3-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Eastern Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast and excellent coffee at this iconic Kyoto cafe, open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Temple known for its wooden terrace with panoramic views of Kyoto, open daily 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Yasaka Endo

Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine including tempura in a historic setting near Gion, open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Wander the preserved streets full of traditional shops, teahouses, and galleries, making for a perfect cultural walk.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Gion District

Experience Kyoto’s famous geisha district with historic wooden machiya houses and possibilities of spotting a geisha, open at all times but best explored in daylight.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Savor Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine at this highly recommended local dining spot, open 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 2: Northern Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at this popular café in Arashiyama, open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Discover Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the mesmerizing bamboo forest, a natural iconic Kyoto attraction open 24 hours with no entrance fee.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this Zen temple and its famous garden, a World Heritage Site open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Taste tofu-based dishes with scenic views over the river, open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the stunning golden temple reflecting on the pond, open 9:00am to 5:00pm with last admission at 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Ryoan-ji Temple

Admire the famous rock garden and historic buildings, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Yakiniku Hiro

Enjoy high-quality Japanese BBQ with a local atmosphere, open from 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 3: Central Kyoto Attractions

Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nishiki Warai

Have a casual morning meal near Nishiki Market with Japanese comfort dishes, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Nishiki Market

Explore this vibrant food market known as Kyoto’s kitchen, open 9:00am to 6:00pm but some shops may close earlier.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Discover the historical castle with beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, open 8:45am to 5:00pm with last admission at 4:00pm.
JPY1030, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Relish delicious udon noodles near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

3:30pm

Walk through Maruyama Park and visit Yasaka Shrine

Relax in the tranquil park and visit this famous shrine, open all day with no entrance fee.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Experience creative kaiseki cuisine blending traditional Japanese and modern elements, open 5:30pm to 11:00pm.
JPY7000, 2h
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