4-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Explore Central Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Start your day at Nishiki Market, tasting local specialties like fresh sushi and matcha sweets in this lively traditional market open from 9am-6pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Gion District

Walk through the historic Gion district, known for its preserved wooden machiya houses and chance to spot geishas. The area is open to explore at any time.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gion Karyo

Dine on authentic kaiseki cuisine at Gion Karyo, offering beautifully presented seasonal dishes in a serene setting. Open 11:30am-2pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the beautiful gardens and historic buildings of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which is open 9am-5pm (closed Mondays).
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll along Kamo River

Enjoy a relaxing evening walk along the scenic Kamo River, a popular local spot for picnics and views of the city at sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience dining at Pontocho Alley’s atmospheric restaurants offering a variety of Japanese dishes from yakitori to tempura, open until 10pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Northern Temples Tour

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee

Enjoy premium coffee and light pastries at Arabica Coffee, a popular spot opening at 7am.
JPY800, 45m

8:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic Golden Pavilion with its stunning gold leaf facade and tranquil pond gardens, open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1h15m

10:00am

Ryoan-ji Temple

See the famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji, a zen masterpiece symbolizing simplicity and meditation. Open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor handmade udon noodles in a calm setting near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Kodai-ji Temple

Explore Kodai-ji’s serene gardens and tea houses, open 9am-5pm.
JPY600, 1h

3:00pm

Philosopher’s Path Walk

Take a peaceful stroll along the Philosopher’s Path lined with cherry trees and temples.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Delight in fine kaiseki dining at Gion Nanba, open nightly from 5pm to 10pm.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 3: Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Arashiyama’s % Arabica

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee with views of the Katsura River, opens at 7am.
JPY900, 45m

8:00am

Sagano Bamboo Forest

Walk through the famous bamboo groves early to avoid crowds and enjoy tranquility.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning gardens, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

11:00am

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Take a traditional Hozugawa River boat ride, available from mid-March to end of November, lasting approximately 2 hours.
JPY4500, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Relish tofu-based cuisine by the river in this peaceful setting, open 11:30am-3pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Climb up to see wild macaques and panoramic views of Kyoto. Open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with river views, open until 9pm.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 4: Eastern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Traditional Japanese-style coffeehouse open from 7am, famous for its rich blends and light breakfast options.
JPY800, 45m

8:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of red torii gates early before the crowds, shrine open 24 hours, main office from 9am-5pm.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this landmark temple with panoramic city views and unique wooden stage. Open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional yudofu (boiled tofu) dishes near Kiyomizu-dera, open 11am-4pm.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets

Stroll through these preserved historical streets filled with shops and tea houses, open all day.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to hotel and depart

Prepare for departure or onward travel after a cultural morning, with options to relax at the hotel.
Varies, Flex
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