3-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Central Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Start your day with fresh local delicacies and Japanese street food like tamagoyaki and skewered mochi. Nishiki Market is open from 9am but a few stalls open earlier for coffee and light snacks.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Nishiki Market Walking Tour

Explore this vibrant shopping street known as Kyoto's kitchen to experience traditional ingredients, local crafts, and lively atmosphere. Perfect to pick up souvenirs and try unique items.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Gion District

Walk through Kyoto’s famous geisha district, spotting historic machiya houses and potentially seeing geiko or maiko. This area offers atmospheric streets and tea houses reflecting the old Japan.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gion Tanto

Enjoy authentic Kyoto-style kaiseki meals featuring seasonal vegetables and local fish at this cozy traditional restaurant open from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Stroll through the spacious gardens that surround the former residence of the Imperial family, immersing yourself in tranquil Japanese landscaping and historic architecture.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at a Traditional Tea House

Experience a traditional matcha tea ceremony at a tea house in central Kyoto, learning about culture and preparation of green tea.
JPY1500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the many riverside restaurants offering exquisite local cuisine with views of the Kamo River. Many restaurants open by 5pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Western Kyoto Nature

Kyoto, Japan on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast paired with premium Kyoto teas. The café opens at 7am and offers a calm start before heading out to Arashiyama.
JPY1500, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo groves early to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful, towering green stalks and beautiful light filtering through.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s stunning gardens and temple structures open from 8:30am to 5:30pm, showcasing outstanding Zen culture.
JPY500, 1h0m

10:45am

Walk along the Katsura River

Take a serene stroll by the riverbanks, viewing scenically charming spots with boats and bridges offering great photo opportunities.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Experience Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) at Tenryu-ji's onsite restaurant open 11:00am to 2:00pm, known for seasonal, artful dishes.
JPY3000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike to see wild Japanese macaques with panoramic views of Kyoto. The park opens 9am to 4:30pm with last entry at 4pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Break at % Arabica Arashiyama

Savor specialty coffee or refreshing matcha lattes at this famous café in Arashiyama, open till early evening.
JPY700, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sagano-yu

Enjoy dinner in a unique setting of a converted bathhouse offering Japanese fusion dishes. Open from 6pm, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Eastern Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Kick off with artisan coffee and fresh pastries at this popular café opening 7am in the scenic Higashiyama area.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore one of Kyoto’s iconic temples, famous for its wooden stage and panoramic views. The temple is open from 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:15am

Walk Through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka

Stroll the preserved historic streets lined with traditional shops and teahouses, giving a glimpse of old Kyoto.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Kodai-ji Temple

This serene temple with beautiful gardens and tea houses is open from 9am to 5pm and offers seasonal illumination evening events.
JPY600, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy a delicious set of handmade udon noodles and seasonal vegetables in a traditional setting near Kodai-ji. Open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous shrine with thousands of orange torii gates open 24 hours. Walk part of the mountain trail for a cultural and spiritual experience.
JPY0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Tea and Sweets at Kyocafe Chacha

Relax in this cozy café offering matcha drinks and traditional Japanese sweets, open until 5:30pm.
JPY900, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ganko Sushi

Finish your trip with fresh, expertly prepared sushi at this popular chain in central Kyoto open until 10pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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