
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of signature red torii gates at this famous shrine dedicated to Inari, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Shopping at Nishiki Market

Browse Kyoto’s vibrant food market filled with local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs, usually open until 6pm.
Varies, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Katsukura Sanjo

Enjoy some of Kyoto’s best tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets) at Katsukura located near Nishiki Market, open until 9pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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