3-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic City Center

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with traditional Japanese-style coffee and a light breakfast at this historic café, open from 7:00am to 9:30pm. It’s a great place to enjoy a calm morning.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion, a serene Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The surrounding gardens offer beautiful photo opportunities.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll through Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Visit the famous Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, known for its minimalist layout and reflective ambiance. It opens from 8:00am to 5:00pm, perfect for a contemplative walk after the pavilion.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of fresh and traditional Kyoto street foods at the Nishiki Market, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Try specialties like yuba (tofu skin) and fresh seafood.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Discover the historic Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site open from 8:45am to 5:00pm. Admire the ornate interiors and the famous ‘nightingale floors’ designed to chirp when walked upon.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Gion District

Wander the traditional streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Enjoy the preserved architecture and maybe catch a glimpse of a geisha in the early evening.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine on fresh seasonal kaiseki cuisine in an elegant setting at Gion Karyo, open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Reservations are recommended for this authentic experience.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries from this popular café, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm, to kick off your day in the Arashiyama area.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous and serene bamboo groves early to avoid crowds. Open 24 hours, it’s an iconic photo spot and a peaceful nature walk.
Free, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour the beautiful Zen temple and its landscaped gardens, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a highlight of the Arashiyama district.
JPY500, 1h15m

11:00am

Boat Ride on the Hozu River

Enjoy a scenic riverboat ride through the picturesque Hozu Gorge. Operates from 9:30am to 3:00pm seasonally; check availability in advance.
JPY3700, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (in Tenryu-ji)

Try exquisite shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Shigetsu, open from 11:30am to 2:00pm. The meal is a tranquil experience reflecting Buddhist traditions.
JPY4000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore the beautiful gardens and villa of this former samurai actor, open 9:00am to 5:00pm. Enjoy panoramic views over Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to city center and relax

Take some time at leisure in your accommodation or nearby café to rest before dinner.
Variable, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yakiniku Hiro

Experience premium Japanese BBQ with a variety of meats grilled at your table. Open from 5:00pm to 11:00pm, it’s a lively place for dinner in central Kyoto.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto Sites

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee

Enjoy a hearty Japanese-style breakfast at this popular chain, offering pastries and coffee, between 7:00am and 10:00am.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of orange torii gates at this iconic Shinto shrine. Open 24 hours and free entrance makes it ideal for a morning hike.
Free, 2h0m

10:30am

Tour the Fushimi Sake District

Discover sake breweries offering tastings and tours along historic streets. Many breweries open from 10:00am to 5:00pm; sample Kyoto’s famous drink.
Free to enter; tastings vary, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum Café

Enjoy lunch and sake-themed cuisine at the café inside the Sake Museum, open from 10:00am to 4:30pm. Learn about sake brewing while eating.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore the large temple complex renowned for its Zen gardens and autumn colors, open from 9:00am to 4:00pm. It’s a peaceful retreat in southern Kyoto.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to city center - souvenir shopping

Visit local shops or department stores for last-minute souvenirs and gifts before departure.
Free to browse, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Issian Pontocho

Conclude your Kyoto visit with yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at this traditional spot in the lively Pontocho area, open until 11:00pm.
JPY3500, 2h0m
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