3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic City Center

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese coffee and freshly baked pastries at this iconic Kyoto cafe, open from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring beautiful gardens and the historic residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of local delicacies like grilled seafood and takoyaki while browsing through Kyoto’s famous market stalls. Generally open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Take a guided tour of the former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan, with lovely gardens and historic halls. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll around Gion District

Walk through Kyoto’s famous geisha district, admiring traditional architecture and possibly spotting geiko and maiko. Open 24 hours for strolling.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Savor an exquisite kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal ingredients in a traditional setting. Reservations recommended; open 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Culture

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy premium coffee and light snacks at this renowned spot near the Togetsukyo Bridge, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest, a serene and photogenic natural attraction accessible 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage temple known for its beautiful garden and historic architecture. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Experience traditional Kyoto yudofu (boiled tofu) in a quiet setting near temples. Open 11:30am to 4:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat ride on the Hozu River

Take a scenic river boat ride through beautiful forested landscapes. Available from 9:00am to 4:30pm, reservations advised.
JPY4300, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike to see wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat overlooking Kyoto. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Shoraian

Dine on exquisite tofu cuisine in a traditional riverside setting. Reservations needed; open 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
JPY7000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Traditional Kyoto

Southern Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start with a fine coffee and light breakfast near Kiyomizu Temple, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore Kyoto’s iconic temple with panoramic city views; open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

Stroll these preserved historical streets with shops and tea houses, open publicly anytime.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Taste handmade udon noodles in a welcoming traditional restaurant. Open 11:30am to 4:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple

Enjoy tranquil gardens and cultural exhibits at this historic temple. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Experience one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines, open 6:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 0h30m

4:30pm

Tea at Tsujiri Gion

Relax with premium matcha tea and sweets in the heart of Gion. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Suetomo

Enjoy authentic kaiseki cuisine in a traditional Kyoto setting; reservations recommended. Open 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
JPY9000, 2h0m
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