3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Kyoto Heart

Kyoto, Japan on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Japanese-style Western breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a renowned traditional café that opens at 7:30am, perfect to energize before exploring.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage overlooking the cherry and maple trees. Open daily from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:45am

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll along historic lanes filled with shops and traditional teahouses, giving you a glimpse of Kyoto's charming old town atmosphere.
Free, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample diverse local foods and snacks at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Varies, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Gion District

Explore Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, where you can spot traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly see a geisha or maiko. Best explored in the afternoon light.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy kaiseki, traditional multi-course Japanese haute cuisine, at Gion Karyo which offers an intimate dining experience and opens from 5:30pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Arashiyama Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Arashiyama

Have a peaceful breakfast at Café Arashiyama overlooking natural scenery; perfect to start your day near the bamboo groves.
JPY1500, 1h0m

8:45am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo groves early to avoid crowds; the enchanting atmosphere is open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Discover the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple and its stunning gardens that reflect traditional Zen philosophy. Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy tofu-based cuisine at Shoraian, a restaurant that specializes in delicate Kyoto-style tofu dishes overlooking the river.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama to see wild macaques with panoramic views of Kyoto city. Open from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Torito Arashiyama

Dine on yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at a cozy local favorite restaurant, perfect after a day of exploring. Opens from 5:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Philosopher's Path and Northern Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto

Grab a famed specialty coffee and light breakfast at Arabica Kyoto, well-known for its quality and location near the Philosopher's Path. Opens at 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:15am

Walk the Philosopher’s Path

Take a serene stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic canal-side walk shaded by cherry trees, connecting several temples. Free and open all day.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Explore the tranquil Silver Pavilion and its exquisite gardens, epitomizing Japanese aesthetics. Open from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okutan

Enjoy traditional yudofu (boiled tofu) near Nanzen-ji Temple at Okutan, a restaurant with centuries-old history. Open from 11:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Tour Nanzen-ji, a large Zen temple complex featuring impressive gates and peaceful gardens. Open from 8:40am to 4:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:30pm

Tea at Camellia Garden

Relax with matcha tea and sweets in a garden setting at Camellia Garden, located near the Philosopher’s Path. Open until 6:00pm.
JPY900, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

End your trip with exquisite Kyoto kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a refined dining experience. Reservations recommended. Open from 5:30pm.
JPY12000, 2h0m
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