4-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and rich coffee at Inoda Coffee, a historic cafe open from 7am to 8pm, known for its classic Kyoto atmosphere.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautiful gardens and impressive feudal architecture, open daily from 8:45am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Katsukura Sanjo

Enjoy authentic Japanese tonkatsu with perfectly crispy breaded pork cutlets at Katsukura Sanjo, open from 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds and gardens, offering insight into Japan’s imperial history, open 9am to 5pm with free admission but requires reservation.
JPY0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through Nishiki Market

Experience Kyoto’s famous food market, tasting local specialties and browsing crafts along this vibrant shopping street, open till about 6pm.
Free to browse, pay for food, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine on kaiseki cuisine in the famous Gion district, enjoying beautifully presented traditional Japanese dishes in an elegant setting, reservation recommended. Open from 5pm to 10pm.
JPY7000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Eastern Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at this stylish coffee shop, open 8am to 5pm, perfect for fueling your day.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, renowned for its wooden stage offering stunning views over the city, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:00am

Walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka

Stroll these charming traditional streets lined with shops, teahouses, and local artisan stores, open year-round.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Try traditional tofu-based cuisine in a historic setting near Kiyomizu-dera, open from 11:30am to 3pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Gion District

Explore Gion’s streets and spot geisha and maiko, from afternoon until dusk, with lots of photo opportunities.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Visit the lively Yasaka Shrine, open 24 hours, an important Shinto shrine in the heart of Gion.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Savor refined kaiseki dishes showcasing seasonal Kyoto ingredients, reservation needed; open till 9:30pm.
JPY9000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Nature and Bamboo Groves

Kyoto, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Veg Out

Enjoy a health-focused breakfast with fresh juices and vegetarian options along the Kamogawa river, open 8am to 7pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo forest early to avoid crowds; open 24 hours, best early morning.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this beautiful Zen temple and its stunning mountain views and garden, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Saga Tofu Ine

Feast on traditional tofu dishes unique to the Arashiyama area, open 11am to 4pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Togetsukyo Bridge and Riverside Walk

Enjoy scenic walks alongside the river and iconic bridge, perfect for relaxation and photography.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to see wild macaques and panoramic views of Kyoto from the park, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Shoraian

Experience exquisite tofu-kaiseki dining right by the river, requiring reservation; open till 8:30pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Southern Shrines & Departure

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Grab a quality coffee and pastry at the famous Arabica location before starting your final day, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands-of-torii-gates trail at Fushimi Inari Shrine, open 24 hours and free entry.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Discover one of Kyoto’s most famous Zen temples with beautiful gardens and historic architecture, open 9am to 4pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fushimi Sake District

Enjoy lunch and sake tasting in the historical Fushimi district, many breweries and eateries open around 11am to 5pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m

2:30pm

Return to accommodation and prepare for departure

Head back to your hotel or accommodation to collect luggage and check out before traveling onwards.
Free, 1h0m
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