5-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kyoto and Osaka, Japan

Day 1: Kyoto City Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Inoda Coffee, known for its historic atmosphere and excellent coffee brewed since 1947.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:15am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its wooden stage with views over Kyoto city and beautiful cherry and maple trees. Open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll the historic Higashiyama district with its preserved streets lined with traditional shops and eateries.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample local delicacies at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen, perfect for a casual and tasty lunch with a variety of street food stalls.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle with its beautiful gardens and historic architecture. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Spend some relaxing time in Maruyama Park, a favourite spot for locals especially in spring and early summer.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Sushi

Enjoy fresh sushi in the atmospheric Gion district at Gion Kappa Sushi, open until 9:30pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Arashiyama Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy traditional soba noodles with a scenic river view at Arashiyama Yoshimura, open from 7:00am.
JPY1300, 1h0m

8:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the breathtaking Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to avoid crowds. Open 24/7.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Discover UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h15m

11:15am

Boat ride on the Hozu River

Take a scenic boat ride down the Hozu River for a unique view of the countryside and nature around Arashiyama.
JPY4000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Experience peaceful shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Shigetsu, located within Tenryu-ji Temple grounds. Open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama to see wild macaques and enjoy panoramic views over Kyoto. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Saga Tofu Ine

Relish exquisite tofu dishes at Saga Tofu Ine, specialising in local tofu cuisine.
JPY2700, 1h30m
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Day 3: Fushimi Shrine and Sake District

Kyoto, Japan on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy a modern breakfast with a wide selection of pastries and coffee. Open from 8:00am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Tour Gekkeikan Sake Museum

Learn about sake brewing history and enjoy tasting sessions at the Gekkeikan Sake Museum, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h15m

1:15pm

Lunch at Fushimi Sake District

Dine at local eateries within the historic sake brewery district for a meal paired with regional sake.
JPY2000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore the large temple grounds and famous zen gardens of Tofuku-ji Temple. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsuba

Taste kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal Kyoto ingredients at Matsuba, offering an authentic dining experience.
JPY4500, 2h0m
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Day 4: Osaka Urban Exploration

Osaka, Japan on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Relax at this highly rated coffee shop with fresh pastries and speciality coffee. Open from 7:00am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the iconic Osaka Castle, including museum exhibits and park grounds, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Osaka Museum of History

Learn about Osaka’s past through interactive exhibits. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy street food favourites such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki in bustling Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Browse trendy shops and boutiques in Osaka’s premier shopping area.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Unwind in this riverside park with beautiful gardens and views.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Dotonbori

Indulge in Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers at Kushikatsu Daruma; a lively and popular restaurant open until 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Osaka Culture and Shopping

Osaka, Japan on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Streamer Coffee Company

Start your day with artisan coffee and light breakfast at Streamer Coffee Company, open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Discover one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines with unique architecture, open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Tennoji Park and Osaka Municipal Museum of Art

Enjoy the art museum exhibitions and surrounding park gardens, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Abeno Harukas Dining

Dine at the top floors of Japan’s tallest skyscraper with variety of cuisine options and city views.
JPY2500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping at Nipponbashi Den Den Town

Explore Osaka’s electronics and anime district with numerous shops and arcades.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M, Hozenji Yokocho

Experience premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku in a traditional alleyway setting, open until 10:00pm.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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