Perfect 3-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Central Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Kyoto-style breakfast and aromatic coffee at Inoda Coffee, a beloved local cafe established in 1947.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Nijo Castle Visit

Explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and stunning Edo-period architecture.
JPY1000, 2h

11:45am

Walk to Nishiki Market

Stroll over to Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen, for a vibrant food scene and local crafts.
Free, 15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy fresh sushi or Kyoto specialties like yuba and pickled vegetables from various market stalls.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Visit the nearby Kyoto Imperial Palace Park for a peaceful afternoon stroll through its expansive gardens.
Free, 1h 30m

3:15pm

Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum

Delve into Japan’s manga culture with a visit to this museum offering a vast collection and interactive exhibits.
JPY800, 1h 45m

5:15pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Rest and refresh after a day of cultural immersion.
Free, 1h 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of Pontocho's traditional restaurants, savoring kaiseki (multi-course) cuisine in a historic atmosphere.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 2: Arashiyama Scenic Day

Kyoto, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Sagano-yu Cafe

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel or visit Sagano-yu Cafe near Arashiyama for a cozy start with excellent coffee and light meals.
JPY800, 1h

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the serene and iconic Bamboo Grove early before the crowds arrive, perfect for photography and tranquil walks.
Free, 1h

9:45am

Togetsukyo Bridge and River Walk

Stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge and along the Katsura River for stunning natural scenery.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens, open daily until 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy a shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) meal at Shigetsu, a restaurant within Tenryu-ji Temple grounds.
JPY2500, 1h 30m

2:00pm

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park to see wild Japanese macaques and city views; park closes at 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h 30m

3:45pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore the historic villa and its stunning gardens, open until 5:00pm with impressive views over Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Relax after an active day exploring Arashiyama.
Free, 1h 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Cuisine Kikunoi Honten

Indulge in Kyoto’s haute cuisine at Kikunoi, a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant requiring advance booking.
JPY18000, 2h
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Day 3: Eastern Kyoto and Gion

Kyoto, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee

Start your day with specialty coffee and pastries from Arabica Coffee, a popular Kyoto-based cafe in Higashiyama.
JPY700, 1h

9:00am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, with panoramic city views and historic wooden stage, open starting at 6:00am.
JPY400, 1h 30m

10:45am

Walk the Philosopher’s Path

Take a peaceful stroll along the Philosopher’s Path lined with cherry trees and small temples.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot) at Okutan, a centuries-old restaurant near Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY2000, 1h 15m

1:30pm

Explore Gion District

Discover Kyoto’s famous geisha district, with historic streets, teahouses, and shops; try to spot a geiko or maiko.
Free, 2h

3:45pm

Yasaka Shrine Visit

Visit Yasaka Shrine, an important Shinto shrine known for vibrant festivals and its central location in Gion.
Free, 45m

4:30pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Book a traditional tea ceremony at a local teahouse in Gion to learn about Japanese tea culture.
JPY3000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

End your trip with authentic Kyoto kaiseki in an intimate setting at Gion Nanba, open until 9:30pm.
JPY12000, 2h
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