3-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Imperial Heritage & Market

Kyoto, Japan on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at this beloved Kyoto café, known for its cozy ambiance and quality espresso.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:15am

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Explore the majestic Kyoto Imperial Palace, former residence of the Imperial family, featuring beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture. Free entry but guided tours are recommended.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample an array of local street foods like fresh sushi, tempura, and matcha sweets at Nishiki Market, a lively shopping street nicknamed 'Kyoto’s Kitchen'. Open from 9am to 6pm daily.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Stroll around Teramachi Shopping Arcade

Walk through this covered arcade filled with boutiques and souvenir shops offering traditional crafts and modern goods in the heart of Kyoto.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy authentic kaiseki cuisine in a refined setting within Kyoto’s historic Gion district. The seasonal dishes highlight local Kyoto ingredients.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Shrines & Geisha

Kyoto, Japan on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saryo Tsujiri

Relish matcha-flavored sweets or a light Japanese breakfast at this famous tea house specializing in Uji matcha, open from 10am but their satellite branches in Kyoto city open earlier.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit the iconic shrine famous for thousands of bright red torii gates winding up the mountain trails. Open all day and free to enter.
JPY0, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion Café

Dine at this cozy café near Fushimi Inari offering light meals and beverages with a view of the shrine grounds.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Gion District

Wander through Kyoto's famous geisha district where traditional teahouses and wooden machiya houses line the streets. Best explored in the afternoon and early evening.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience dining in Pontocho Alley, known for a variety of charming restaurants offering Kyoto Kaiseki and river views. Reservations recommended.
JPY7000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Nature & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Benkei

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast near the scenic Arashiyama area, featuring seasonal ingredients in a serene setting.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest of Arashiyama early to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Open all day, free entry.
JPY0, 1h0m

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with its beautiful gardens and traditional temple buildings. Open 8am-5pm, entry fee applies.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Savor tofu-centric cuisine at this restaurant overlooking the Katsura River, renowned for its elegant and healthy dishes.
JPY3500, 1h30m

2:30pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the famous Golden Pavilion, a stunning temple covered in gold leaf surrounded by tranquil gardens. Open 9am-5pm, entry fee applies.
JPY400, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto city center

Head back to central Kyoto for your final evening or onward travel plans.
Train fare approx. JPY400, 30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Izuju Sushi

Conclude your Kyoto journey with traditional Kyoto-style sushi in a historic setting, open till 8pm, perfect for an early dinner.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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