4-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Central Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style breakfast including freshly brewed coffee and fluffy toast at this beloved local café open from 7:30am, perfect to start your day.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore this stunning Zen Buddhist temple famous for its dazzling gold leaf exterior and tranquil surrounding gardens, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk through Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Enjoy the simplicity and profound calm of Japan’s most famous rock garden, a must-see for contemplative visitors.
JPY500, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Relish traditional udon noodles with seasonal vegetables in a cozy setting, open from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Gion District

Stroll through Kyoto’s historic geisha district with its preserved wooden machiya houses and charming teahouses.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Discover this vibrant Shinto shrine known for its festivals and evening illumination, open daily from 6:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Savor exquisite kaiseki dining that emphasizes delicate presentation and seasonal ingredients, reservation recommended. Open from 6:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 2: Arashiyama Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Start your day with excellent specialty coffee and freshly baked pastries, open from 7:00am.
JPY700, 45m

8:30am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Experience the serene and iconic bamboo forest early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy its magical atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple Visit

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple known for its beautiful gardens and mountain views. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h15m

11:15am

Boat Ride on Hozu River

Take a relaxing boat ride along the scenic river to enjoy Kyoto’s natural beauty, available until afternoon.
JPY3500, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, inside the Tenryu-ji temple grounds. Open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore the beautiful gardens and villa of a famous Japanese actor, offering panoramic views of the area. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Dine on soba noodles with views of the river, open until 7:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Southern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Uyama Juice Stand

Fuel up with fresh fruit juices and light pastries, open from 7:30am.
JPY600, 30m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic thousands of red torii gates in this famous Shinto shrine, open 24 hours for early visitors to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Travel to Tofuku-ji Temple

Short transit to another impressive Zen temple known for its spectacular autumn foliage and gardens, open 9:00am-4:00pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tofu Cuisine Restaurant Tofuya Ukai

Enjoy traditional Kyoto tofu dishes in a beautiful garden setting, open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Sanjusangendo Hall

Admire the 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in this remarkable temple open 8:00am-4:30pm.
JPY600, 45m

3:00pm

Explore Kyoto National Museum

Discover exquisite Japanese art and historical artifacts in this well-curated museum, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Relish authentic Kyoto cuisine in a century-old house; dinner by reservation only.
JPY9000, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 4: Northern Kyoto and Departure

Kyoto, Japan on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy a relaxed start with coffee and light breakfast items surrounded by books, open from 8:00am.
JPY900, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples with panoramic city views, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:45am

Shop in Higashiyama District

Browse traditional shops selling crafts, sweets, and souvenirs on the way to the train station.
Free, 1h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of Kyoto’s famous street food and fresh ingredients from the lively market, open till evening.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Head to Kyoto Station for Departure

Prepare for your onward journey with easy access from central Kyoto.
Free, Varies
View Hotels