3-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Kyoto Introduction

Kyoto, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Kyoto-style breakfast featuring freshly brewed coffee and traditional toast with homemade jams at Inoda Coffee, a beloved local café open from 7:30am to 7:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the iconic Kinkaku-ji, a stunning gold-leaf covered Zen Buddhist temple surrounded by beautiful gardens, open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Nijo Castle

Tour the historic Nijo Castle, known for its beautiful gardens and ‘nightingale floors’ that chirp when walked upon, open from 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Savor lunch at Nishiki Market, a vibrant food market with numerous stalls offering fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and traditional Kyoto snacks. Most vendors operate from 9:00am until early evening.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Walk through the expansive Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds and gardens, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, to learn about Japan’s imperial history in a serene setting.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Enjoy a peaceful stroll or rest in Maruyama Park, famous for its cherry trees and local atmosphere, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course meal showcasing Kyoto’s seasonal ingredients, at Gion Karyo in the historic Gion district, open for dinner from 5:30pm to 10:00pm. Reservation recommended.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature and Culture

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at % Arabica, a popular café with views of the Katsura River. Opens at 7:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Take a leisurely walk through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, best early morning to avoid crowds. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

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

11:00am

Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore the peaceful gardens and tea house at Okochi Sanso Villa, offering stunning views of Kyoto. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Dine on soba noodles with river views at Arashiyama Yoshimura, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Sagano Scenic Railway

Take a scenic train ride along the Hozu River for beautiful views, operating from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY620, 25m

3:30pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to the monkey park where wild macaques live; the hike takes about 20 minutes. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Shoraian

Enjoy tofu-based Kaiseki dining by the river at Shoraian, open from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Reservation recommended.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 3: Temples and Tradition

Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Gion

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast paired with tea at Iyemon Salon in Gion, open from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples with panoramic city views. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka streets

Wander the preserved traditional streets lined with shops, tea houses, and artisan crafts, perfect for souvenirs and cultural immersion. Open all day.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Relish handmade udon noodles with seasonal vegetables in a traditional setting. Open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Yasaka Shrine

Visit the lively Yasaka Shrine, a frequent venue for festivals, open 24 hours with main hall access during daytime.
Free, 30m

2:00pm

Chion-in Temple

Admire the massive Sanmon gate and peaceful temple grounds, open from 6:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:30pm

Maruyama Park and Tea at Tsujiri

Relax at Maruyama Park followed by a traditional matcha tea and sweets at Tsujiri, open from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Savor classic Kyoto home-style cooking at Gion Tanto in the traditional Gion area; open for dinner from 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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