3-Day Scenic Cultural Itinerary for Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic city exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style coffee and a light breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a Kyoto classic known for their rich coffee blends and cozy ambiance.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its iconic wooden stage that offers breathtaking views of Kyoto city and lush surrounding hills. The temple opens from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through the historic Higashiyama District

Stroll the charming streets of Higashiyama, lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and artisan galleries, perfect for experiencing Kyoto's cultural atmosphere.
Free, 1h15m

12:45pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy diverse and fresh local foods at Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto’s Kitchen,' a bustling street market with over 100 shops selling everything from pickles to freshly made sweets.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour Nijo Castle, famous for its beautiful gardens and nightingale floors, reflecting Japanese feudal-era architecture and culture. The castle is open from 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore the Gion District

Walk through the historic Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and potential sightings of geisha, especially around sunset when the area comes alive.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine at Gion Karyo, where you can savor kaiseki-style Japanese haute cuisine in a refined setting that highlights Kyoto's seasonal delicacies.
JPY8000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nature and temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee Arashiyama

Enjoy a specialty coffee and light breakfast at Arabica Coffee in Arashiyama, famous for its scenic riverside location and carefully roasted beans.
JPY1000, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the serene and towering bamboo forest in Arashiyama, an iconic and photogenic natural site open 24 hours and free of charge.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple Visit

Explore Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning Zen gardens and beautiful mountain backdrops. Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00am

Hike to Okochi Sanso Villa

Enjoy a peaceful walk to the Okochi Sanso Villa with its exquisite gardens and tea house overlooking Kyoto. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY1000, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Have tofu-based cuisine at Shoraian, a Michelin-starred restaurant located by the river, offering delicate seasonal Kyoto dishes focusing on yudofu (boiled tofu).
JPY3500, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Tour the famous Golden Pavilion, a stunning golden-leaf covered temple surrounded by tranquil ponds and gardens. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ryoan-ji Temple visit

Experience the famous Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple, an iconic symbol of Japanese culture. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto Central

Take transport back to downtown Kyoto to relax before dinner.
JPY400, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy dinner at one of the many traditional or modern restaurants in Pontocho Alley, a narrow street along the Kamogawa River, bustling with vibes and local cuisine options.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Shrines and shopping

Kyoto, Japan on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start early with specialty coffee and pastries at the popular % Arabica branch, known for its minimalist design and quality beans.
JPY1000, 0h45m

8:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous torii gate tunnels at Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines dedicated to the fox deity. Open 24/7 and free entry.
Free, 2h0m

10:45am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Nearby Fushimi Inari, Tofuku-ji features beautiful Zen gardens and historic architecture. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Try a variety of ramen styles in the famous ramen street inside Kyoto Station with multiple vendors offering regional noodle specialties.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Shopping at Kyoto Station and Underground Mall

Explore modern shopping options at Kyoto Station's large mall and underground shopping streets for souvenirs, crafts, and fashion.
Free entry, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Sanjusangendo Hall

View the 1001 statues of Kannon at Sanjusangendo, the longest wooden structure in Japan, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

4:30pm

Afternoon tea at Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Relax with afternoon tea at Hotel Granvia Kyoto offering panoramic station views and excellent desserts before dinner.
JPY2500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Farewell dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Enjoy innovative modern kaiseki cuisine at Giro Giro Hitoshina, blending traditional Kyoto ingredients with creative presentation. Reservations advised.
JPY9000, 1h30m
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