5-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Kyoto and Nara, Japan

Day 1: Historical Kyoto Center

Kyoto, Japan on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Japanese-style breakfast and excellent coffee at this long-established Kyoto café, open from 7:30am to 7:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its beautiful architecture, historic significance, and stunning gardens. Open from 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Enjoy delicious okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, at this popular spot near Nishiki Market. Open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Stroll through Nishiki Market

Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s vibrant culinary culture by exploring this lively traditional market, perfect for souvenir shopping and tasting local snacks.
Free (shopping optional), 1h30m

3:15pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Walk the beautiful grounds surrounding the former imperial residence, open daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm except Mondays.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Experience traditional Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in the historic Gion district. Reservations recommended. Open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY7000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Scenic Western Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy premium coffee and light bites at this chic café with views of the Katsura River. Open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 0h45m

8:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through this enchanting bamboo forest early to avoid crowds. Open 24 hours, but best visited in the morning.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with beautiful gardens reflecting traditional landscape design. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00am

Sagano Scenic Railway Ride

Enjoy a picturesque train ride through mountains and forests lasting about 25 minutes each way. Check schedule for ride times from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY620, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Savor tofu-based cuisine at this riverside restaurant in Arashiyama, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore the beautiful gardens and villa home of a famous Japanese actor, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy a traditional Japanese hot pot meal focusing on tofu in a serene setting near Tenryu-ji. Open 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Eastern Kyoto & Gion

Kyoto, Japan on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start with excellent coffee and pastries in a stylish café. Open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic temple with panoramic views, beautifully restored and open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:15am

Walk the Higashiyama District

Wander this preserved historic neighborhood filled with traditional shops and teahouses.
Free (shopping optional), 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy yudofu (tofu hot pot) near Kiyomizu Temple, open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Gion District and Yasaka Shrine

Explore the famous Geisha district and visit Yasaka Shrine; shops and shrines open generally 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Experience authentic Kyoto kaiseki dinners. Advance reservation required. Open from 6:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your Kyoto hotel

Enjoy a convenient hotel breakfast before heading to Nara by train.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line Rapid Service for about 45 minutes to central Nara.
JPY710, 0h50m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha Hall, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Nara Park

Enjoy walking among freely roaming deer and numerous shrines and gardens.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Sample local eel dishes near Nara Park, open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Walk through beautiful lantern-lined paths to this important Shinto shrine, open 6:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Naramachi District

Discover historic merchant houses, quaint shops, and tea houses in the charming old town area.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Train back to Kyoto

Return by JR Nara Line Rapid Service to Kyoto city center.
JPY710, 0h50m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Enjoy a quick and tasty ramen dinner at one of several famous ramen shops located inside Kyoto Station, open generally until 10:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Fushimi & Southern Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bread, Espresso &

Start your day with artisanal bread and coffee at this popular café near Kyoto Station, open 8:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY1000, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic Thousand Torii gates along this impressive mountain trail. Open 24 hours; best visited in the morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Explore Fushimi Sake District

Tour sake breweries and sample local brews in this historic brewing area, with many shops open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Free (tastings extra), 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kizakura Sake Brewery Restaurant

Enjoy sake-pairing lunch in the brewery’s restaurant. Open 11:00am to 3:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Admire one of Kyoto’s biggest Zen temples and its famous gardens. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto city center for shopping

Spend your late afternoon exploring the shopping streets around Kyoto Station or downtown.
Free (shopping optional), 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Enjoy an exquisite Kyoto kaiseki meal at this refined restaurant known for seasonal dishes. Reservation required. Open until 9:30pm.
JPY12000, 2h0m
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