3-Day Cultural and Scenic Itinerary for Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Northern Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with traditional Japanese-style coffee and pastries at this historic and popular café loved by locals and tourists alike.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the iconic Golden Pavilion, renowned for its stunning gold leaf exterior and serene surrounding gardens, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:15am

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

Experience the famous rock garden representing Zen philosophy, and stroll the peaceful temple grounds open until 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian Buddhist meal, known as shojin ryori, inside the serene surroundings of Tenryu-ji Temple kitchen area.
JPY3000, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll the Northern Kyoto neighborhood

Walk through nearby gardens and visit smaller temples like Ninna-ji, appreciating quiet local culture and architecture until late afternoon.
JPY500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience kaiseki cuisine in the historic Gion district, blending seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation, perfect for an authentic Kyoto dining experience.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 2: Central Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Grab specialty coffee and light baked goods to start your day energized near scenic central Kyoto areas.
JPY900, 45m

8:30am

Walk the Philosopher's Path

Enjoy this peaceful, scenic walking trail along a canal lined with cherry trees and art galleries, mostly accessible all day.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Honen-in Temple

Discover this hidden gem temple famous for its moss garden and tranquil ambiance.
JPY500, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Taste Kyoto-style udon noodles with seasonal vegetables near Kodai-ji Temple, offering flavorful and comforting dishes.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple

Explore the historic temple with beautiful Zen gardens and bamboo groves, featuring tea houses, open until 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h

3:00pm

Gion District walk and tea experience

Stroll the famous Gion streets, spotting traditional wooden machiya houses, and enjoy a tea ceremony experience at a local tea house.
JPY2500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from multiple small eateries offering Kaiseki, yakitori, or sushi in this narrow historic alley by the Kamogawa River.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 3: Southern Shrines

Kyoto, Japan on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy coffee and a hearty breakfast in this cozy café combining books and a relaxing atmosphere near Kyoto Station.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates on the mountain trails of this famous Shinto shrine, open 24 hours and free entry.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore this large Zen temple complex known for its impressive gardens and autumn foliage, open until 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ramen Sen no Kaze

Savor hearty bowls of ramen near Kyoto Station, known for rich broth and quality ingredients.
JPY1100, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and exploring Kyoto Station Building

Visit the modern Kyoto Station with its impressive architecture, rooftop garden, shops, and cafes, open until late evening.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Ramen Koji

End your trip with a variety of regional ramen styles all available in this ramen street inside Kyoto Station.
JPY1500, 1h
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