3-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Kyoto Intro

Kyoto, Japan on June 10, 2025

9:30am

Nishiki Market

Start your day at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen, to experience a bustling atmosphere with a wide variety of fresh Japanese ingredients and street foods. Sampling local delicacies here is a must for a food lover.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Nishiki Warai

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring okonomiyaki and other local specialties at Nishiki Warai, open from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Gion District Walk

Walk through the historic Gion district to spot traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly glimpse geishas. This area embodies Kyoto’s old-world charm and cultural heritage.
JPY0, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Izuju Sushi

Savor Kyoto-style sushi at Izuju, a renowned restaurant open from 11:00am to 7:00pm, offering a unique twist on sushi with local flavors.
JPY3000, 1h

4:00pm

Visit to Yasaka Shrine

Explore Yasaka Shrine, a famous Shinto shrine with beautiful architecture and gardens, open until 5:00pm. It’s a great spot to experience local spiritual culture and take photos.
JPY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy dinner at Pontocho Alley, a narrow street lined with traditional restaurants and bars. Try Kaiseki course meals for an elegant dining experience, with many places open until 11:00pm.
JPY6000, 2h
View Hotels

Day 2: Nature and Temples

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arashiyama Shigetsu

Start early with a vegetarian breakfast at Shigetsu, a temple cuisine restaurant inside Tenryu-ji, offering peaceful ambience from 8:00am onwards.
JPY2500, 1h

9:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

Visit Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning Zen gardens and traditional architecture, open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:15am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an iconic and serene bamboo forest path, perfect for photography and experiencing nature’s tranquility.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Saga Tofu Ine

Enjoy traditional tofu dishes at Saga Tofu Ine, open from 11:30am to 3:00pm, specializing in Kyoto-style tofu, a local specialty.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to Monkey Park Iwatayama, where you can observe wild Japanese macaques in a natural setting. The park is open from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY550, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Togetsukyo Bridge and Riverside

Relax with a walk along the Katsura River and enjoy views of Togetsukyo Bridge, a scenic and picturesque area especially beautiful at sunset.
JPY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Dine on yudofu (boiled tofu) at Yudofu Sagano, open until 8:30pm, featuring a calming atmosphere perfect after a day exploring nature.
JPY3000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Shrines & City Vibe

Southern Kyoto, Japan on June 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inari Sushi Koji

Try a variety of sushi and light Japanese breakfast staples near Fushimi Inari Taisha, with the restaurant opening at 8:00am.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Explore the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through lush forest trails, open 24 hours.
JPY0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Torisei

Enjoy Yakitori and other Japanese grilled specialties at Torisei, open from 11:30am to 2:00pm, located close to Fushimi Inari.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Tofukuji Temple

Visit Tofukuji Temple, famous for its incredible autumn colors and Zen gardens, open from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Central Kyoto Shopping

Spend the late afternoon in downtown Kyoto, exploring shopping streets like Shijo Dori and sightseeing around Kyoto Station area.
JPY0, 2h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Ganko Sushi

End your Kyoto adventure with a sushi dinner at Ganko Sushi, a well-known local chain with fresh fish and friendly service, open till 10:00pm.
JPY5000, 2h
View Hotels