4-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Kyoto and Nara, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples Tour

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Kyoto-style breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at this beloved café, open from 7am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountain, a must-see spiritual site with free entry open all day.
JPY0, 2h0m

11:15am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with panoramic city views and beautiful wooden stage. Open 6am-6pm, admission fee applies.
JPY400, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy hand-made udon noodles and seasonal vegetables in a serene setting near Kodai-ji Temple. Open 11:30am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h15m

2:00pm

Gion District Walk

Stroll through Kyoto's historic geisha district with charming streets and traditional wooden machiya houses, perfect for photography and people watching.
JPY0, 1h30m

3:45pm

Yasaka Shrine

Visit this vibrant Shinto shrine open year-round, known for festivals and proximity to Gion, offering a peaceful break after your walk.
JPY0, 45m

5:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at a riverside traditional Japanese restaurant featuring kaiseki cuisine or yakitori, with many open till late evening.
JPY3000-6000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Gardens and Castles

Kyoto, Japan on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Fuel your morning with specialty coffee and light pastries at this popular coffee shop open from 7am.
JPY800, 45m

8:30am

Nijo Castle

Tour this historic castle and its beautiful gardens, known for its nightingale floors and impressive architecture. Open 8:45am-5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

10:30am

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Walk the spacious park grounds that surround the Imperial Palace, a calming urban green space open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Katsukura Sanjo

Savor excellent tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) with fresh cabbage and rice, a local favorite open 11am-9pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ryoan-ji Temple

Admire the world-famous zen rock garden, peaceful surroundings, and beautiful pond gardens. Open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning gold-leaf covered pavilion set in a beautiful garden landscape, open 9am-5pm, a quintessential Kyoto sight.
JPY400, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Izusen

Enjoy refined Buddhist vegetarian (shojin ryori) cuisine located near Nanzen-ji temple, open till around 6pm, reserve ahead if possible.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nara by Train

Catch the JR or Kintetsu train from Kyoto station to Nara, about 45 minutes travel time. Trains run early and often.
JPY800, 45m

8:00am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try freshly made yomogi mochi at this famous mochi shop open early in Nara.
JPY400, 30m

8:45am

Todai-ji Temple

Visit one of Japan’s largest wooden buildings housing the giant Great Buddha statue, open 7:30am-5:30pm, admission fee applies.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:30am

Nara Deer Park

Stroll through the expansive park famous for its friendly bowing deer, free to enter and open all day.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Delight in fresh tuna dishes and sushi, open 11:30am-2pm, located near Kintetsu Nara Station.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this beautiful shrine famous for thousands of lanterns, open 6am-6pm, admission fee required for inner area (approx 500 JPY).
JPY500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Isui-en Garden

Relax in this serene garden with tea house and lovely pond, open 9am-5pm, admission fee applies.
JPY900, 1h0m

4:15pm

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto; trains run until late evening.
JPY800, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Musashi Sushi

Enjoy a fun kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi experience in central Kyoto, open until late evening.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Southern Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Start your day with premium coffee and pastries in the scenic Arashiyama area, opens at 8am.
JPY800, 45m

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest, a magical and peaceful experience open all day with free entry.
JPY0, 1h0m

10:15am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this major Zen temple with beautiful gardens representing traditional Japanese landscaping, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h15m

11:45am

Lunch at Shoraian

Dine on exquisite tofu kaiseki cuisine overlooking the river, reservation recommended, open 11:30am-3pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m

1:30pm

Sagano Scenic Railway

Take the nostalgic train ride through mountains and rivers, offering beautiful natural views, operates from 9am-4:30pm.
JPY620, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ninna-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with lovely gardens and ancient pagoda, open 9am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Enjoy home-style Kyoto dishes and local sake in Gion, open until 10pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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