4-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Nature and Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light Japanese-style bakery items in this stylish café known for its prime location in Arashiyama and quality brews.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest, experiencing a serene and photogenic natural setting.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exquisite Zen gardens and historical significance in Kyoto’s religious culture.
JPY500, 1h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy traditional shojin ryori, vegetarian Buddhist temple cuisine, served in a tranquil setting within Tenryu-ji temple grounds.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Okochi Sanso Villa

Tour this beautiful villa and gardens with spectacular views of Kyoto; a peaceful spot to unwind.
JPY1000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Togetsukyo Bridge Walk

Stroll along this famous landmark bridge offering scenic views of the Hozu River and surrounding hills.
Free, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Relish yudofu (boiled tofu) dishes, a local specialty in a serene atmosphere near several temples.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Historic Central Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with classic Japanese-style breakfast sets featuring coffee and toast in this long-established Kyoto café.
JPY900, 1h0m

9:00am

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Visit the extensive gardens and palace grounds, offering a glimpse into Japan’s imperial history.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Nishiki Market

Explore this bustling food market featuring Kyoto specialties, fresh seafood, and street snacks.
Free to browse; snacks ~JPY500-1000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Try okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) in a friendly central Kyoto eatery.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gion District Walking Tour

Stroll through the historic geisha district, spotting traditional machiya houses and possibly seeing a geisha or maiko.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Yasaka Shrine

Visit the iconic shrine lit beautifully in the evening, a place of local cultural importance.
Free, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, in an elegant setting.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Southern Temples and Shrines

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with Western-style pastries and coffee in this popular café in Southern Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Hike through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates along the mountain trails, a must-see Shinto shrine.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Light lunch with coffee and Japanese-Western style dishes near Fushimi Inari station.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore the famous temple grounds known for its Zen gardens and stunning autumn colors, open till 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Sake Tasting at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Learn about sake brewing history and sample a variety of sake in this historic brewery museum.
JPY600, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Izakaya Toyo

Enjoy local grilled dishes and drinks in a lively izakaya atmosphere in Southern Kyoto.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Eastern Serenity

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vermillion

Start with coffee and fresh baked goods at this charming café near Philosopher's Path.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Philosopher's Path Walk

Enjoy a contemplative walk along the cherry tree-lined canal path visiting small temples and shrines along the way.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple

Explore this famous temple known for its autumn foliage and tranquil ponds.
JPY600, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen

Savor Kyoto-style udon noodles with fresh vegetable tempura in a traditional setting.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Heian Shrine

Visit this large Shinto shrine with impressive torii gates and spacious gardens.
Free for grounds, museum ~JPY600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Kyoto National Museum

Discover traditional Japanese art and cultural artifacts in this well-curated museum open till 5pm.
JPY1200, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kikunoi Roan

Indulge in exquisite modern kaiseki cuisine with seasonal ingredients in an intimate setting.
JPY10000, 2h0m
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