3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Temples and Traditional District

Kyoto, Japan on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at %Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy a specialty coffee and fresh pastries in a stylish café located near Kiyomizu-dera to start your day with local flavors.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:45am

Stroll through Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka streets

Walk through these preserved historic streets lined with traditional shops and teahouses, perfect for souvenir shopping and photogenic scenes.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor traditional Kyoto-style udon noodles at this popular restaurant near the Kodai-ji Temple, known for fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, zen gardens, and historical architecture at this temple, which is open until 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through Kyoto’s famous geisha district, spotting traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly seeing geiko and maiko, best in the afternoon before dusk.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Try traditional Kyoto kaiseki dining in a cozy setting offering exquisite seasonal dishes perfect for an immersive culinary experience.
JPY5000, 2h0m

Day 2: Nature and Golden Pavilion

Kyoto, Japan on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

Enjoy a modern Japanese breakfast featuring matcha and seasonal delicacies in a stylish café near Kyoto station.
JPY1200, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous serene bamboo forest early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the unique atmosphere, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

10:15am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour this prominent Zen temple with beautiful gardens and mountain views, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Savor tofu cuisine which Arashiyama is known for, set by the scenic river for a peaceful ambiance.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning golden temple and its reflection on the pond, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk along Philosopher's Path

Enjoy this tranquil walkway along a canal lined with cherry trees and small shrines, perfect for a reflective stroll.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Indulge in traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki with seasonal ingredients in a Michelin-starred restaurant near central Kyoto.
JPY10000, 2h0m

Day 3: Shrines and Markets

Kyoto, Japan on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Classic Kyoto coffee shop experience with light breakfast dishes, open from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic torii gate tunnels and hike up the mountain shrine, open 24 hours but best in the morning for fewer crowds.
Free, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Famous for its gardens and autumn colors, open from 9:00am to 4:30pm, offering a tranquil cultural experience.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste local street foods and buy fresh Kyoto specialties at this vibrant market known as Kyoto’s kitchen, open until about 6:00pm.
Varies, 1h30m

2:30pm

Shopping and exploring downtown Kyoto

Explore boutiques, souvenir shops and possibly Ninenzaka for last minute purchases and cultural immersion.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy a quiet tofu-focused traditional meal near the Nanzen-ji temple area, open until 6:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m