5-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Arashiyama Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Start your day with expertly brewed coffee and delicious pastries in this scenic coffee shop located in Arashiyama, known for its quality and ambiance.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:15am

Visit Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting Bamboo Grove early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and avoid the crowds.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple with its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
JPY500, 1h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian Buddhist meal (Shojin Ryori) in the serene location of Tenryu-ji's temple grounds.
JPY3500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Experience a tranquil boat ride along the Katsura River to see stunning natural vistas of Arashiyama.
JPY1800, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike up to the monkey park where wild macaques roam freely and enjoy panoramic views over Kyoto.
JPY550, 1h15m

6:30pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor Kyoto’s famous yudofu, a tofu hot pot dish, perfect for a relaxing evening meal near the Arashiyama area.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Downtown and Gion

Kyoto, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Main Branch

Enjoy a classic Kyoto-style breakfast including coffee and toast at this historic cafe downtown.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen, to sample fresh local food and shop for traditional crafts.
Free entry; food purchases vary, 1h30m

11:15am

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the historic Kyoto Imperial Palace and surrounding gardens for a cultural insight into Japan’s aristocracy.
Free (guided tours may require reservation), 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Gion

Enjoy handmade udon noodles with seasonal vegetables in a cozy traditional setting in Gion district.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll through the historic streets of Gion, famous for traditional teahouses and possible Geisha sightings.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Yasaka Shrine

Visit Yasaka Shrine, notable for its vibrant architecture and role in local festivals.
Free, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in a traditional Gion atmosphere for a memorable meal.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Higashiyama Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start your day with premium coffee and light pastries overlooking the scenic streets of Higashiyama.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:45am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic temple famous for its wooden terrace with panoramic views over Kyoto; opens early to avoid crowds.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:30am

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Walk

Meander through these preserved traditional streets lined with shops selling crafts and sweets.
Free, 1h0m

11:45am

Lunch at Kyo Suetomi

Enjoy refined kaiseki dishes featuring seasonal Kyoto ingredients in this historic eatery.
JPY4500, 1h30m

1:30pm

Chion-in Temple

Explore the sprawling grounds with impressive gates and Buddhist art at this major temple in Kyoto.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Maruyama Park

Relax in Kyoto’s oldest public park, a lovely spot for cherry blossoms and peaceful strolls.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Hyotei

Experience a Michelin-starred kaiseki dinner, perfect to savor traditional Kyoto flavors with impeccable service.
JPY12000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Fushimi & Tofukuji

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at VoiVoi Fushimi

Start with freshly baked breads and good coffee at this popular bakery in the Fushimi area.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:15am

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the endless torii gates path climbing Inari mountain; early visit helps avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Tofuku-ji Temple

Visit this Zen temple famous for its beautiful gardens and the historic Tsutenkyo Bridge.
JPY400, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum Cafe

Taste local sake and enjoy lunch while learning about sake production in the Fushimi district.
JPY1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Fushimi Sake District

Tour sake breweries and try sake tastings in this historic brewing area.
Free tours; tastings cost vary, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Torito Fushimi

Enjoy yakitori and local delicacies in a lively traditional izakaya atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Nijo & Imperial Palace

Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Have a Japanese-style breakfast with matcha tea and light dishes in a stylish cafe setting near Nijo Castle.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:45am

Nijo Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring impressive castle architecture and beautiful gardens.
JPY1000, 1h30m

11:30am

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park Walk

Enjoy a casual stroll through the parkgrounds surrounding the Imperial Palace, great for photos and fresh air.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okaru

Try Kyoto-style okonomiyaki at this beloved local spot known for savory pancakes and casual ambiance.
JPY1300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Imperial Palace Tour

Take an official guided tour inside the Kyoto Imperial Palace (advance reservation recommended).
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Unwind amidst diverse plant collections and tranquil natural spaces in these extensive gardens.
JPY200, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

End your tour with contemporary Kyoto kaiseki, featuring creative dishes in a chic setting.
JPY7000, 2h0m
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