5-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto style breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and Japanese toast at this beloved historic café, open from 7:30am to 7:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore this iconic gold-leaf covered Zen temple set amidst serene gardens and a reflecting pond. It opens from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

See the famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji and stroll its peaceful grounds. Open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy tofu-based kaiseki dishes overlooking the river in this tranquil restaurant near Ryoan-ji, open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h15m

2:00pm

Stroll Philosopher’s Path

Walk this scenic canal path lined with cherry trees and small temples heading toward Ginkaku-ji. Free and open at all times.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Explore the carefully landscaped gardens and historic pavilion, open from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Experience authentic Kyoto cuisine in the heart of Gion district. Opens from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Markets and Tradition

Kyoto, Japan on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nishiki Warai

Try Kyoto-style okonomiyaki and a light morning meal near Nishiki Market. Opens 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Nishiki Market

Discover this famed marketplace with its fresh seafood, pickles and traditional Kyoto snacks. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY0, 2h0m

11:45am

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour the historic residence of Tokugawa shoguns, including beautiful gardens and ornate interiors. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Omen

Relish handmade udon noodles with seasonal vegetables at this well-known spot near Gion. Open 11:30am to 9:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Explore this vibrant Shinto shrine between Gion and Higashiyama, open all day.
JPY0, 0h45m

4:00pm

Walk Gion District

Experience traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spot geiko or maiko. Best visited in late afternoon before dusk.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the many riverside traditional restaurants offering Kyoto cuisine and atmospheric views. Many open from 5:00pm to late.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Shrines and Hiking

Kyoto, Japan on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee

Fuel up with excellent coffee and light pastries at this trendy café open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous thousands of red torii gates and hike the mountain trails. Open 24 hours, best early morning to avoid crowds.
JPY0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Enjoy light meals and coffee near Fushimi Inari, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Wander among famous gardens and impressive temple structures. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk Higashiyama District

Stroll historic lanes with shops and traditional architecture toward Kiyomizu-dera temple area. Free to walk anytime.
JPY0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

See the famous wooden stage with panoramic views over Kyoto. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kikunoi Roan

Savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine by a Michelin-starred chef in the Gion area. Reservation recommended. Open 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
JPY15000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Kyoto, Japan on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Enjoy matcha and modern Japanese breakfast dishes in a stylish setting. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Explore the historic residence of Japan’s Imperial family and spacious gardens. Tours available 9:00am to 4:30pm with advance registration.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan

Try yudofu, a traditional boiled tofu dish, near Nanzen-ji Temple. Open 11:30am to 3:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples with impressive gates and gardens. Open 8:40am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony to learn about Japanese tea culture. Sessions from 2:00pm to 4:30pm by reservation.
JPY3000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Free time in downtown Kyoto

Explore shopping streets or relax before dinner.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Enjoy rich burnt miso ramen in a stylish setting, open 6:00pm to 12:00am.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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Day 5: Relaxed Departure

Kyoto, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Delight in specialty coffee and light breakfast in a minimalist café open from 8:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Kyoto Railway Museum

Explore interactive exhibits about Japan’s rail history. Open 10:00am to 5:30pm, closed Tuesdays.
JPY1200, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kyoto Station Porto

Try fast and fresh Japanese set meals in the station's convenient dining area, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Umekoji Park

Walk and unwind in this spacious green park near the museum and station, open all day free of charge.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Departure preparation

Return to accommodation and prepare for departure.
JPY0, 1h0m
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