3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Central Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee with a light pastry at this popular café known for beautiful views and excellent blends.
JPY700, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nishiki Market

Browse through over 100 food stalls offering fresh seafood, local specialties, and traditional sweets at this historic market open from 9am to 6pm.
Free entry, food prices vary, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Izuju Sushi

Taste traditional Kyoto-style sushi that has been served since 1912, located near Gion.
JPY1800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Experience the historic atmosphere of Gion’s old wooden machiya houses and maybe spot a geisha. The area is best seen by strolling through the streets between 1pm and 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

A beautiful shrine in Gion known for its bright orange gates and serene gardens; open from 6am to 9pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Kappa Zushi

Dine along the Kamogawa river with fantastic sushi and Japanese dishes in the charming Pontocho area, open until 10pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Northern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Green House

Start your day with a Western-style breakfast in a cozy café near the hotel.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion and its reflective pond, one of Kyoto's most iconic sights, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

Famous for its Zen rock garden and tranquil atmosphere, located just a short walk from Kinkaku-ji, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy traditional tofu cuisine with views over the river in a serene environment, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour the historic castle famous for its nightingale floors and beautiful gardens open from 8:45am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Break at Camellia Tea Ceremony Room

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a historic setting.
JPY1500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Relish affordable and authentic Kyoto home-style dishes in a cozy Gion eatery open until 9:30pm.
JPY2200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Southern Kyoto Sights

Kyoto, Japan on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Classic Kyoto coffee shop serving Western and Japanese breakfast options, open from 7am.
JPY900, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates up the mountain; the shrine is open 24 hours, recommended early to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Famous for its autumn foliage and Zen gardens, this temple is open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Umenohana

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal featuring seasonal Kyoto ingredients, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Fushimi Sake District

Tour sake breweries and sample locally brewed sake in this historic district, open typically 9am to 5pm.
Free entry, tasting fees apply, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to central Kyoto for dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Savor unique burnt miso ramen in a modern ambiance, open until 10pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability