5-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Heart

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Kyoto breakfast and excellent coffee at Inoda Coffee, a historic café loved by locals for over 70 years.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance as the residence of shoguns.
JPY1000, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk to Kyoto Imperial Palace

Take a short walk to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a peaceful park area with beautifully maintained grounds and rich imperial history.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Restaurant

Enjoy handmade udon noodles and traditional Kyoto side dishes at Omen, a highly rated local restaurant open from 11am to 3pm.
JPY1800, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum

Delve into Japan’s manga culture with an extensive collection displayed in this unique museum located in central Kyoto.
JPY800, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll through Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, famed for its fresh local produce, street food, and artisan goods.
Free entry (food prices vary), 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kyoto cuisine with seasonal ingredients in the historic Gion district, open until 9pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Eastern Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Fuel up with specialty coffee and light pastries at this modern café known for high-quality beans, open from 7am.
JPY800, 45m

8:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto, open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 2h

11:00am

Walk the historic Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets

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

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Savor traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) in a serene setting close to Kiyomizu-dera, open for lunch until 2pm.
JPY3500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Gion District

Discover Kyoto’s famous geisha district, wander its historic streets and possibly spot a geisha or maiko, best experienced in afternoon light.
Free, 1h30m

3:45pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Visit this vibrant Shinto shrine at the intersection of Gion and Higashiyama, noted for its yearly festivals where cultural heritage thrives.
Free, 45m

5:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Enjoy a peaceful stroll or a short rest at Maruyama Park, famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, open all day.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Experience exquisite kaiseki cuisine in an intimate setting at Gion Nanba, reservations recommended, open until 9pm.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 3: Arashiyama Nature

Kyoto, Japan on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Coffee

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries with views of the Katsura River, a perfect start for a day in Arashiyama, open from 7am.
JPY1000, 45m

8:30am

Visit Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds, open all day.
Free, 1h

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this beautiful Zen temple with stunning gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll along the Katsura River

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Katsura River and the nearby Togetsukyo Bridge, a photographic highlight of Arashiyama.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Dine on exquisite Buddhist vegetarian cuisine inside Tenryu-ji Temple grounds, open for lunch 11:30am to 2pm.
JPY4000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike up to the monkey park to observe wild Japanese macaques and enjoy great views over Kyoto, open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

4:00pm

River Boat Ride (Optional)

Relax with a scenic boat ride on the Hozugawa River, weather permitting, typically available until late afternoon.
JPY3500, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with a view of the Togetsukyo Bridge and river, open until 8pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 4: Northern Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

A cozy spot with great coffee and breakfast items close to the northern temple area, opens at 8am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Tour the iconic Golden Pavilion and its stunning gardens, a must-see in Kyoto, open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Visit this famous Zen rock garden temple nearby, for a serene and contemplative experience, open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ryoanji Shoyu Dining Sukeroku

Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes made with local ingredients, located near Ryoan-ji, open until 2pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Daitoku-ji Temple Complex

Explore multiple sub-temples with beautiful gardens and less crowded atmosphere, open 9am-4pm.
JPY500 (some temples charge), 2h

4:30pm

Visit Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Relax in Japan’s oldest botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plants, open 9am-5pm.
JPY200, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kitcho Arashiyama (Reservation Required)

Experience world-class kaiseki cuisine at Kitcho, one of Kyoto's top restaurants, open until 9pm.
JPY30000+, 2h
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Day 5: Southern Shrines & Departure

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bread, Espresso &

Start your day with artisanal bread and excellent coffee in the southern Kyoto area, opens at 8am.
JPY1000, 45m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates trail at Fushimi Inari, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Walk to Tofuku-ji Temple

Visit this renowned temple known for its Zen gardens and autumn foliage, open 9am-4pm.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tofu Cuisine at Junsei

Enjoy traditional tofu dishes, a specialty of Kyoto, at a local favorite open until 2pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Hotel & Pack

Spend the afternoon relaxing at your accommodation and preparing for departure.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Head to Kyoto Station for Departure

Make your way to Kyoto Station to catch your onward train or transport with plenty of time.
Depends on transport, 1h
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