Three-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic sites & local market

Kyoto, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with traditional Japanese coffee and freshly baked pastries at the nostalgic Inoda Coffee, open from 7am to 9pm.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Explore the majestic Kyoto Imperial Palace, a historic residence of the Japanese imperial family, offering beautiful gardens and architecture. Open 9am to 5pm, no entrance fee.
JPY0, 2h

11:30am

Stroll through Nishiki Market

Discover Kyoto’s vibrant Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto’s Kitchen,' where you can sample fresh seafood, sweets, and traditional snacks. Open 9am to 6pm.
free to browse; food prices vary, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Enjoy okonomiyaki and other local delights at Nishiki Warai, a popular spot inside Nishiki Market, open until 9pm.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring beautiful gardens and impressive castle interiors. Open 8:45am to 5pm, entrance fee applies.
JPY1000, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at a traditional restaurant in Pontocho Alley, famous for its charming narrow streets and authentic Kyoto cuisine. Open till late evening.
JPY3000, 2h

Day 2: Nature & temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast at Arabica, a trendy café near the bamboo grove, open from 7am.
JPY800, 1h

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk peacefully through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an unforgettable natural experience. Best visited early to avoid crowds. Open 24 hours, free entry.
JPY0, 1h

9:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, a Zen temple with stunning gardens and beautiful views. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm, small admission fee.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:00am

Sagano Scenic Railway

Take a scenic train ride through the Hozugawa valley, offering breathtaking views of nature especially during spring and autumn. Runs from 9am to 4:20pm.
JPY620, 25m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Dine on tofu-based dishes at Shoraian, a well-known restaurant near the river famous for its fresh, local tofu. Open 11:30am to 3pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to see wild monkeys in their natural habitat with panoramic views of Kyoto city. Open 9am to 4:30pm, fee applies.
JPY550, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Experience traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot) at this peaceful restaurant, open until 7pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

Day 3: Shrines & cultural district

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start the day with specialty coffee and light fare at the acclaimed % Arabica location in Higashiyama, open from 8am.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Open 24 hours, free entry.
JPY0, 2h

11:30am

Walk through Tofuku-ji Temple grounds

Explore Tofuku-ji Temple known for its stunning gardens and peaceful atmosphere. Open 9am to 4:30pm, entrance fee applies.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Tofuya Ukai

Enjoy upscale tofu cuisine in a beautiful traditional setting, with lunch served until 2pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Gion District

Wander around Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, enjoy traditional teahouses, shops, and historic streets. Best before sunset. Free to walk around.
JPY0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine, a multi-course traditional meal served in an intimate setting. Reservation recommended; open till 9pm.
JPY6000, 2h