4-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Northern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with coffee at Inoda Coffee, a historic café popular among locals. Close to northern Kyoto attractions, it's a lovely way to start the day.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite gold leaf exterior and beautiful surrounding gardens.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Tour Ryoan-ji Temple

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its minimalist rock garden offering a serene and contemplative experience.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okakita

Have a traditional Kyoto-style tofu kaiseki lunch at Okakita, located near Ryoan-ji Temple and renowned for its delicate dishes.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk Along Philosopher's Path

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Philosopher's Path, a charming canal-side walk lined with cherry trees and small temples.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kyoto cuisine in Gion, experiencing traditional flavors in an intimate setting.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Central Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start your day with specialty coffee and light pastries at this stylish café located near central Kyoto.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Nishiki Market

Discover Kyoto’s famous market known as 'Kyoto’s Kitchen,' offering fresh produce, street food, and local crafts.
Free entry, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the former residence of the Imperial family showcasing traditional architecture and expansive gardens. Reservations needed for inside tours.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Izuju Sushi

Savor traditional Kyoto-style sushi in a historic spot near Yasaka Shrine.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk Through Gion District

Explore the iconic geisha district with its traditional wooden machiya houses and cultural ambiance.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Attend a Tea Ceremony at Camellia Garden

Experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony offering insight into cultural traditions in a serene setting. Open until 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy dining at one of the many riverside restaurants serving seasonal kaiseki meals in a picturesque narrow alley known for nightlife.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto Shrines

Kyoto, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inari Cafe

Grab breakfast near Fushimi Inari Shrine with options including Japanese pancakes and coffee.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates ascending Mount Inari at this famous Shinto shrine. Opens at 6:00am, no entrance fee.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Explore Tofuku-ji Temple

Admire the Zen gardens and impressive autumn foliage of one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tofukuji Soba Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty bowl of locally made soba noodles close to the temple grounds.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk along the Keihan Railway Line to Uji

Take a scenic train ride south toward Uji, famous for its green tea plantations and Byodo-in Temple.
JPY230, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Byodo-in Temple in Uji

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its iconic Phoenix Hall and beautiful garden, representing classic Heian Period architecture.
JPY600, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Nakamura Tokichi Honten

Dine on exquisite green tea-infused dishes at this renowned tea house in Uji, closing by 7:30pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Western Kyoto Nature

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Start early with specialty coffee at the riverside café in the Arashiyama district.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the enchanting bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and enjoy tranquil natural beauty.
Free, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour this Zen temple with its famous landscaped gardens blending harmoniously with the surrounding forested mountains.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00am

River Boat Ride on Hozugawa

Take a relaxing boat trip along the Hozu River, featuring scenic views of the mountainous countryside. Tours run from morning till late afternoon.
JPY4000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Rakuzen

Enjoy a traditional multi-course lunch featuring seasonal ingredients and local Kyoto flavors.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike to this park where you can observe wild macaque monkeys in their natural habitat with panoramic city views.
JPY550, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto City Center and Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Experience innovative Japanese cuisine in a lively atmosphere for your final dinner. Reservations recommended; closes by 10:30pm.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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