3-Day Cultural and Scenic Adventure in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Temples & Tradition

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Kyoto-style breakfast and freshly brewed drip coffee at this historic café, open from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

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

11:15am

Explore Ryoan-ji Temple

Visit the renowned rock garden and peaceful grounds of Ryoan-ji, famous for its minimalist Zen garden, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Enjoy savory Kyoto-style okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake with various fillings, open for lunch 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll through the historic streets of Gion, known for traditional wooden machiya houses and occasional geisha sightings; open all day with shops typically closing by 6:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Experience kaiseki dining with seasonal Kyoto ingredients in an intimate setting, reservations recommended. Open 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Shrines & Castles

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto

Grab specialty coffee and light pastries from this beloved coffee shop, perfect to energize your day; open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY700, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates climbing the mountain path at this famous Shinto shrine; open 24 hours with no entrance fee.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Enjoy fresh sandwiches and light meals with great coffee near Fushimi Inari; open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Tour Nijo Castle

Discover the historic residence of shoguns with impressive interiors and beautiful gardens, open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Leisure time in Central Kyoto

Explore nearby Nishiki Market for souvenirs and snacks; market is open until 6:00pm.
Varies, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience lively dining in this atmospheric alley bustling with restaurants offering local and international cuisine; many establishments open until 10:00pm or later.
JPY3000-7000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Nature & Walks

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Enjoy traditional Japanese tea and breakfast items made with local ingredients; open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

8:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through towering bamboo stalks to experience this famous natural attraction; accessible 24 hours and free to enter.
Free, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage temple featuring beautiful gardens and classic Zen architecture; open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00am

Boat ride on Katsura River

Relax with a scenic boat ride along the river in Arashiyama, offering idyllic views; boat rides generally operate from 9:00am to 4:00pm with costs around JPY1500.
JPY1500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu at Tenryu-ji

Enjoy shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, inside the Tenryu-ji temple grounds. Open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Philosopher’s Path Walk

Take a relaxing stroll along this picturesque stone path lined with cherry trees and small temples; open all day, free to access.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try the famous burnt miso ramen in a cozy setting, open from 6:00pm to midnight.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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