4-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Kyoto, Japan in Early June

Day 1: Historic Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Kyoto-style breakfast at Inoda Coffee, known for its rich coffee and traditional breakfast sets. Opens at 7:30am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Kinkaku-ji, famous for its gold-leaf covered pavilion set beside a reflective pond. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Visit

Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera, renowned for its wooden stage and panoramic views of Kyoto. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of local foods at Nishiki Market, a bustling street market with many stalls for fresh seafood, street snacks, and traditional delicacies.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Stroll through Gion District

Walk through Gion, the famous geisha district, and enjoy the traditional wooden machiya houses and occasional sightings of geiko and maiko. Open all day.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the atmospheric traditional restaurants in Pontocho Alley, offering authentic kaiseki cuisine in a historical district. Reservations recommended.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature and Bamboo Groves

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at this famed café, ideally located near the bamboo forest entrance. Opens at 7:00am.
JPY1000, 45m

8:30am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Wander through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the towering bamboo stalks. Open all day.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryu-ji with its beautiful gardens and historic temple buildings. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian Tofu Cuisine

Experience refined tofu dishes with a view of the Katsura River at Shoraian, a renowned tofu specialty restaurant. Reservations recommended.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore the banks of Katsura River

Take a relaxed stroll along the scenic Katsura River or rent a boat for a tranquil ride if weather is clear. Boat rental from around 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Climb up to see wild Japanese macaques with the city backdrop. Open from 9:00am to 4:30pm but check closing time during June.
JPY550, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura Soba

Enjoy handmade soba noodles with a view of the river in the peaceful Arashiyama village area. A great way to end your day.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 3: Shrines and Vineyards

Fushimi, Kyoto, Japan on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bakery & Cafe Sawamura

Start with fresh baked goods and coffee from this popular Kyoto bakery known for its European style breads. Opens 7:00am.
JPY1000, 45m

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic torii gate tunnels of Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion gates. Open 24 hours, but best early morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Learn about the tradition and process of sake brewing at this museum with tastings available. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY300, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fushimi Sake Brewery Restaurants

Enjoy lunch paired with local sake in one of the breweries’ restaurant areas, experiencing Kyoto’s famous sake culture.
JPY2500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Discover this temple famous for its spectacular gardens and large wooden structures. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Kyoto Station Building

Explore the architecture and shops of Kyoto Station, including rooftop garden and dining options. Open until around 9:00pm.
Free entry, shopping extra, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Ramen Koji

Try a variety of ramen styles from across Japan under one roof at this ramen street located inside Kyoto Station.
JPY1000-1500, 1h
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Day 4: Northern Temples and Gardens

Northern & Eastern Kyoto, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Have specialty coffee and light breakfast in a stylish setting near popular temples. Opens at 8:00am.
JPY1000, 45m

9:00am

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Tour the elegant Ginkaku-ji and its peaceful gardens, a significant cultural heritage site. Open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:00am

Philosopher’s Path Walk

Walk the scenic Philosopher’s Path lined with cherry trees and small temples, especially pleasant in early June. Open all day.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) near Kiyomizu Temple, serving since 1661. Reservations recommended.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore this grand Zen temple complex with impressive gates and charming gardens. Open 8:40am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Spend time relaxing in Kyoto’s oldest park, known for its beautiful pond and willow trees. Open all day.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Gion Nanba

Experience high-end kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba, celebrating seasonal Kyoto dishes with excellent service. Reservations essential.
JPY12000, 2h
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