3-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Landmarks

Kyoto, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style coffee and breakfast sandwich at this iconic Kyoto cafe, open from 7am to 7pm.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizudera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto. Open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample fresh street food such as grilled seafood, tamagoyaki, and matcha sweets at Kyoto’s famous market, open 9am to 6pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll this historic geisha district along the Shirakawa Canal and enjoy spotting traditional wooden machiya houses. Best explored during daylight hours.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Experience this lively Shinto shrine that marks the beginning of Gion. The shrine is open all day, with no entrance fee.
Free, 0h45m

5:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Kyoto’s oldest park, a perfect spot for early evening relaxation and people watching.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on Kyoto specialties like kaiseki and tofu dishes in an authentic setting. Reservations recommended; open until 10pm.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature and Temples

Arashiyama and Western Kyoto, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Coffee Arashiyama

Fuel up with expertly brewed coffee and light pastries at this stylish coffee shop, open from 8am to 6pm.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and experience its tranquil beauty.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple and its beautiful gardens, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Buddhist shojin ryori meal inside Tenryu-ji Temple grounds. Open 11:30am to 2pm, reservation recommended.
JPY3500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Sagano Scenic Railway

Take a leisurely train ride through picturesque mountain landscapes; runs from 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY620, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Stroll beautiful gardens and enjoy stunning Kyoto views at this former samurai estate, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savor exquisite soba noodles with a view of the river in this renowned restaurant, open until 8pm.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Fushimi and Culture

Southern Kyoto, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vegan Café Mamezen

Start with a healthy plant-based breakfast featuring Japanese flavors, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore iconic torii gate pathways at this famous Shinto shrine, accessible 24 hours with no entrance fee.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ganko Sushi Fushimi Inari

Enjoy fresh sushi near the shrine in a popular, lively restaurant open 11am to 9pm.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Sake District

Take a tour of historic sake breweries and sample local brews. Many breweries offer tours from 9am to 5pm with no or small fees.
JPY0-1000 depending on tasting, 2h

4:00pm

Walk along Uji River

Relax with a gentle walk beside the scenic river, enjoying peaceful nature and serene views, free access.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Izakaya Toyo

Finish your trip with a local-style eatery offering grilled dishes and sake in a lively atmosphere, open until 10pm.
JPY3500, 2h
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