3-Day Cultural and Scenic Adventure in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic City Center

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with excellent coffee at Inoda Coffee, a classic Kyoto cafe. It opens at 7:00am, perfect for starting your day.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wooden stage and scenic views of the city. It’s open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll the preserved streets with traditional shops and craft stores, experiencing old Kyoto’s charm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy handmade udon noodles and seasonal vegetables in a cozy setting near Kodai-ji Temple. Opens from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Gion District

Explore the famous geisha district with traditional teahouses and the chance to spot geishas in the early evening.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Reservation recommended; open until 9:00pm.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 2: Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Grab specialty coffee and light pastries at this popular cafe with excellent views. Opens at 8:00am, so get there right at opening.
JPY800, 1h

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates at this famous Shinto shrine, open 24 hours, free entry.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Tofukuji Temple

Enjoy one of Kyoto’s loveliest Zen gardens and tranquil temple grounds. Open 9:00am-4:30pm, entrance JPY400.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tsujiri Gion

Savor matcha-based sweets and light meals, a perfect Kyoto delicacy stop near Gion, open 11:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the world-famous golden temple with beautiful surrounding gardens. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm, entry fee JPY400.
JPY400, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Ryoanji Temple

See the world-famous Zen rock garden, a short walk from Kinkaku-ji. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm, entrance JPY500.
JPY500, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Traditional tofu specialty restaurant near Arashiyama, offering a serene dining experience. Open until 8:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Nature and Scenic Beauty

Kyoto, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Enjoy premium coffee in a picturesque setting by the river, opens at 8:00am.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the surreal beauty of the towering bamboo forest early to avoid crowds. Open 24 hours, free entry.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

Explore the UNESCO gardens and temple grounds, open 8:30am to 5:30pm, entrance fee JPY500.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu Temple Restaurant

Experience Buddhist vegetarian shojin ryori cuisine inside Tenryu-ji Temple grounds. Open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike and observe wild monkeys with panoramic views of Kyoto city, park open from 9:00am to 4:00pm, entrance JPY550.
JPY550, 2h

5:00pm

Return to central Kyoto and dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a variety of traditional and modern dining options along this famous narrow alley, open until late.
Varies, 2h
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