4-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploring in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Landmarks

Kyoto, Japan on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Kyoto-style coffee and breakfast sandwich at this beloved local coffee shop open from 7:30am to 8pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage temple known for its stunning wooden stage overlooking the city, open from 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:45am

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll the preserved historic streets filled with traditional shops and tea houses, perfect for cultural immersion.
Free, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Enjoy savory Japanese okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in a cozy setting, open until 3pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Gion District

Experience Kyoto's famed geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spot geiko or maiko in the streets.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Dine on refined kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal Kyoto ingredients, reservations recommended. Open from 5pm to 11pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature and Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Grab a specialty coffee and fresh pastry at this renowned riverside café, open from 7am to 6pm.
JPY1000, 0h45m

8:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the magical bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and enjoy tranquil nature.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour this beautiful Zen temple with stunning gardens, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h15m

11:15am

Walk by Katsura River and Togetsukyo Bridge

Enjoy scenic river views and the historic bridge, a perfect photo spot.
Free, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Savor elegant tofu cuisine with views of the river, open noon to 3pm for lunch.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Discover exquisite gardens and a historic villa, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with a scenic garden view, open until 8pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Philosophical Walk

Kyoto, Japan on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vermillion Café

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast near Kiyomizu-dera, open from 8am to 6pm.
JPY1200, 0h45m

9:00am

Walk the Philosopher's Path

Stroll this scenic canal-side path famous for cherry blossoms and quiet reflection, free and open all day.
Free, 2h0m

11:15am

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Tour this grand Zen temple complex with beautiful gardens and aqueduct, open 8:40am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Dine on classic udon noodles near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11am to 7pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Kodai-ji Temple

Visit beautiful temple grounds with Zen gardens and bamboo, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

4:00pm

Stop by Eikan-do Zenrin-ji

Famous for autumn foliage, this temple has a lovely garden and is open until 5pm, ideal for late afternoon visit.
JPY600, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Try Kyoto-style home cooking in friendly, casual environment, open until 9pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Iconic Shrines

Kyoto, Japan on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Start with a hearty breakfast and coffee in a stylish book-themed café, open from 8am to 6pm.
JPY1200, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk the famed thousands of torii gates early to avoid crowds, shrine grounds open 24 hours with the main shrine from 6am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Explore Tofuku-ji Temple

Visit a large Zen temple known for its gardens and autumn colors, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shinpuku Saikan

Enjoy well-known Kyoto-style ramen in a casual spot open 11am to 3pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Uji and Byodo-in Temple

Take a short trip south to Uji to see the stunning Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return to Kyoto and Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience traditional kaiseki cuisine in a historic setting, reservation recommended, open until 9pm.
JPY12000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability