3-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Tradition & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese-style morning coffee set with toast and egg at the iconic Inoda Coffee, open from 7:00am, to start your day with local flavor.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up the mountain at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a must-visit for its cultural significance and stunning photo opportunities. Open 24 hours with no entrance fee.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tofukuji Tofu Shop

Taste Kyoto-style tofu dishes at a local eatery near Tofukuji Station, open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm, offering fresh, seasonal ingredients.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk around Gion District

Stroll the historic Gion district to potentially spot geiko, and enjoy tea houses and artisan shops. The area is open all day with shops generally closing by 6:00pm.
JPY0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Explore Yasaka Shrine, the spiritual heart of Gion, open all day with no entry fee. It’s tranquil in late afternoon and a great way to absorb Kyoto's spirit.
JPY0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Dine at a well-regarded kaiseki restaurant offering traditional multi-course meals showcasing Kyoto’s seasonal ingredients, reservation recommended from 6:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica

Start your morning with specialty coffee and light pastries at % Arabica near Kiyomizu-Gojo, open from 7:00am.
JPY700, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kyoto’s iconic Golden Pavilion, a zen temple with stunning gold leaf exterior and beautiful garden ponds. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, entrance fee applies.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Ryoan-ji Temple

Discover the world-famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple nearby, an emblem of Japanese Zen aesthetics. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm, admission required.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with views over the Hozu River, a renowned spot open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo groves of Arashiyama, open 24 hours with no charge. Mid-afternoon is perfect to avoid large crowds.
JPY0, 1h0m

3:15pm

Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden

Tour Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm with a fee.
JPY500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Saga Tofu Ine

Indulge in tofu specialties in Arashiyama’s serene setting with seasonal flavors, open until 8:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Scenic Walks & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy hand drip coffee with comfortable seating near the Philosopher’s Path, open from 8:00am.
JPY700, 1h0m

9:00am

Stroll Philosopher’s Path

Walk along the serene canal-side Philosopher’s Path, lined with cherry trees and temples, open all day, free entry.
JPY0, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Explore gardens and historic buildings of Ginkaku-ji, open 8:30am to 5:00pm, fee required. It sits at the northern end of Philosopher’s Path.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Savor traditional yudofu (boiled tofu) meals, a specialty of Kyoto’s temples. Open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Visit one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples with beautiful gardens and aqueducts, open 8:40am to 4:30pm, admission fee applies.
JPY500, 1h0m

4:00pm

Tea at Okochi-Sanso Villa

Relax in a traditional tea house at Okochi-Sanso, enjoying matcha and sweets with a panoramic view. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm, admission + tea included.
JPY1200, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Suetomo

End your trip with elegant kaiseki cuisine in Gion, reservation advised. Open from 5:30pm onwards.
JPY9000, 2h0m
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