3-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples Tour

Kyoto, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast or hearty coffee and pastries at Inoda Coffee, a beloved local cafe open from 7am to 7pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning golden temple and serene gardens of Kinkaku-ji, one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, open daily from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk to Ryoan-ji Temple

Explore the famous Zen rock garden and peaceful grounds at Ryoan-ji, a short walk from Kinkaku-ji, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy traditional Kyoto-style udon noodles in a cozy atmosphere near Kodai-ji Temple, open from 11:30am to 3pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple

Stroll through beautiful Japanese gardens and historic buildings of Kodai-ji, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk around Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, and enjoy the traditional wooden machiya houses and shops.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Indulge in kaiseki dining at Gion Nanba, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite multi-course meals, open 5:30pm to 10pm.
JPY15000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at Arabica's scenic location overlooking the river, open from 8am to 6pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic towering bamboo forest, a must-see natural attraction that is open 24/7 and free to enter.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens and historical significance, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Dine on exquisite shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, inside the Tenryu-ji grounds, open from 11:30am to 2pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to see wild Japanese macaques with panoramic views of Kyoto, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll Katsura River and Take Scenic Boat Ride

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along Katsura River to take in nature and surrounding temple views, rides available until 4:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor a hot pot tofu meal in a traditional setting near Tenryu-ji, open 11am to 7pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Gardens and Markets

Kyoto, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start your day with some of the best coffee blends in a minimalist setting, open 7am to 6pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this famous UNESCO World Heritage temple with panoramic city views, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:30am

Walk Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets

Stroll charming preserved streets full of shops and historic architecture.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Nishiki Market

Experience Kyoto’s famous market with a variety of street foods and local crafts, open 9am to 6pm.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market Food Stalls

Sample diverse Kyoto specialties such as yuba, pickles, and fresh seafood from the market stalls.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Relax and wander the expansive and tranquil gardens surrounding the former imperial residence, open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Enjoy exquisite afternoon tea with river views as you relax before your departure, open until 6pm.
JPY5500, 1h0m
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