5-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Central Kyoto exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day at Inoda Coffee, a classic Kyoto coffee shop known for its rich coffee and traditional breakfast sets, open from 7:00am to 9:30pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Walk through Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, famously called "Kyoto's Kitchen," featuring local foods and crafts, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Visit this historic Shinto shrine to enjoy traditional architecture and serene atmosphere, open from 6:00am to 9:00pm.
Free entry, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gion Kappa

Enjoy authentic Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine at Gion Kappa, open from 11:30am to 2:00pm for lunch.
JPY3500, 1h15m

1:30pm

Stroll through Gion district

Walk through the historic streets of Gion, famous for traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spotting geisha.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kennin-ji Temple

Discover one of Kyoto’s oldest Zen temples with beautiful gardens and art, open from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Unwind at this scenic park adjacent to Yasaka Shrine, perfect for people-watching and nature.
Free, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the many traditional restaurants in the atmospheric alley known for Kyoto cuisine, many open until 10:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Arashiyama and western Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at this popular café near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 45m

8:30am

Bamboo Grove walk

Experience walking through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early morning before crowds arrive; open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

9:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning gardens and serene pond views, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h15m

11:15am

Walk the Togetsukyo Bridge

Enjoy river views and mountain landscapes from this iconic wooden bridge in Arashiyama.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Savor traditional Buddhist vegetarian shojin ryori cuisine inside Tenryu-ji’s temple grounds, lunch hours from 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

See wild macaques and panoramic Kyoto views; park open from 9:00am to 4:00pm, last admission 3:30pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

3:15pm

Explore Okochi Sanso Villa

Tour this beautiful villa and gardens with excellent views, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

5:00pm

Return to central Kyoto

Travel back to central Kyoto to rest and prepare for dinner.
Transportation costs approx. JPY500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Enjoy innovative modern kaiseki cuisine in a lively setting, open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Eastern Kyoto temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Tokyu

Start with Japanese tea and light breakfast items at this modern tea café, open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this renowned UNESCO World Heritage temple with great views over Kyoto, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:45am

Walk Higashiyama Historic District

Stroll through preserved streets with shops, traditional buildings, and teahouses.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy yudofu (tofu hot pot), a Kyoto specialty, at this longstanding restaurant near Kiyomizu-dera, open 11:00am-3:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple

Known for zen gardens and bamboo groves, Kodai-ji is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Nanzen-ji Temple

Visit large temple complex with impressive gate and gardens, open 8:40am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at Philosopher's Path

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the canal lined with cherry trees; always open.
Free, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Dine at this Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant offering elegant Kyoto cuisine, open for dinner service from 6:00pm.
JPY15000, 2h
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Day 4: Northern Kyoto temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cecile Café

Enjoy French-style breakfast pastries and coffee at this cozy café, open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

8:45am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the iconic gilded temple with stunning gardens, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

10:00am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Famous for its rock garden, Ryoan-ji offers a meditative experience, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

11:15am

Lunch at Shoraian

Taste delicate tofu-based dishes with a view over the nearby river, open 11:00am to 3:00pm for lunch.
JPY4000, 1h15m

12:45pm

Visit Daitoku-ji Temple complex

Explore several sub-temples noted for Zen gardens, visit hours 9:00am to 5:00pm; admission fees vary.
JPY500 for main temples, 2h

3:00pm

Explore Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Popular shrine dedicated to the deity of scholarship, open 5:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Take some rest before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hyotei

Experience a multi-century tradition with Kyoto kaiseki cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant, reservations recommended, open 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
JPY12000, 2h
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Day 5: Shopping and Departure

Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station Isetan Food Hall

Choose from a variety of Japanese breakfast items and pastries inside Kyoto Station's food court, open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 45m

9:30am

Shopping at Porta Underground Mall

Browse shops and boutiques in this popular underground mall connected to Kyoto Station, open generally 10:00am to 9:00pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Kyoto Tower

Get panoramic views over Kyoto from the observation deck, open from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY770, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kyoto Ramen Koji

Try a variety of regional ramen styles at this ramen street on the 10th floor of Kyoto Station, open 11:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at hotel or prepare for departure

Use remaining time to relax or finish packing before your onward travel.
Free, Variable
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