4-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Central Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast and aromatic coffee at this historic cafe open from 7:30am, loved by locals for over 70 years.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its beautiful gardens and 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked upon to warn of intruders.
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various street foods and fresh sushi while strolling Kyoto’s lively food market open daily. Try grilled mochi and fresh seafood.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Walk through the beautiful gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace, a tranquil spot with stunning seasonal flora, open until 5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum

Dive into the world of Japanese manga at this museum that offers a vast collection and interactive exhibits, open until 6:00pm.
JPY800, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine including kaiseki dishes in the atmospheric Gion district, open from 6:00pm.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Arashiyama Nature and Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Grab a specialty coffee and light pastries at this renowned coffee shop located near the famous bamboo forest, opens at 7:00am.
JPY800, 1h0m

8:30am

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the serene and iconic bamboo forest path early to avoid crowds, perfect for photos and tranquility.
Free, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage temple with its famous zen garden and scenic mountain views, opens at 8:30am.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian Buddhist meal (shojin ryori) served within Tenryu-ji Temple’s peaceful setting, lunch service from 11:00am.
JPY3000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Boat Ride on the Katsura River

Relax on a scenic boat ride along the Katsura River, offering beautiful views of nature and mountains, available until late afternoon.
JPY2000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike to this park to see wild macaques in a natural habitat and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto, open until 4:30pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor yudofu (tofu hot pot), a local specialty perfect after an active day, located near Arashiyama, opens until 7:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Higashiyama Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy excellent coffee with a view of historic streets, perfect to start the day in Higashiyama, opens at 8:00am.
JPY900, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour this iconic temple with its large wooden stage offering views over Kyoto, opens from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk along Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka

Stroll these charming streets lined with traditional shops and teahouses, perfect for souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Dine on delicious udon noodles with seasonal vegetables in a cozy setting minutes from Kiyomizu, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple and Zen Garden

Relax in the temple’s peaceful gardens showcasing exquisite landscaping and seasonal flowers, open until 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to discover tea culture and hospitality; appointments available until early evening.
JPY2000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Relax with local home-style Japanese dishes in the historic Gion district, open until 9:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Fushimi and Southern Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello

Start with a cozy breakfast and fresh pastries in a chic library-style café, open from 7:30am.
JPY900, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of red torii gates that wind up the mountain, a must-see open 24 hours and perfect early to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Tour Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Discover sake brewing history at one of Japan’s oldest breweries with tasting samples, open until 4:30pm.
JPY200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fushimi Izakaya Yakata

Enjoy a variety of grilled skewers and local dishes in this lively izakaya near the shrine, open from 11:00am.
JPY1800, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk through Tofuku-ji Temple

Discover one of Kyoto’s largest Zen temples with beautiful gardens and historic structures, open until 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Uji Green Tea Shops

End your day tasting premium matcha and green tea treats in tea shops in Uji, a short train ride from southern Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Matsuba

Savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal and local ingredients in a quiet setting, reservations recommended.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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