4-Day Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese-style Western breakfast featuring coffee and freshly baked bread at this iconic Kyoto café open from 7am to 7pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion with its beautiful reflective pond, a must-see Zen Buddhist temple open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:15am

Stroll the Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Experience the serene and world-famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple, open from 8am to 5pm, perfect for contemplation and photography.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor authentic Kyoto udon noodles with seasonal vegetables in a cozy atmosphere near Kodai-ji Temple, open from 11am to 3:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Tour the beautiful Silver Pavilion and its tranquil moss garden, open from 8:30am to 5pm, offering a calm and reflective experience.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk the Philosopher’s Path

Enjoy a scenic and peaceful walk along this cherry-tree-lined canal path connecting Ginkaku-ji to Nanzen-ji Temple.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo Ramen

Taste Kyoto’s famous burnt miso ramen in a lively setting, open from 6pm to midnight.
JPY1200, 1h0m

Day 2: Historic Central Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start your day with exceptional specialty coffee and light pastries in a stylish café open from 7am to 5pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and former shogun palace, open from 8:45am to 5pm, known for its beautiful gardens and nightingale floors.
JPY1000, 2h0m

11:30am

Tour Nishiki Market

Walk through Kyoto’s bustling 'Kitchen', tasting local street food and shopping for unique souvenirs.
Free entry; food purchases vary, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy a meal centered on yudofu, or boiled tofu, a Kyoto specialty served near Nanzen-ji Temple, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY1600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this iconic temple with its spectacular wooden stage and panoramic views of Kyoto, open from 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Gion District

Take a leisurely stroll through Kyoto’s famous geisha district, spotting traditional wooden machiya houses and maybe a glimpse of a geisha preparing for the evening.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Indulge in authentic Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine in a cozy and traditional setting, open for dinner from 6pm.
JPY7000, 2h0m

Day 3: Southern Shrines and Markets

Kyoto, Japan on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Bretagne Kyoto

Delight in freshly made French-style crepes and coffee at this charming café open from 8am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of vermillion torii gates along the hiking trails of this famous Shinto shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempura Endo Fushimi

Experience high-quality tempura dishes in a serene atmosphere near Fushimi Inari, open 11:30am to 2pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Admire the extensive Zen gardens and impressive autumn foliage views at Tofuku-ji, open from 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk around Fushimi Sake District

Tour historic sake breweries with tasting sessions and learn about traditional sake brewing culture.
Free entry; tastings cost extra, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sake Bar Yoramu

Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and expertly paired sake with small plates, open until 11pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m

Day 4: Arashiyama Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Start with thoughtfully brewed coffee at this beautiful riverside location open from 8am.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest for a surreal early morning experience, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Tour Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a traditional garden with views of Arashiyama's mountains, open from 8:30am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy exquisite tofu cuisine overlooking the scenic Katsura River, open 11:30am to 3pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Discover a beautiful villa and garden with spectacular views of Kyoto, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk along Togetsukyo Bridge and riverside

Relax by the riverbanks and iconic bridge, perfect for photos and a peaceful end to the day.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Dine on soba noodles with riverside views in a traditional setting, open from 11am to 8pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m