4-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kyoto, Japan - Temples, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Day 1: City Temples Introduction

Kyoto, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast and coffee at Inoda Coffee, a renowned Kyoto café established in 1947. It's open from 7:00am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple famous for its gold leaf exterior and beautiful surrounding gardens. Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Visit the iconic rock garden of Ryoan-ji, known for its minimalist design and tranquil atmosphere. Opens at 8:00am and closes at 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy delicious udon noodles and seasonal vegetables at Omen Kodai-ji, close to several temples. Open from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Nijo Castle

Explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens and historic architecture. Open from 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine at Gion Karyo, where you can experience kaiseki multi-course meals in a traditional Kyoto setting. Dinner service starts at 5:30pm.
JPY7000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Arashiyama Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Kissa Sakaiki

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with matcha coffee at this cozy café near Arashiyama. Open from 7:00am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo groves early to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Open 24 hours, best early morning visit.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple with its beautiful Sogen Garden. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy peaceful shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) at Shigetsu located within Tenryu-ji Temple grounds. Lunch served 11:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Take a short hike to see wild Japanese macaque monkeys in their natural habitat with views over Kyoto. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

3:30pm

Togetsukyo Bridge walk

Stroll along the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and enjoy riverside views of Arashiyama.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Have dinner overlooking the river with soba and tempura specialties. Open until 8:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Higashiyama District

Kyoto, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast in the heart of Higashiyama. Open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its wooden stage and stunning city views. Open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Streets

Explore these preserved historic streets lined with shops, cafes, and local crafts.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Chion-in

Taste traditional udon noodles at Omen, a local favorite near Chion-in Temple. Open from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Gion District Walk

Take a leisurely walk in Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Yasaka Shrine

Visit Yasaka Shrine, a vibrant Shinto shrine at the edge of Gion, open all day.
Free, 0h45m

5:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose one of many restaurants for an atmospheric dinner in Pontocho Alley, known for traditional cuisine and ambiance.
JPY3000-6000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Fushimi and Southern Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Little Spoon

Start with a hearty breakfast at Little Spoon serving fresh pastries and coffee. Opens at 7:30am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Explore the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk through thousands of red torii gates. Open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Sake Tasting at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Learn about sake brewing history and enjoy tastings at Gekkeikan’s museum. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm, last entry 4:00pm.
JPY300, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M Fushimi

Savor premium wagyu beef yakiniku near the Fushimi area. Open from 11:30am to 2:30pm for lunch.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tofuku-ji Temple

Visit Tofuku-ji, famous for its autumn leaves and traditional gardens. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Departure or final dinner

If time allows, enjoy a casual dinner at Kyoto Station’s eateries before departure.
Varies, 1h0m
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