5-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Kyoto Arrival & City Centre

Kyoto, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica

Start your day with artisan coffee and light pastries at this popular café right in Kyoto city centre, open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site with its beautiful gardens and impressive historical architecture, open 8:45am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Honke Owariya

Taste traditional Kyoto soba noodles at this long-established restaurant operating since 1465, open 11am-8pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Take a guided tour of the former emperor’s residence, featuring serene gardens and historic buildings, open 9am-5pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Nishiki Market

Walk through Kyoto’s famous food market, sampling delicacies and purchasing souvenirs, open roughly 9am-6pm.
Varies, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy kaiseki cuisine in the historic Gion district, offering exquisite multi-course traditional meals, open 5:30pm-9pm.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 2: Higashiyama Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Classic Kyoto café serving strong coffee and light breakfast sandwiches, open from 7am.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this historic temple famous for its wooden terrace and panoramic views over Kyoto, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 2h

11:30am

Walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka

Stroll through these preserved traditional streets lined with shops and tea houses, perfect for souvenirs.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen

Delight in udon noodles and fresh vegetables at this popular restaurant near Kiyomizu-dera, open 11am-7pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Yasaka Shrine

Visit this vibrant Shinto shrine known for its festivals and beautiful gardens, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Maruyama Park

Relax in Kyoto’s oldest public park, especially lovely in spring and autumn, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Gion District

Wander the historic geisha district with atmospheric streets and traditional architecture, best around sunset.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Suetomo

Experience refined kaiseki dining with seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting, reservation recommended, open until 9:30pm.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 3: Arashiyama Nature & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Start with excellent coffee and pastries near the river bank, open from 8am.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk early to avoid crowds through this iconic bamboo forest, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple Gardens

Explore these stunning UNESCO site gardens and temple grounds, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

11:30am

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy Buddhist shojin ryori (vegetarian temple cuisine) inside Tenryu-ji, open 11:30am to 2pm (closed Tue/Wed).
JPY3500, 1h

1:00pm

Okochi Sanso Villa

Visit this beautiful villa and gardens offering spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1.5h

3:00pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Relax with a scenic boat ride along the river, booking recommended, operating from 9am to 4pm.
JPY2500, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Arashiyama Town

Browse shops and cafes near the Togetsukyo Bridge for souvenirs and refreshments.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savor soba noodles with views overlooking the river, open 11am-8pm.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Northern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Enjoy Japanese-style breakfast featuring matcha and toast in a stylish setting, open from 8am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit this iconic golden temple shimmering beside its reflecting pond, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Temple

See Japan’s most famous rock garden and peaceful temple grounds, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kohro

Dine on traditional Kyoto cuisine in a tranquil setting close to the temples, open 11:30am-2pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Ninna-ji Temple

Explore this extensive UNESCO World Heritage temple complex and gardens, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

4:00pm

Kokedera (Moss Temple) visit by reservation

If possible, arrange a reservation to visit this unique temple famous for moss gardens, note participation requires advance booking and small fee.
JPY3000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Contemporary kaiseki restaurant blending tradition and innovation, open from 6pm, reservation essential.
JPY9000, 2h
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Day 5: Southern Kyoto & Departure

Kyoto, Japan on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Le Petit Mec

A French bakery café popular for fresh croissants and coffee, open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit the famous shrine with thousands of vermillion torii gates climbing the wooded mountain, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore the serene temple grounds known for its beautiful gardens and bridges, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Enjoy local sushi specialties near Fushimi Inari, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping at Kyoto Station

Browse souvenirs, last-minute gifts and enjoy the architecture of the station complex with cafes and shops.
Free, 1.5h
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