3-Day Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Central Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica

Start your day with excellent specialty coffee and light pastries at this stylish café in Higashiyama, open from 7:30am.
JPY700, 0h45m

9:00am

Nishiki Market

Explore the famous food market known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen' and sample local delicacies; open 9am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Visit the historic residence of Japan’s Imperial Family with beautiful gardens; free guided tours from 9am to 5pm.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy traditional Kyoto udon noodles in a charming setting near Kodai-ji Temple; open 11:30am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Gion District Walk

Stroll the historic geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spot a geisha; best visited in daylight.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Yasaka Shrine

Visit this vibrant and historically significant shrine located at the end of Shijo Avenue, open 24 hours.
Free, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on traditional kaiseki cuisine in a cozy atmosphere in Gion; reservation recommended, open 5pm-10pm.
JPY6000, 2h

Day 2: Arashiyama Nature & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sagano Coffee

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and light breakfast in Arashiyama before exploring the area; open from 7:30am.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through one of Kyoto’s most iconic bamboo forests early to avoid crowds; open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful landscaped gardens; open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h

11:00am

Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore this stunning Japanese garden and villa with great views of Kyoto; open 9am-5pm.
JPY1000, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (Tenryu-ji)

Experience traditional shojin ryori Buddhist vegetarian cuisine inside Tenryu-ji temple grounds; open 11:30am-2pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to see wild monkeys and panoramic views of Kyoto; open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

4:00pm

Togetsukyo Bridge Walk

Relax with a scenic stroll along this famous bridge and river area in Arashiyama at sunset.
Free, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with views of the Katsura River; open until 8pm.
JPY2200, 1h30m

Day 3: Eastern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Imadegawa

Classic Kyoto coffeehouse experience with rich coffee and baked goods; open 7am-7pm.
JPY700, 1h

9:00am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage temple known for its wooden stage overlooking Kyoto; open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:45am

Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Streets

Walk these historic preserved streets filled with shops and traditional architecture.
Free, 45m

11:30am

Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore the Zen temple complex with famous Sanmon gate and aqueduct; open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Café Kocsi

Relax with modern café fare and excellent desserts in a stylish setting; open 11am-6pm.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Philosopher’s Path

Leisurely walk along this scenic canal route lined with cherry trees and small temples.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Visit this tranquil Zen temple with beautiful gardens and reflective ponds; open 8:30am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Okutan Kiyomizu

End your journey with traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot) near Kiyomizu-dera; open until 7pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m