3-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Kyoto East

Kyoto, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Kyoto-style coffee and light breakfast at this beloved local cafe, open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, offering stunning city views. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of local street foods like yuba, pickled vegetables, and fresh seafood at the lively Nishiki Market, generally open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll through Gion District

Walk the historic streets of Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, admiring traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spotting a geisha or maiko. Open all day; best experienced in afternoon and evening.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Visit this important Shinto shrine at the edge of Gion, known for vibrant festivals and beautiful architecture. Open 24 hours though shrine buildings close by evening.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the many traditional restaurants lining this narrow alley along the Kamo River, featuring local Kyoto cuisine. Most restaurants open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY3000-6000, 2h
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Day 2: Arashiyama and Nature

Kyoto, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy freshly brewed specialty coffee with a light breakfast in this stylish cafe located near the bamboo grove. Opens 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest short before the crowds gather. Open 24 hours (best early morning or late afternoon).
Free, 1h

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage temple renowned for its landscaped gardens and serene atmosphere. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:15am

Boat ride on Katsura River

Relax on a traditional boat cruise through picturesque river surroundings, a memorable way to see Arashiyama. Tours operate approximately 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy refined tofu cuisine in a tranquil setting overlooking the river; a specialty experience in Arashiyama. Open noon to 2:30pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up a wooded hill to observe wild macaques with panoramic views of Kyoto city. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to city center and rest

Travel back to central Kyoto to relax before dinner.
Included in transportation, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Savor kaiseki-style dining with seasonal local ingredients in elegant traditional surroundings. Open for dinner 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 3: Northern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal in this cozy cafe with a bookshop theme, open from 8:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire Kyoto’s famous golden temple shimmering over its pond. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

10:30am

Ryoan-ji Temple

See the renowned rock garden symbolizing Zen philosophy. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy traditional udon noodles in peaceful surroundings near Kodai-ji Temple. Open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Kodai-ji Temple and Garden

Explore beautiful temple grounds with historic tea houses and gardens. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

3:30pm

Philosopher’s Path walk

Take a scenic walk along this cherry-tree lined canal trail dotted with temples and tea houses. Accessible anytime free of charge.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Tea at Nanzen-ji Temple’s tea house

Relax with traditional matcha tea in a historic setting at or near Nanzen-ji, open generally until sunset.
JPY600, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Katsukura

Conclude your Kyoto visit with a delicious tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) dinner at this popular chain open until 9:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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