3-Day Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Start your day with traditional Japanese green tea and a savory Japanese-style breakfast, blending matcha flavors with light, healthy dishes.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore this stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk to Ryoan-ji Temple

Discover the serene rock gardens at Ryoan-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site just 10 minutes from Kinkaku-ji, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto tofu cuisine lunch at this historic restaurant near Kiyomizu Temple, open from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this iconic wooden temple with panoramic views over Kyoto, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Wander the historic streets filled with charming shops and tea houses, a perfect spot for evening relaxation.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Dine on seasonal Kaiseki cuisine in Gion, known for its elegant multi-course meals showcasing local ingredients, open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY6000, 2h0m

Day 2: Nature and Cultural Sights

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee with light pastries at this popular café set near the bamboo groves, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience tranquility.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour this major Rinzai Zen temple with beautiful gardens, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk to Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore the stunning villa and its gardens offering panoramic views, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savor handmade soba noodles with river views, open 11:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to see wild Japanese macaques and spectacular views over Kyoto, park open from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto city center

Travel back to central Kyoto by train or bus, about 30 minutes journey.
JPY240, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience a Michelin-starred Kaiseki dining, reservation advised, open 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
JPY12000, 2h0m

Day 3: Cultural and Culinary Highlights

Fushimi and Gion, Kyoto, Japan on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Classic Kyoto coffee house with Western and Japanese breakfast sets, open 7:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousand Torii gates and hiking trails; open 24 hours, best early to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Fushimi Sake District

Tour sake breweries, sample local sake, and learn about the brewing process; most open by 10:00am.
Varies, approx. JPY1000 per tasting, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Morinomiya Food Hall

Sample various local Kyoto dishes at this casual food hall area, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Afternoon stroll in Gion District

Walk through the historic geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and tea shops.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

A vibrant Shinto shrine with beautiful architecture and gardens, open all day.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from numerous restaurants along the historic Pontocho Alley, famous for Kyoto cuisine and atmospheric dining.
JPY4000, 2h0m