3-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples & Traditional Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese-style breakfast with freshly brewed coffee at this long-established Kyoto café, open from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage overlooking the city and vibrant autumn foliage. Open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample an array of local foods and snacks at this bustling market street known as Kyoto's kitchen, and enjoy fresh seafood, mochi, and pickles. Open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll the historic streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spot a geisha; the district is most lively in the afternoon and early evening.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Discover this important Shinto shrine often called Gion Shrine, known for its vibrant red gates and tranquil atmosphere. Open 24 hours, but temple buildings generally accessible during daytime.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine on exquisite kaiseki cuisine in a refined setting in the Gion district, offering a multi-course meal showcasing seasonal Kyoto ingredients. Dinner service starts at 6:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Bamboo Groves

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama

Start your day with specialty coffee from this acclaimed café known for its beautiful mountain views and excellent espresso. Opens at 8:00am.
JPY700, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through spectacular towering bamboo stalks in one of Kyoto’s most photographed natural sights. Open 24 hours, best in the morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h30m

10:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this serene Zen temple with beautiful gardens and a backdrop of Arashiyama’s mountains. Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h15m

12:15pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy traditional Buddhist vegetarian shojin ryori at this tranquil temple restaurant inside Tenryu-ji, open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Experience scenic views of Arashiyama by boat along the Katsura River, offering peaceful nature perspectives. Boat rides typically run from 9:00am to 4:00pm depending on weather.
JPY1500, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Okochi Sanso Villa

Tour the beautiful, historic gardens and villa of a famous Japanese actor, offering panoramic views over Kyoto. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Relish soba noodles with a view of the river, a relaxing way to end your day in Arashiyama. Dinner service starts around 5:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto Temples & Sake Tasting

Southern Kyoto and Fushimi, Japan on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saryo Tsujiri

Savor traditional matcha tea and light breakfast inside a famous tea house located near Fushimi-Inari Shrine. Open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Explore over 10,000 vibrant red torii gates that form scenic hiking trails on the mountain at this iconic shrine. Open 24 hours; best early morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Tour Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Learn about the history and production of sake at this popular museum attached to a traditional brewery, complete with tasting opportunities. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY300, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fushimi Izakaya

Enjoy casual Japanese pub food paired with local sake in a lively atmosphere near the sake brewery district. Opens from 11:30am.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Marvel at one of Kyoto’s largest Zen temples famous for its gardens and historic architecture. Open from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Kamo River

Relax on a gentle stroll along the scenic riverbank, popular among locals and visitors alike, perfect for a late afternoon unwind.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience refined Kyoto cuisine in a historic setting, with dishes highlighting local and seasonal ingredients. Dinner usually begins around 6:00pm; reservation recommended.
JPY12000, 2h0m
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