5-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Landmarks

Kyoto, Japan on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Kyoto breakfast including their famous blend coffee and freshly baked pastries in this historic café which opens at 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its beautiful gardens and impressive architecture dating back to 1603, famous for its nightingale floors that chirp when walked upon.
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a culinary adventure in Kyoto's bustling food market, sampling fresh local street food such as yakitori, mochi, and sushi. Open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Walk through the beautifully maintained gardens and historic grounds of the former residence of Japan’s Imperial family. The palace park is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Gallery

Dine in this charming Gion district restaurant offering seasonal kaiseki cuisine in a traditional setting, perfect for experiencing authentic Kyoto flavours.
JPY6000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature & Culture

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Coffee Arashiyama

Fuel up with some of Kyoto’s finest coffee and light breakfast items at this stylish café overlooking the scenic river, opens at 7:00am.
JPY800, 1h0m

8:30am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Experience the iconic Arashiyama bamboo grove early morning to avoid crowds; this peaceful walk showcases towering bamboo stalks swaying gently, open daily with no entry fee.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this major Zen temple with its beautiful garden designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm, entry fee applies.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy traditional tofu cuisine overlooking the river, a specialty dining spot in Arashiyama open for lunch from 11:30am.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Boat ride on the Hozugawa River

Take a relaxing scenic boat ride down the Hozugawa River, offering stunning views of nature around Arashiyama. Tours usually run from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savour soba noodles with a view of the Togetsukyo Bridge, featuring seasonal Kyoto ingredients. Open for dinner from 5:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Temples & Tradition

Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Higashiyama

Begin with expertly brewed coffee and pastries in the atmospheric streets of Higashiyama, open from 8:00am.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour the wooden stage of this UNESCO-listed temple with panoramic views of Kyoto city. Open from 6:00am to 6:00pm, entry ticket required.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Streets

Stroll through these preserved streets with traditional shops and tea houses, perfect for souvenir shopping and atmosphere taking.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen

Taste traditional udon noodles and locally sourced vegetables at this well-loved restaurant located near Kiyomizu-dera, open for lunch until 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park

Explore this vibrant shrine followed by a relaxing walk through Maruyama Park, especially beautiful in spring and open all day.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Experience refined Kyoto dining with a multi-course kaiseki meal in the Gion district. Reservation recommended, open from 5:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Zen Gardens & Art

Northern Kyoto, Japan on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Enjoy fresh coffee and light bites to start your day near Kinkaku-ji, open from 8:00am.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

View the stunning golden-covered temple and its reflective pond in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, entry fee applies.
JPY400, 1h0m

10:30am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Discover Zen meditation with the world-famous rock garden, open 8:00am to 5:00pm with a small entrance fee.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Izusen

Delight in shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) in a temple setting, located in the Daitoku-ji area, open from 11:30am.
JPY3500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Daitoku-ji Temple Complex

Explore one of Kyoto’s largest Zen temple complexes with beautiful gardens and historic buildings, open from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Variable, some temples free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Kitcho Arashiyama

Experience Japan’s highest calibre kaiseki dining with exquisite seasonal ingredients; bookings essential, open from 5:00pm.
JPY30000+, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Shrines & Departure

Fushimi, Kyoto, Japan on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a simple Japanese breakfast at a local café near your accommodation to prepare for your final day exploring Fushimi.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari-taisha

Walk through the iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates at this famous Shinto shrine, open 24 hours and free to enter.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Tour Gekkeikan Sake Museum

Learn about Japan's sake brewing tradition at this museum with tastings available; open 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Tuesdays.
JPY300, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fushimi Sake District

Dine at a local tavern featuring sake pairings and traditional Kyoto cuisine, soaking in the sake brewing atmosphere of the district.
JPY2000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Return to accommodation / depart Kyoto

Prepare for your travel onward from Kyoto, with options for airport transfer or train connections based on your plans.
Varies, Variable
View Hotel Availability