3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Shijo Kawaramachi

Start your day with traditional Japanese breakfast including matcha and soba dishes at this cozy local cafe open from 7:30am to 10:30am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage and panoramic city views; open daily from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:45am

Walk Through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets

Stroll these preserved historic streets lined with shops, tea houses, and craft stores to experience old Kyoto ambiance, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy hearty udon noodles in a tranquil setting minutes from Kiyomizu-dera; open 11:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Gion District

Explore Kyoto’s famous geisha district with traditional teahouses and historic architecture, best experienced during daylight.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

End the afternoon strolling through Kyoto's oldest public park featuring a large pond and seasonal gardens; open until 9:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience kaiseki, traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine, in an intimate setting within Gion; dinner service from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Eastern Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Sanjo

Savor classic Japanese-style coffee and pastries at this well-known local coffee shop open from 7:00am to 8:30pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Philosopher’s Path

Enjoy a scenic walk along this cherry blossom-lined canal connecting several beautiful temples, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Nanzen-ji Temple

Discover one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples with stunning gardens and architecture, open 8:40am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Dine on traditional yudofu (tofu) cuisine near Kiyomizu-dera, a peaceful lunch spot open from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple

Visit this temple famous for its autumn colors and beautiful grounds, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Stop by Heian Shrine and Garden

Explore the large torii gate and serene gardens, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Enjoy innovative Kyoto style dishes in a modern atmosphere; open 6:00pm to 10:00pm, reservations recommended.
JPY7000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Nature and History

Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Start early with world-class specialty coffee in a stylish setting near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY700, 1h0m

8:30am

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the breathtaking bamboo forest early when it’s less crowded, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this major Zen temple with beautiful gardens overlooking the forest and mountains, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore Togetsukyo Bridge and Riverside

Relax along the Katsura River and enjoy views of the iconic bridge, an excellent spot for photos and atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (inside Tenryu-ji)

Experience shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, served in a tranquil temple setting; open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Okochi-Sanso Villa

Tour this historic villa and its stunning gardens offering panoramic views of Kyoto and the surrounding hills; open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Central Kyoto and Shopping at Nishiki Market

Stroll this vibrant food market famous for fresh seafood and local specialties, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Conclude your trip with dinner at one of the many riverside restaurants offering traditional Kyoto cuisine; most open until 10:00pm.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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