3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Temples and Markets

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast paired with excellent coffee at this beloved local café open from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Temple famous for its wooden stage and stunning views over Kyoto. Open daily 6:00am - 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Dine on fresh local delicacies while strolling through Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen. Open 9:00am - 6:00pm, choose from a variety of street food stalls.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Stroll Gion District

Walk through the historic Gion district to spot traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly see a geisha. The district is open at all times but shops close around 7:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience refined kaiseki dining featuring seasonal Kyoto ingredients in an intimate setting. Dinner service starts at 6:00pm; reservations recommended.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Bamboo Groves

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy breakfast with a view of the Katsura River featuring Japanese-style sweets and matcha. Open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the mesmerizing bamboo forest early to avoid crowds. Open all day and free to enter.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautiful gardens reflecting the seasons. Open 8:30am - 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy a serene sho-jin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meal inside the Tenryu-ji temple grounds. Open 11:30am - 2:00pm, reservations recommended.
JPY3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat Ride on the Hozu River

Relax on a scenic riverboat trip giving a different perspective of Arashiyama’s natural beauty. Operates 9:00am - 4:00pm, depends on weather.
JPY4100, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tsuruya

Enjoy traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki in a warm, elegant atmosphere. Open from 6:00pm; reservation highly recommended.
JPY9000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Shrines and Street Food

Southern Kyoto, Japan on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Quick Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a light breakfast or Japanese tea at your accommodation to start early for the shrine visit.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Visit Kyoto’s famous shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates. Open 24 hours and free to enter, early morning is best for photos without crowds.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore this historic temple known for superb Zen gardens. Open 9:00am - 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Uji Matcha Café

Enjoy delicious Uji matcha specialty desserts and light meals nearby. Open 10:00am - 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Kyoto Station Area

Check out the modern architecture and shopping malls with plenty of souvenir shops. Open 10:00am - 9:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Izuju Sushi

Savor traditional Kyoto-style sushi in the Pontocho district with a history of over 100 years. Open 11:00am - 9:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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