4-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Higashiyama

Kyoto, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Honten

Start your day with a traditional Kyoto-style Japanese breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at Inoda Coffee Honten, a beloved local café open from 7:30am to 7:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Walk Through Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, offering panoramic views over Kyoto, and admire its historic architecture. Open daily from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

11:45am

Browse Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets

Stroll these charming preserved streets lined with shops, traditional teahouses, and artisan crafts, perfect for cultural immersion and souvenir shopping.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy hand-pulled udon noodles in a serene setting near Kodai-ji Temple; an excellent introduction to Kyoto’s regional cuisine. Open 11:30am to 9:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple and Zen Gardens

Discover this tranquil temple famous for its beautiful Zen gardens and tea house rituals, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

4:15pm

Explore Gion District

Walk around the historic Gion district to spot traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly glimpse a geisha. Shops and tea houses generally open till early evening.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Indulge in a kaiseki multi-course meal that highlights seasonal local ingredients in an elegant Gion setting, reservations recommended, open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature and Bamboo Groves

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at this stylish café set in the bamboo grove area, open from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 1h

8:30am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Experience the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early before crowds arrive. The open-air pathway is accessible 24/7 and perfect for peaceful morning strolls.
Free, 1h

9:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage temple known for its stunning garden views of the Arashiyama mountains. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h15m

11:15am

Boat Ride on Hozu River

Take a scenic 16km boat ride along the Hozu River for beautiful natural landscapes. Services operate from mid-April to mid-November between 9:00am and 3:30pm.
JPY4000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) at the temple restaurant Shigetsu, open 11:00am to 3:00pm on weekends.
JPY3500, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Okochi-Sanso Villa

Visit the beautiful gardens and historic villa once home to a famous samurai actor. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Wander along Togetsukyo Bridge

Relax by the scenic bridge and riverside park, an ideal spot to watch sunset and enjoy local street snacks in the area.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Sample Kyoto’s famous yudofu (tofu hot pot) in a quiet traditional setting near Tenryu-ji Temple, open till 8:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 3: Market and Modern Kyoto

Central Kyoto, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Sample fresh Japanese street food such as tamagoyaki and mochi amidst the lively Nishiki Market, which opens from 9:00am but some stalls open earlier.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Nishiki Market

Wander through this bustling market known as Kyoto’s kitchen with over 100 shops selling spices, pickles, seafood, and more.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum

Dive into Japan’s manga culture at this museum open 10:00am to 6:00pm, featuring exhibits and a manga reading room.
JPY800, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Honke Owariya

Dine at Kyoto’s oldest soba noodle restaurant established over 550 years ago, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and historic ninja-themed architecture, open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h45m

4:30pm

Relax at Shosei-en Garden

Enjoy a peaceful stroll in this lesser-known traditional garden, open 9:00am to 5:00pm with free admission.
Free, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Maruyama

Experience Kyoto-style seasonal cuisine in an intimate setting, open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm with advanced reservation advised.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 4: Iconic Shrines and Southern Kyoto

Southern Kyoto, Japan on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at café near Fushimi Inari

Start early with coffee and pastries at a local café before heading to Fushimi Inari Shrine, cafes usually open by 7:00am.
JPY900, 45m

8:15am

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit

Visit the iconic shrine famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates forming hiking trails up Mount Inari, open 24 hours with free admission.
Free, 2h

10:30am

Travel to Tofuku-ji Temple

Short trip to Tofuku-ji, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples known for its autumn colors and impressive bridge views, open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at nearby local restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients at a restaurant close to Tofuku-ji, typically open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Daigo-ji Temple

Explore this sprawling temple complex famous for its five-story pagoda and cultural treasures, open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

3:15pm

Afternoon Tea at a traditional teahouse

Relax and enjoy matcha tea and sweets at a serene teahouse in southern Kyoto, open till late afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Central Kyoto and Dinner

Experience your final dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina, a modern Kyoto kaiseki restaurant with a creative tasting menu, open 6:00pm to 10:30pm, reservation required.
JPY9000, 2h
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