3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Kyoto Classics

Kyoto, Japan on June 10, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and rich coffee at Inoda Coffee, a famous Kyoto establishment known for its cozy atmosphere.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, surrounded by serene gardens. Open 9am-5pm, a must-see iconic site.
JPY400, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy a traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot) lunch near Kiyomizu Temple, offering a peaceful and authentic Japanese dining experience.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:15pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Walk to the nearby Kiyomizu-dera, an ancient temple famous for its wooden stage and panoramic views over Kyoto. Open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

2:45pm

Explore Higashiyama District

Stroll through the charming streets of Higashiyama, filled with traditional shops, teahouses, and artisan crafts.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony at Camellia Garden

Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, learning about the cultural significance and rituals. Sessions require reservation; open until 5pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Savor kaiseki-style multi-course dinner in the historic Gion district, known for seasonal and local ingredients.
JPY6000, 2h0m

Day 2: Arashiyama Scenic

Kyoto, Japan on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries at this popular riverside café, known for excellent brews and stunning view.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk Bamboo Grove

Wander through the serene and iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a peaceful and photogenic nature walk. Open 24 hours, best early morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautifully landscaped gardens. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Experience elegant Buddhist vegetarian (shojin ryori) cuisine in the temple dining hall of Tenryu-ji, open for lunch.
JPY4000, 1h30m

1:45pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike to see wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat with panoramic views of Kyoto from the mountaintop park. Open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY550, 2h0m

4:00pm

Stroll Along Katsura River

Enjoy a relaxing walk or boat ride along the Katsura River, soaking in local scenery and nature.
JPY1500 for boat ride, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Delight in a local hot pot tofu dinner, a specialty of the Arashiyama region, perfect after a day of walking.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 3: Shrines & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sarasa Nishijin

Enjoy Japanese-Western style breakfast in a quaint café known for comfortable atmosphere and fresh ingredients.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous shrine with iconic thousands of red torii gates winding up Mount Inari, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Light lunch alongside excellent coffee near Fushimi Inari, perfect rest spot before afternoon activities.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the elegant former residence of Japan’s Imperial family, with beautiful parks and historic architecture. Open 9am-5pm; advance registration recommended.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Gion District

Wander the atmospheric streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, ideal for spotting traditional wooden machiya houses and tea houses.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Finish your day dining at one of the many riverside restaurants in Pontocho Alley, known for elegant Kyoto cuisine and lively evening ambience.
JPY5000, 2h0m