5-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey through Kyoto and Nara, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples Tour

Kyoto, Japan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at this well-known café established in 1947, loved for its ambiance and consistency.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its wooden stage providing stunning views of Kyoto, and its rich history dating back to 798 AD. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy diverse street food and local delicacies in this vibrant market known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. Try fresh sushi, pickles, and grilled mochi.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll through Gion District

Discover the traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spot geisha or maiko as you walk through Kyoto’s famous historic entertainment district.
Free, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Experience this vibrant Shinto shrine in the heart of Gion, known for its beautiful architecture and evening illumination. Open 24 hours.
Free, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Dine at this cosy restaurant serving traditional Kyoto home-style dishes, ideal for experiencing authentic local flavours in Gion.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 2: Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy a top-quality coffee and light breakfast at this popular specialty coffee shop known for its elegant interior and expertly brewed drinks.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest, a must-see natural landmark offering stunning photo opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

10:15am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage temple famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Experience Buddhist vegetarian cuisine at this serene temple restaurant serving beautifully presented seasonal dishes.
JPY3000, 1h

1:30pm

Sagano Scenic Railway

Take a charming scenic train ride along the Hozugawa River valley, offering views of natural scenery especially beautiful in spring and autumn. Runs 10:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY620, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike to see wild macaques and panoramic views of Kyoto from the mountain park. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY550, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try their famous burnt miso ramen, a local culinary twist that is rich in flavour and deeply satisfying after a day of exploring.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 3: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Kissa Sakaiki

Enjoy a hearty Japanese breakfast and excellent coffee before heading out to Nara. Open from 7:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Nara by train

Take a roughly 45-minute train ride from Kyoto to Nara for your day of historical and cultural exploration.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the impressive Great Buddha statue in this vast and ancient temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

11:00am

Nara Park and Deer Feeding

Walk around the spacious park, interact with friendly freely roaming deer, and enjoy the tranquil gardens and scenery.
Free, deer crackers approx JPY150, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Savour mochi made fresh and pounded in front of customers, a famous Nara specialty known for its chewy texture.
JPY600, 45m

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this historic Shinto shrine noted for its many stone and bronze lanterns, cloaked by enchanting forest paths. Open 6:30am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Kyoto by train

Head back to Kyoto to rest or prepare for your evening activities. Trains run regularly until late evening.
JPY710, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Musashi Sushi

Enjoy fresh and reasonably priced conveyor belt sushi near Kyoto Station, perfect to unwind with a variety of sushi after your day trip.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 4: Castles and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Relax in a quirky cafe surrounded by books, enjoying a western-style breakfast with Japanese influences. Open from 8:00am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its nightingale floors and beautiful gardens, open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Taste traditional udon noodles with seasonal vegetables in a serene temple-neighbourhood setting.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Philosopher's Path

Take a leisurely walk along this scenic canal-side path dotted with cherry trees and access to several small temples and shrines, open 24 hours.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji)

Admire the understated beauty of this Zen temple and its exquisite gardens, open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Izuju Sushi

Enjoy Kyoto-style sushi in a traditional setting located in Gion. Open for dinner until 9:00pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Art and Markets

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Voguebird Coffee Roasters

Start fresh with premium roasted coffee and a light breakfast in this stylish café before exploring local art.
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum

Dive into Japanese pop culture and manga history with interactive exhibits and thousands of manga books, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama

Treat yourself to a luxurious kaiseki meal, featuring seasonal and artfully prepared dishes in a tranquil setting (reservation recommended).
JPY12000, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Kyoto Handicraft Centre

Browse beautiful traditional crafts, from ceramics to textiles, with demonstrations and workshops available. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping at Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Streets

Wander through these vibrant shopping arcades filled with boutiques, street food, and souvenirs to cap off your trip.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Hyotei

Enjoy a refined kaiseki dinner at this historic three-Michelin-starred restaurant that has been serving exquisite cuisine for over 400 years (reservation required).
JPY25000, 2h
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