4-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Temple and Tradition

Kyoto, Japan on May 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style breakfast with freshly brewed coffee at Inoda Coffee, a popular local café open from 7:00am.
JPY1200, 1h

10:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views over Kyoto. The temple is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yasaka Endo

Dine on traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine in the peaceful surroundings near Yasaka Shrine. Open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll through Kyoto's famous geisha district with historic wooden machiya houses and quaint tea houses. Free to explore any time.
0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Discover this iconic shrine known for its vibrant red gates and lively festivals. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
0, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, in an elegant setting. Reservations recommended; open until 10:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature and Ancient Beauty

Kyoto, Japan on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy excellent soba noodles with a view of the Katsura River. Open from 8:00am.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and enjoy serene atmosphere. Open 24 hours, free entry.
0, 1h

11:00am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour this Zen temple with beautiful gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage status. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu Restaurant

Enjoy shojin ryori, vegan Buddhist cuisine served in the temple grounds. Open 11:30am to 2:00pm, closed Wednesdays.
JPY3000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore the former estate of a famous actor with lovely gardens and tea house, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto City

Travel back to central Kyoto and relax before dinner.
JPY500, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from a variety of traditional Japanese restaurants in this atmospheric narrow street. Many open until late evening.
JPY3000-6000, 2h
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Day 3: Shrines and History

Kyoto, Japan on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakery & Cafe Je-Un

Enjoy fresh Japanese-style pastries and coffee at this cozy bakery open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Tour Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk the famous thousand red torii gates up Mt. Inari. The shrine is open 24 hours and free admission.
0, 2h

11:30am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

View beautiful gardens and traditional Zen architecture at this historic temple. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fushimi Sake District

Sample local sake and simple dishes at one of the breweries or eateries open from 11:00am.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Uji and Byodo-in Temple

Travel south to Uji to see the beautiful Phoenix Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station Isetan Department Store

Dine at one of many restaurants in the station's department store offering a variety of Japanese and international cuisine. Open until 9:00pm.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 4: Art and Markets

Kyoto, Japan on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee

Start the day with speciality coffee and light snacks at this well-known Kyoto coffee shop. Open from 8:00am.
JPY800, 45m

9:30am

Visit Kyoto National Museum

Explore extensive collections of traditional Japanese art and artifacts. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of Kyoto street foods including fresh seafood, pickles, and sweets in this lively market open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Nishiki Market and shopping streets

Browse traditional shops and souvenir stores along the market corridor.
Free to browse, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum

Discover thousands of manga books and exhibits showcasing Japanese comic culture. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm, closed Wednesdays.
JPY800, 1h30m

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Gion Tanto

End your trip with a cozy dinner serving homestyle Kyoto dishes. Open until 8:00pm.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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