3-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Temple Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto

Start your morning with premium coffee and light pastries at this popular café known for its quality brews and stylish ambiance. Opens at 8:00am.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning gold-leaf covered temple set in beautiful gardens. This iconic landmark is perfect for picturesque views and peaceful walks. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Visit the famous Zen temple garden known for its minimalist, contemplative rock arrangement, a masterpiece of Japanese landscaping. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy traditional Kyoto-style udon noodles in a cozy setting near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through Kyoto’s famous geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses, shops, and tea houses. Great for afternoon strolls and cultural immersion.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine on exquisite kaiseki cuisine in a refined setting, highlighting seasonal Kyoto ingredients. Reservation recommended. Open 5:00pm to 9:30pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Historic Sites & Shopping

Kyoto, Japan on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Honten

Savor traditional Japanese style breakfast and expertly brewed coffee at this historic Kyoto café. Opens at 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Nijo Castle

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring impressive Edo-era architecture, beautiful gardens, and historic artifacts. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s famous food market offering various street food stalls, fresh seafood, and local delicacies. Market is open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Varies, approx. JPY1500, 1h30m

1:45pm

Afternoon shopping & sightseeing on Shijo Street

Shop and stroll along this main shopping street with boutiques, department stores, and cultural sites.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Visit this vibrant Shinto shrine known for festivals and its beautiful setting near Gion. Open 24 hours, but best visited before dusk.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Yakiniku Yaruki

Enjoy premium Japanese yakiniku (grilled meat) in the atmospheric Pontocho alley. Open 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Temples and Nature

Kyoto, Japan on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Start early with handmade espresso and light pastries at this welcoming café near Fushimi Inari. Opens at 7:00am.
JPY900, 1h0m

8:30am

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates forming scenic hiking paths. Opens 24 hours. Morning is best to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Admire the picturesque Zen gardens and tranquil atmosphere at this historic temple. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Torito

Savor traditional yakitori grilled chicken skewers in a cozy setting near Kyoto Station. Open 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kyoto Tower

Enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck. Open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY770, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Explore beautiful outdoor gardens featuring local and exotic plants. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY200, 1h0m

6:30pm

Farewell dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Enjoy inventive modern kaiseki cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Open 6:00pm to 10:00pm, reservation recommended.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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