3-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples & Downtown

Kyoto, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at Inoda Coffee, a famous Kyoto coffeehouse open from 7:00am to 9:30pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:45am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the forested mountain trails at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an essential spiritual site open 24 hours daily.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample local Kyoto delicacies and street food such as fresh sashimi, pickles, and tofu snacks at Nishiki Market, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:15pm

Walk through historic Higashiyama District

Stroll the preserved streets of Higashiyama, full of charming shops, traditional tea houses, and artisan crafts. No entry fee, open all day.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy Kaiseki-style Kyoto cuisine focusing on seasonal ingredients in a traditional setting, open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 2: Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at this highly rated café, open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:15am

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Tour the Zen temple famous for its beautiful moss gardens and sand gardens, open from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

10:30am

Walk the Philosopher’s Path

Enjoy a peaceful walk along this scenic canal lined with cherry trees, connecting Ginkaku-ji with Nanzen-ji, open all day.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Delight in handmade udon and fresh vegetables while overlooking a traditional garden, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore this large Zen temple complex with its elegant gate and famous aqueduct, open 8:40am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the iconic gold-leaf covered pavilion reflected in the pond, a must-see landmark, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Taste delicious Kyoto home-style cooking in a cozy atmosphere, open 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY4500, 2h
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Day 3: Scenic Arashiyama

Kyoto, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles and green tea with a riverside view, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the magnificent and serene bamboo forest, must-see natural spectacle open all day.
Free, 1h

10:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning gardens and tranquil atmosphere, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Indulge in tofu specialties with a scenic view over the river, open 11:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Take a traditional boat cruise offering beautiful views of the Arashiyama area, operating from 9:00am to sunset.
JPY2500, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Sagano Scenic Railway Station

Explore the picturesque train station area and consider a scenic train ride if time permits, station open all day.
Free to Explore, JPY620 for train ride, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Relish delicious soba and other Japanese dishes with a beautiful sunset view by the river, open until 8:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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