5-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Heart

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with rich Kyoto-style coffee and a light Western-Japanese breakfast at this iconic café operating since 1947. It's a local favourite known for its warm atmosphere.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering spectacular views of Kyoto city and the famous cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.
JPY400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste a variety of traditional street foods in Kyoto’s famous food market. Try local delicacies like yuba, pickles, and matcha sweets among dozens of stalls.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll through Gion District

Walk the historic streets and alleys of Kyoto’s geisha district to experience traditional architecture and maybe spot a geisha or maiko on their way to appointments.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Located at the end of Shijo Avenue, this shrine is vibrant with lanterns and an important spiritual site in Kyoto, great for late afternoon exploration.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki multi-course dinner in an elegant setting, showcasing seasonal Kyoto ingredients and refined culinary skills. Reservation recommended.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature and Tradition

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy expertly brewed specialty coffee with scenic views of the Katsura River to energise your day in nature.
JPY600, 1h

8:45am

Explore Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk through the breathtaking bamboo grove early to avoid crowds, then visit the beautiful Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens.
JPY500, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Partake in a Zen Buddhist vegetarian meal inside Tenryu-ji’s temple grounds, offering a peaceful, mindful dining experience.
JPY3500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Climb the hill to see wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat, enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto below.
JPY550, 1.5h

4:00pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Relax on a scenic boat ride along the river, which offers gentle views of Arashiyama’s lush landscape and historic bridges.
JPY2000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with a view of the river and mountains, a perfect way to end your day in Arashiyama.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Historic Southern Kyoto

Fushimi and Southern Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Start with a cosy breakfast featuring freshly baked goods and artisan coffee in a unique book-themed café.
JPY900, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari, an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Matsuzushi

Enjoy authentic Fushimi-style sushi near the shrine where mastery of rice and flavour shines.
JPY2000, 1h

1:15pm

Tour Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Discover the history and process of sake brewing at one of Kyoto’s oldest sake producers, with tastings available.
JPY500, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore one of Kyoto’s great Zen temples, famed for its gardens and striking autumn colours.
JPY400, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Torito Honten

Savour yakitori grilled over binchotan charcoal in a lively local atmosphere.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 4: Northern Kyoto Exploration

Northern Kyoto and Kurama, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local bakery

Fuel up with fresh pastries and coffee before setting off to rural northern Kyoto.
JPY700, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kurama-dera Temple

Trek and experience the spiritual atmosphere of Kurama Temple nestled in the mountains, famous for its natural beauty and mystical aura.
JPY300, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Kurama Onsen

Enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath followed by a serene lunch featuring local ingredients in a peaceful setting.
JPY3500, 2h

2:00pm

Hike from Kurama to Kibune

Take a scenic mountain trail between the two villages, offering picturesque forest scenery and tranquil stream views.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Kifune Shrine

Explore this unique shrine, dedicated to the god of water, known for its lantern-lit pathway and atmospheric riverside restaurants.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kawakamian

Dine on traditional Kyoto kaiseki with a focus on fresh river fish served alongside seasonal vegetables.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 5: Eastern Kyoto & Departure

Eastern Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Higashiyama

Enjoy excellent specialty coffee paired with pastries in a contemporary space near Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Visit Philosopher’s Path and Nanzen-ji Temple

Walk the famous Philosopher’s Path lined with cherry trees and visit the historic Nanzen-ji Temple, known for its impressive Sanmon gate.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Nanzenji

Sample yudofu, a signature tofu hot pot dish served in a tranquil garden setting near Nanzen-ji Temple.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Heian Shrine

Explore the large shrine complex with its distinctive vermilion gate and beautiful gardens, embodying Heian period architecture.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Souvenir Shopping at Shijo Dori

Spend your last afternoon picking up souvenirs and gifts from Kyoto’s main shopping street before heading to departure.
Varies, 2h
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