7-Day Cultural and Scenic Adventure in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Landmarks

Kyoto, Japan on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast with freshly brewed coffee at this classic Kyoto cafe, open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, set beside a tranquil pond.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Famous for its rock garden, this temple offers a contemplative and peaceful atmosphere.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Savor Kyoto-style savory pancakes called okonomiyaki at this popular spot open from 11am to 9pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Nijo Castle

Explore the historic castle famous for its ornate interiors and 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked upon.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappo Sakamoto

Enjoy traditional Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in an intimate setting in the heart of Gion, reservations recommended.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Temple and Tradition

Kyoto, Japan on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start your day with high-quality specialty coffee and light pastries near Yasaka Shrine, open from 8am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

One of Kyoto’s iconic temples offering panoramic city views, open from 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Higashiyama District

Walk through historic streets with traditional shops, tea houses, and artisan stores.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Try delicious handmade udon noodles in a serene setting near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple

Discover beautiful gardens and tea ceremonies at this Zen temple.
JPY600, 1h30m

4:30pm

Maruyama Park stroll

Relax at Kyoto’s oldest park, popular for cherry blossoms and seasonal events.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yoroiya Ramen

Enjoy authentic Kyoto-style ramen in a casual, friendly environment, open until 9pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Nature and Bamboo

Kyoto, Japan on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light bites near the Tenryu-ji Temple, open from 8am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Morning visit to this iconic bamboo forest to experience tranquility and photo opportunities before crowds arrive.
Free, 1h0m

9:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring exquisite gardens and traditional architecture.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:30am

Okochi-Sanso Villa

Explore beautiful villa grounds and enjoy green tea with a view, open 9am-5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Sample handmade soba noodles with scenic river views, open from 11am.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sagano Scenic Railway

Take a scenic train ride through beautiful landscapes along the Hozu River, open 9am-4pm.
JPY620, 1h0m

4:30pm

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike to see wild macaques with panoramic views of Kyoto, open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY550, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Shoraian

Dine on luxurious tofu cuisine by the river in Arashiyama, reservations advised.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Shrines and Sake

Kyoto, Japan on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ritorno Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked bread and coffee at this cozy bakery in Fushimi, open 7am-6pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousand red torii gates winding up Mount Inari, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Learn about sake brewing and enjoy tastings at this iconic Fushimi brewery, open 9am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mimikou Fushimi Honten

Try their famous kitsune udon near Fushimi Inari, open 11am-7pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tofuku-ji Temple

Visit large temple grounds with beautiful gardens and historic buildings, open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk through Fushimi Sake District

Enjoy the ambiance of traditional sake storehouses and shops in the historic district.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kawamura Honten

Dine at this traditional restaurant specializing in dishes paired with local sake, reservations recommended.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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Day 5: Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast in a stylish setting inside a historic villa, open 8am-10am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple

Return visit if desired, or alternatively visit Ryoan-ji for the renowned rock garden experience.
JPY400, 1h0m

10:30am

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Stroll expansive grounds with gardens and historic sites, no admission fee, open 9am-5pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kitamura

Delicious udon noodles near the Imperial Palace, popular with locals, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Daitoku-ji Temple

Explore extensive Zen temple complex with serene gardens and tea houses, open 9am-5pm.
JPY500, 2h0m

5:00pm

Tea ceremony at En Tea House

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, please reserve in advance.
JPY1500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ganko Sushi

Enjoy fresh sushi and tempura near Kyoto Station, open until 9pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Art and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Walden Woods Kyoto

Trendy coffee shop with specialty drinks and breakfast sets, open 7am-11am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Philosopher’s Path Walk

Leisurely stroll along the canal lined with cherry trees and art galleries, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Famous for its grand Sanmon gate and elegant gardens, open 8:40am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Nanzenji

Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) in a traditional restaurant near Nanzen-ji, open 11:30am-2pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Gion District

Stroll through Kyoto's famous geisha district with historic streets and teahouses.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Attend a Maiko Performance

Experience traditional dance and music shows by apprentice geisha, booking required.
JPY6000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Enjoy exquisite Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in Gion, reservations essential.
JPY10000, 2h0m
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Day 7: Departure and Souvenirs

Kyoto, Japan on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vie de France Kyoto Station

Italian-style bakery with pastries and coffee inside Kyoto Station, open from 7am.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping at Kyoto Station Department Stores

Browse local crafts, souvenirs, and fashion in Isetan and Porta malls connected to Kyoto Station.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kyoto Ramen Koji

Sample ramen varieties from different regions in a food court setting at Kyoto Station.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Check out and Departure

Head to the airport or next destination from Kyoto Station, concluding your trip.
Varies, N/A
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