5-Day Relaxed Kyoto Cherry Blossom & Temples Itinerary with Arashiyama Day Trip

Day 1: Temples & Blossoms

Central Kyoto, Japan on April 10, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with traditional Kyoto-style coffee and light breakfast in this historic café beloved by locals, located near Kyoto Station.
JPY1200, 1h0m

11:15am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore iconic Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s best-known temples with stunning cherry blossom views from its wooden terrace. It offers great photography spots overlooking the city.
JPY400, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Head to Nishiki Market for local bites like yuba, sashimi, and matcha sweets. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at small stalls where you can sample varied traditional food at your own pace.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:45pm

Stroll through Maruyama Park

Walk through Kyoto's oldest park known for its magnificent cherry blossoms. Cherry trees here provide breathtaking photo ops especially during spring.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Just adjacent to Maruyama Park, this shrine offers peaceful ambience and beautiful grounds to relax and enjoy traditional Shinto architecture.
Free, 30m

4:45pm

Traditional Tea Ceremony at Camellia Garden

Experience an authentic tea ceremony in a serene setting within walking distance, learning about matcha preparation and Kyoto tea traditions.
JPY1500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy elegant traditional Kyoto cuisine with seasonal ingredients in a cozy atmosphere in Gion. Perfect place to savor kaiseki-style dishes after a day of sightseeing.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Arashiyama Day Trip

West Kyoto, Japan on April 11, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Start at this famed specialty coffee shop near the Togetsukyo Bridge with light pastries and excellent espresso.
JPY1000, 45m

10:50am

Visit Bamboo Grove

Walk through the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to avoid crowds and capture dreamy photos amidst towering bamboo stalks.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Tenryu-ji Temple & Gardens

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site adjacent to the Bamboo Grove known for its beautiful garden blending seamlessly with the forested Arashiyama hills.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy tofu-based Buddhist vegetarian cuisine overlooking the scenic river, a peaceful spot perfect for relaxing after morning adventures.
JPY3500, 1h30m

3:15pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Take a gentle boat ride for stunning landscapes of Arashiyama’s cherry blossoms and mountains; it's a great low-effort way to enjoy nature.
JPY2500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Tour this beautiful villa and gardens with spectacular cherry blossom views overlooking Kyoto; well-suited for photography enthusiasts.
JPY1000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Have soba noodles paired with seasonal appetizers at this riverside restaurant offering tranquil views and delicious traditional flavors.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Philosopher's Path & Tea

Eastern Kyoto, Japan on April 12, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Kissa Sakaiki

Relax with rich hand-dripped coffee and fresh pastries in this calm cafe near Philosopher’s Path, starting your day gently.
JPY1200, 45m

10:50am

Photograph cherry blossoms along Philosopher’s Path

Stroll leisurely along this serene canal path lined with cherry trees and quaint bridges, perfect for relaxed photography and nature immersion.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy handmade udon noodles and seasonal vegetables at this popular spot near historic Kodai-ji Temple, emphasizing simple traditional flavors.
JPY1800, 1h15m

2:30pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple and Garden

Explore these picturesque Zen gardens and temple grounds famous for seasonal flowers and tranquil atmosphere ideal for photography.
JPY600, 1h0m

3:45pm

Traditional Tea at Kurama Koji

Experience a matcha tea break in a charming tea house featuring Kyoto sweets and overlooking a quiet garden setting.
JPY1500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

End your day with homestyle Kyoto dishes including seasonal vegetables and locally sourced fish in this warm, welcoming Gion restaurant.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Culture & Temples

Southern Kyoto, Japan on April 13, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy freshly roasted coffee and a light snack in this trendy café near southern Kyoto attractions, a perfect relaxed start.
JPY1000, 45m

11:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the impressive thousands of vermilion torii gates forming walking paths through lush wooded hills. Stay on lower paths to avoid too much walking.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Taste Kyoto-style Inari sushi and seasonal delicacies at this small traditional eatery near Fushimi Inari, great for a light meal.
JPY1600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Famous for its Zen gardens and cherry blossoms, this temple offers scenic spots perfect for peaceful contemplation and photography.
JPY400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Saimyoji Temple

A hidden gem with quiet grounds featuring beautiful spring flowers and serene landscapes, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
JPY300, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Dine on exquisite kaiseki dishes focusing on seasonal ingredients served in an elegant ambiance, ideal for a memorable Kyoto evening.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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Day 5: Leisure & Northern Kyoto

Northern Kyoto, Japan on April 14, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Relax with coffee and western-inspired breakfast in this cozy, book-filled café starting your last day gently.
JPY1200, 1h0m

11:15am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the iconic golden temple surrounded by reflective pond and cherry blossoms, a quintessential photo spot in Kyoto.
JPY400, 1h15m

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Senbon

Savor hand-pulled udon noodles and tempura made with fresh seasonal vegetables in cozy environment near northern attractions.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

View the world-famous Zen rock garden offering a calm environment and photographic abstracts, perfect for quiet reflection.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk in Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely walk in Kyoto’s expansive botanical gardens featuring seasonal blooms including cherry blossoms, ideal for last-day nature immersion.
JPY200, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen

Try the famous fire ramen experience with flavorful spicy broth and a unique presentation to end the trip with fun local cuisine.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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