5-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Central Kyoto Introduction

Kyoto, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast set with excellent coffee, a local favorite that has been serving since 1947.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its brilliant architecture and beautiful gardens, offering insight into samurai-era culture.
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of local street foods and fresh seafood at this lively marketplace known as Kyoto's kitchen.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the former residence of Japan’s Imperial Family with beautiful gardens and historically significant architecture, open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walking tour around Pontocho Alley

Stroll through this charming historic alley to experience traditional wooden townhouses and possibly spot geisha in the evening.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy classic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in an elegant setting, highlighting seasonal and local ingredients.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Historic Northern Districts

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Coffee Higashiyama

Kick off your day with artisan coffee and light pastries in a beautifully designed cafe near Kiyomizudera Temple.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizudera Temple

Explore this iconic wooden temple famous for its large veranda and panoramic views of Kyoto, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka

Wander these preserved historic streets with traditional shops and tea houses offering an authentic Kyoto atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor handmade udon noodles served with seasonal vegetables in a serene setting near Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Gion District

Explore the traditional geisha district, visiting Yasaka Shrine and potentially spotting maikos in the historic streets.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to learn about the culture and customs, appointment required, open till 6pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Enjoy exquisite Kyoto-style kaiseki dining with seasonal dishes and refined presentation in a cozy location.
JPY7000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Arashiyama Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast with river views, famous for soba noodles and fresh tempura.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest, an iconic Kyoto experience best visited early morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Discover this famous Zen temple with stunning gardens and mountain views, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (Tenryu-ji)

Enjoy a vegetarian shojin ryori lunch inside the temple premises featuring traditional Buddhist cuisine.
JPY3500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Take a short hike to see wild macaque monkeys with stunning views over Kyoto city, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY550, 2h0m

4:00pm

Boat Ride on Hozu River

Relax on a scenic 90-minute boat trip down the picturesque river through forested ravines, boat rides available till early evening.
JPY4500, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Tempura Ichirin

Savor expertly prepared tempura dishes in a traditional setting near the bamboo grove, reservation recommended.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Southern Kyoto and Fushimi

Kyoto, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Saleya Café

Start your day with French-style pastries and coffee in a relaxed café environment near Fushimi Station.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Tour Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous shrine known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates forming scenic hiking trails, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - cafe.

Enjoy light Japanese meals and sweets right by Fushimi Inari’s entrance, perfect for a midday rest.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Sake District

Tour traditional sake breweries, sample sake, and learn about the brewing process in this historic district.
Free to stroll, tasting fees vary, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore this large Zen temple known for its beautiful gardens and impressive autumn foliage, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kasuga Kyozu

Enjoy authentic local cuisine featuring eel dishes, a Fushimi specialty known for delicate flavor.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Eastern Temples and Departure

Kyoto, Japan on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Delight in breakfast surrounded by books and great ambiance before a day of temple visits.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Philosopher’s Path

Enjoy a peaceful walk along this famous canal-side path lined with cherry trees and small temples.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Tour this elegant Zen temple famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, open 8:30am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan

Taste iconic Kyoto yudofu (tofu hot pot) in a serene temple setting near Nanzen-ji.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Discover one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples with large grounds and historic aqueduct, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Departure preparations / Optional shopping

Return to central Kyoto for some last-minute souvenir shopping or head to the station for your departure.
Varies, 2h0m
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