3-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Northern Kyoto Sights

Kyoto, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start the day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at the iconic Inoda Coffee near Kyoto Station, open from 7:30am to 7:30pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:45am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple, famous for its gold-leaf covered exterior and tranquil surrounding gardens, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden

Discover the serenity of the Ryoan-ji Temple’s famous rock garden, an exemplary Zen garden symbolizing meditative tranquility, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with views of the Katsura River at Arashiyama Yoshimura, a top local spot open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the renowned Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene and photogenic bamboo forest with no entrance fee.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Tenryu-ji Temple Visit

Visit Tenryu-ji, Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple featuring beautiful gardens, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Relish in Kyoto’s famous burnt miso ramen at Gogyo, open from 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 2: Central Kyoto & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vermillion - Espresso Bar

Kick off the day with expertly crafted espresso and light breakfast near Fushimi Inari, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 1h

9:15am

Nijo Castle

Tour the historic Nijo Castle, famous for its ornate interiors and nightingale floors, open from 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1.5h

11:00am

Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market known as Kyoto’s kitchen, perfect for sampling local foods and buying souvenirs, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Free entry - food costs vary, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Try authentic okonomiyaki-style Japanese savory pancakes in the heart of Nishiki Market, open 11:00am-10:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Gion District stroll

Walk through Gion’s preserved historic streets, appreciating traditional wooden machiya houses and spotting geishas.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Yasaka Shrine visit

Visit Yasaka Shrine, a vibrant and historical Shinto shrine, open 24 hours with free entry.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in an intimate setting that showcases the season’s best ingredients, open from 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at Café Morihiko

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at this cozy café before the day’s excursions, open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY900, 1h

8:45am

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates, open 24 hours and free entrance.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Tofuku-ji Temple

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple, celebrated for its Zen gardens and autumn colors, open from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Sample traditional Inari sushi near Fushimi Inari Shrine, open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Final Shopping in Kyoto Station

Shop for souvenirs and enjoy the shops and eateries inside Kyoto Station before departure.
Varies, 1.5h
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