4-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Eastern Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Higashiyama

Enjoy a specialty coffee and light pastries at this popular Kyoto-based coffee shop, known for its excellent brews and scenic location near the historic district.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Famous for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, the temple offers spectacular views over Kyoto. Open from 6:00am to 6:00pm, ideal for a morning visit.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:15am

Stroll through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets

These charming pedestrian streets are lined with traditional shops and teahouses, perfect for experiencing Kyoto’s preserved historic atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Try hearty Udon noodles made with fresh local ingredients. The restaurant is near Kodai-ji Temple and opens from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through Kyoto’s famed geisha district, spotting traditional tea houses and possibly geiko and maiko. Best enjoyed in the afternoon when the area is lively.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

An iconic Shinto shrine known for its beautiful lantern-lined paths, open until 9:00pm, perfect to visit before dinner.
Free, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy Kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, showcasing seasonal ingredients and Kyoto’s culinary artistry. Reservations recommended.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Northern Kyoto and Riverside

Kyoto, Japan on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

Start the day with matcha tea and Japanese breakfast sets in a modern tea house setting, open from 7:00am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Tour Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo forest in the early morning to avoid crowds. Open 24 hours, but best during daylight.
Free, 1h0m

10:15am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning gardens, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with a riverside view; the restaurant is well-known for its authentic Japanese flavors and open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the iconic golden temple and its beautiful reflective pond. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Ryoan-ji Temple

Famous for its rock garden, this temple offers a tranquil experience. Open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Savor contemporary Kyoto-style kaiseki in a cozy atmosphere; it's an innovative take on traditional dishes. Dinner service starts at 5:30pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Central Kyoto Temples and Market

Kyoto, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Taste traditional Japanese-style coffee and light breakfast fare at a historic Kyoto café open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Experience historic Japan at this UNESCO castle with beautiful gardens and interiors. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Nishiki Market

Browse Kyoto’s vibrant market known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen,’ perfect to try local delicacies and souvenirs. Open roughly 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Free to enter, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Enjoy authentic okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in the market area, serving lunch from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the historic residence of the Imperial family with beautiful gardens; open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Free admission but require advance reservation.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Tea at Camellia Garden

Relax in a garden setting enjoying traditional tea and sweets, open until 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the many riverside restaurants specializing in kaiseki or yakitori for an atmospheric evening in one of Kyoto’s most famous dining streets.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Southern Kyoto & Shrine Visit

Kyoto, Japan on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kurasu Kyoto

Enjoy hand-drip coffee and freshly baked bread at this minimalist café open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, this shrine is open 24 hours, best visited early to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Taste the local specialty inari sushi near the shrine, with the restaurant open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Tofuku-ji Temple

Known for its stunning gardens and autumn foliage, the temple is peaceful and open from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Sake breweries in Fushimi

Tour local sake breweries and learn about traditional sake making, many open until 4:00pm, check each individually.
Free to ¥1000 depending on brewery, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto Central

Travel back to central Kyoto for a relaxed evening or travel on to your next destination.
Transport fare approx JPY500, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience traditional Kyoto haute cuisine (kaiseki) at this Michelin-starred restaurant; advanced reservations recommended.
JPY10000, 2h0m
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