4-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples & Shrines

Kyoto, Japan on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese style breakfast paired with freshly brewed coffee at Inoda Coffee, a historic café in Kyoto known for its relaxing atmosphere.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates which create mesmerizing walking paths up the mountain. Opens 24 hours, best to visit early to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yakiniku Hiro

Enjoy a delicious Japanese BBQ lunch at Yakiniku Hiro near the shrine, known for high-quality meat and friendly service. Open from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tofuku-ji Temple

Visit Tofuku-ji, a large Zen temple with stunning autumn foliage and beautiful gardens. Opens from 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along Kamo River

Relax with a stroll along the Kamo River, a popular local spot offering beautiful views and peaceful ambiance, perfect for a late afternoon walk.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience refined kaiseki dining at Gion Karyo, where you can savor seasonal Kyoto delicacies. Reservations recommended; open from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Markets & Traditional Arts

Kyoto, Japan on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Sample various local breakfast specialties like tofu, fresh fish, and pickles at stalls within Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen. Open from 9am but some stalls open earlier.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Nishiki Market Exploration

Wander the lively Nishiki Market to see traditional food vendors, artisan crafts, and souvenirs, a great way to experience Kyoto’s culinary culture.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Musashi Sushi

Enjoy fresh and affordable conveyor-belt sushi at Musashi Sushi, a crowd favorite near Nishiki Market. Open 11am - 9pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Discover Japan’s rich manga history and enjoy interactive exhibits at this museum open from 10am to 6pm.
JPY800, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to learn about the culture and enjoy matcha in a peaceful setting. Sessions typically last about one hour.
JPY2500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from a range of dining options in Pontocho Alley, known for intimate restaurants offering diverse Japanese dishes in a historic atmosphere.
JPY4000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Golden Temples & Zen Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Enjoy a modern Japanese breakfast featuring tea and light dishes at Iyemon Salon, known for its stylish ambiance and tea selection. Open from 8am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion, an iconic Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf with serene surrounding gardens. Open 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Explore the famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple, an exemplary representation of Zen rock gardens promoting meditation and contemplation.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu Restaurant in Tenryu-ji Temple

Savor shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, in a tranquil temple setting. Open 11am to 3pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ninna-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture. Open 9am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Traditional Kyoto Sweets at Kagizen Yoshifusa

Enjoy handcrafted wagashi (Japanese sweets) paired with matcha tea in a venue steeped in history.
JPY1000, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Suetomo

Dine on exquisite Kyoto Kaiseki cuisine in an intimate Gion setting featuring seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Nature & Scenic Views

Kyoto, Japan on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Start your day with specialty coffee and light pastries at this popular café overlooking scenic Arashiyama.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo forest known for its towering bamboo stalks creating a magical atmosphere. Best early to avoid crowds. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Togetsukyo Bridge & River

Enjoy scenic views from Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River with surrounding mountains, perfect for photos and relaxing nature strolls.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Dine on exquisite tofu-based cuisine in a serene riverside location, showcasing delicate flavors of Kyoto’s specialty ingredient. Open 11:30am to 3pm.
JPY4000, 1h15m

2:00pm

Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with stunning landscaped gardens showcasing seasonal beauty. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Relax on a traditional boat ride along the Katsura River surrounded by lush scenery and historic sights in Arashiyama. Typically available from morning till sunset but check seasonal availability.
JPY2500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy a scenic dinner featuring soba and tempura dishes with views overlooking the river, a perfect end to your Kyoto trip. Open until 8:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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