3-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Northern Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style coffee and light breakfast at this iconic Kyoto café open from 7:00am. Famous for its rich coffee blends and classic atmosphere.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning gold-leaf-covered pavilion set amidst a beautiful garden and reflecting pond, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. A must-see iconic landmark symbolizing Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Ryoan-ji Temple and Rock Garden

Walk through the serene Zen rock garden and historic temple grounds, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm. This contemplative spot offers a glimpse into traditional Zen aesthetics.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy a tofu-focused Kaiseki lunch at Shoraian, located near the scenic Arashiyama area, open for lunch from 11:30am to 3:00pm. The serene river view enhances your meal experience.
JPY3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the famous towering bamboo forest in Arashiyama, accessible 24 hours but best visited mid-afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler light.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site gardens and temple grounds, open until 5:30pm. A perfect peaceful conclusion to your northern Kyoto day.
JPY500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ganko Sushi

Dine on fresh sushi near central Kyoto at Ganko Sushi, known for reasonably priced, high-quality sushi, open until 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Central Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

Enjoy matcha-based drinks and Japanese sweets in a modern cafe setting, open from 9:00am but arrive by 8:50am to secure a seat for an early start of your day.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour this historic castle with beautiful garden grounds and ornate interiors, open from 8:45am to 5:00pm. Learn about Edo-period architecture and history.
JPY1000, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s famous food market filled with local delicacies, snacks, and souvenirs, open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Perfect for sampling Kyoto street food.
Free entry (costs for food vary), 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor hand-made udon noodles and traditional Kyoto-style dishes, open from 11:30am to 3:00pm. A cozy place near the cultural district.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Experience the iconic wooden stage and panoramic views over Kyoto, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm. A UNESCO World Heritage site with rich spirituality and architecture.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk the historic Higashiyama District

Stroll the preserved streets lined with shops, traditional teahouses, and galleries, open most of the day with shops closing around 6:00pm. Ideal for souvenir shopping and scenic walks.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Enjoy Kyoto-style home-cooked meals in this Gion eatery known for its authentic ambiance, open until 9:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto & Fushimi

Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Indulge in specialty coffee and pastries at this famous coffee shop, opening at 8:00am, perfect for starting your day in southern Kyoto.
JPY700, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Explore the thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountain, a spiritual and photographic highlight open 24 hours. Morning visits are quieter and cooler.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Relax with light meals and excellent coffee near Fushimi Inari Shrine, open from 11:00am to 6:00pm, perfect for a midday break.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Experience one of Kyoto’s great Zen temples with beautiful gardens, open from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Famous for its autumn foliage and traditional architecture.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Sake breweries in Fushimi

Tour local sake breweries such as Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Discover the traditional sake brewing process and sample varieties.
JPY500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kura Sushi Fushimi

End your trip on a fun note with conveyor-belt sushi, offering a wide selection of fresh sushi at budget-friendly prices, open till 10:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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