3-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Higashiyama

Kyoto, Japan on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with traditional Japanese-style coffee and a light breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a beloved local café open from 7:00am to 8:00pm, known for its nostalgic ambiance and great morning sets.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its wooden stage overlooking Kyoto and stunning views, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk Higashiyama District

Stroll through the preserved streets of Higashiyama, filled with traditional shops, tea houses, and pottery galleries, absorbing the nostalgic atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy traditional udon noodles and seasonal dishes at Omen Kodai-ji, open 11:30am to 8:00pm, a perfect spot near many temples.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Yasaka Shrine Visit

Explore Yasaka Shrine, an important Shinto shrine also known as Gion Shrine, open 24 hours and free of charge, offering a serene environment.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Gion District Walk

Wander through the historic Gion district, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and possibility of spotting geisha in the early evening.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Experience exquisite kaiseki dining at Gion Nanba, open 5:00pm to 10:00pm, offering seasonal multi-course meals featuring local Kyoto ingredients.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Bamboo

Kyoto, Japan on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Station Café

Grab a light breakfast and coffee at the station café, which opens at 7:00am, giving you energy before exploring Arashiyama's highlights.
JPY900, 0h30m

8:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk early in the morning through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, open 24 hours and free of charge.
Free, 1h0m

9:15am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:00am

Sagano Scenic Railway

Take the Sagano Scenic Railway for a picturesque 25-minute ride through mountains and rivers; tickets cost JPY620 and trains run approximately every 40 minutes.
JPY620, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy tofu-based cuisine at Shoraian, a scenic restaurant near the Hozu River, open 11:30am to 3:30pm, known for its elegant and healthy dishes.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Okochi-Sanso Villa

Explore the beautiful gardens and villa of Okochi-Sanso, open daily from 9:00am to 5:30pm, offering breathtaking views of Kyoto’s outskirts.
JPY1000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama to interact with wild macaques and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto, open from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return and Relax

Head back to your accommodation and rest after a day full of nature and sightseeing.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama

Indulge in haute cuisine with a kaiseki dinner at Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama, open 5:30pm to 9:30pm, a Michelin-starred dining experience in a traditional setting.
JPY25000, 2h0m
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Day 3: City Center Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gram Café

Enjoy fluffy Japanese pancakes and coffee at Gram Café, open from 8:00am, a great way to fuel your last day in Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Nijo Castle

Tour Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its beautiful gardens and historic interiors, open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h0m

11:45am

Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's Kitchen, offering a variety of fresh food, snacks, and souvenirs, open around 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Free to enter, food prices vary, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Try local okonomiyaki style dishes at Nishiki Warai, a popular casual spot inside Nishiki Market, open daily around lunchtime.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture at the Manga Museum, open 10:00am to 6:00pm, with extensive manga collections and interactive exhibits.
JPY800, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk in Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades

Wander through these covered shopping streets with traditional and modern stores, perfect for souvenir shopping and casual sightseeing.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Conclude with a refined kaiseki dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura, open 5:30pm to 9:00pm, a Michelin-starred restaurant famed for delicate Kyoto cuisine.
JPY18000, 2h0m
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