4-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Kyoto Introduction

Kyoto, Japan on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Kyoto breakfast of thick toast and coffee at Inoda Coffee, a local institution open from 7am, perfect for a hearty and traditional start.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning wooden stage and panoramic views of Kyoto. Open daily from 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of fresh, local foods at Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto’s kitchen,' sampling delights like fresh sushi, pickles, and street snacks.
JPY1500, 1.5h

2:00pm

Stroll through Gion District

Wander the historic streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, admiring traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spotting a geisha. Open public access.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Visit Yasaka Shrine, the vibrant Shinto shrine located between Gion and Higashiyama, open daily from 6am to 9pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in Pontocho Alley where you can find traditional Kyoto kaiseki or other Japanese cuisine in atmospheric, narrow lanes alongside the Kamogawa River. Most restaurants open around 5pm.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 2: Northern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast featuring fresh pastries and coffee in this cozy book-themed cafe open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h

8:45am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the renowned Golden Pavilion covered in gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

10:30am

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

Explore Ryoan-ji, famous for its Zen rock garden and serene atmosphere. Open daily from 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Koyasu

Enjoy traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot), a Kyoto specialty, at Okutan Koyasu near Nanzen-ji Temple, open for lunch from 11:30am.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Walk through Nanzen-ji, one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples with impressive gates and aqueduct. Open daily from 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

3:30pm

Explore Philosopher’s Path

Take a peaceful stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a cherry blossom-lined canal route linking several temples (open all hours).
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience refined kaiseki cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant, open for dinner from 5:30pm, offering beautifully seasonal dishes.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 3: Arashiyama Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy traditional Japanese breakfast alongside the scenic Katsura River, with specialties like soba noodles. Opens at 7:30am.
JPY1200, 1h

8:30am

Walk Through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the iconic bamboo grove early to avoid crowds; a serene and photogenic natural site located near the town center.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage temple with its stunning garden and mountain views. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

11:30am

Boat Ride on Hozu River

Enjoy a scenic boat ride down the Hozu River offering views of cliffs and forest; operates from spring to fall, roughly 9am to 4pm.
JPY4200, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu Tea House

Delight in vegetarian Buddhist temple cuisine (shojin ryori) at Shigetsu inside Tenryu-ji, open for lunch until 2:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Visit the beautiful gardens and historic residence of film star Okochi Denjiro. Open daily 9am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sagano-yu

Enjoy modern Japanese cuisine in a former bathhouse with a unique atmosphere, open from 5:30pm.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 4: Southern Kyoto and Departure

Kyoto, Japan on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Have a relaxed breakfast to fuel your last day with fresh pastries and coffee. Opens 7:30am, so arrive promptly for a quick meal.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic red torii gates of this sacred Shinto shrine, famous for its thousands of gates leading up Mount Inari. Open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Known for its stunning autumn colors and beautiful gardens, Tofuku-ji is open from 9am to 4:30pm and offers a peaceful retreat within the city.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Uokatsu Sushi

Savor fresh sushi at Uokatsu Sushi, a local sushi restaurant near Kyoto Station open for lunch until 2pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping and Souvenirs at Kyoto Station

Browse Kyoto Station’s extensive shopping mall for souvenirs, confectionery, and crafts before departure. Stores open until 8pm.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Departure Preparation

Return to your accommodation to gather belongings and head to your next destination or airport/train station.
Free, 1h
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