4-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Eastern Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese coffee and light breakfast at this historic Kyoto café, open from 7:30am.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto. Opens at 6:00am.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Wander the historic streets lined with preserved wooden machiya houses, shops, and traditional tea houses.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Enjoy authentic Kyoto-style okonomiyaki at this popular local restaurant in Nishiki Market. Open from 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Gion District

Discover Kyoto’s famous geisha district, enjoying traditional shops and possibly spotting geiko or maiko in the afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

A peaceful Shinto shrine at the end of Shijo Avenue, great for serene photos and cultural experience. Open until 5:00pm.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the atmospheric restaurants along the narrow Pontocho Alley, featuring a variety of Kyoto cuisine options. Most open from 5:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Northern Temples and Scenic Views

Kyoto, Japan on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Coffee Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy premium coffee and light pastries from this internationally acclaimed coffee shop. Opens at 8:00am.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning golden temple and its beautiful gardens; the site opens from 9:00am.
JPY400, 1h0m

10:00am

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Contemplate the famous zen rock garden, an epitome of simplicity and tranquility, open from 8:00am.
JPY500, 0h45m

11:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest and enjoy the natural tranquility. Accessible all day, free admission.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (Zen Cuisine)

Experience traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) near Tenryu-ji Temple, open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage temple and its stunning gardens. Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

4:00pm

Sagano Scenic Railway

Enjoy a leisurely scenic train ride through the lush countryside, tickets approximately JPY620, runs until early evening.
JPY620, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Taste Kyoto’s famous yudofu (boiled tofu) in a quaint garden setting near Arashiyama. Open until 7:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto and Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kyoto, Japan on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saryo Tsujiri Gion

Enjoy matcha and sweets at this famous Kyoto tea house. Opens at 9:00am, consider arriving by 9:00am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates at the famous Shinto shrine, open 24/7.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Savor local inari sushi and other delights near Fushimi Inari. Usually open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore one of Kyoto’s largest Zen temples, famed for its gardens. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk along the Philosopher’s Path

Enjoy a scenic walk along this cherry blossom-lined canal between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji, free and open all day.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Savor innovative Kyoto kaiseki cuisine at this cozy modern restaurant, reservation recommended. Open from 6:00pm.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Central Kyoto and Departure

Kyoto, Japan on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brenner Grill

Enjoy Western-style breakfast with a Japanese twist. Open from 7:00am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance, open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Walk the grounds of the former imperial residence and scenic park area, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen Kyoto

Savor rich and flavorful ramen in a modern setting. Opens from 11:30am to 9:30pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping and stroll in Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades

Explore local shops, souvenirs, and cafes through these covered shopping streets, open until evening.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Head to Kyoto Station for departure

Prepare for your onward travel with easy access to transport options from the central transportation hub.
Free, Travel time
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