3-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Temples Tour

Kyoto, Japan on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast set in this classic Kyoto cafe that has been serving since 1947, offering thickly cut toast, coffee, and soft-boiled eggs.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the iconic Golden Pavilion, covered in gold leaf and surrounded by beautiful gardens, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Tour the famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji temple, known for its minimalist landscaping that inspires meditation; open from 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor handmade udon noodles and seasonal vegetables near Kodai-ji Temple, a local favorite open from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple and Garden

Experience the serene temple and its beautifully maintained gardens, including bamboo groves and teahouses; open until 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll the historic streets of Gion to spot traditional machiya houses and possibly geisha, open to visitors any time but best experienced before dusk.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy a refined kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal Kyoto ingredients in an elegant setting, reservation recommended; open until 9pm.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature and Traditional Crafts

Kyoto, Japan on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Start your day with some of the best coffee in Kyoto and a light pastry, located in scenic Arashiyama and open from 7am.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous towering bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, open at all hours.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden

See this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a stunning garden with mountain views, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00am

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Relax on a traditional boat ride down the Katsura River, absorbing the natural beauty of Arashiyama, operating from 9am to 4pm.
JPY2000, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (Shojin Ryori) inside the Tenryu-ji temple grounds, open 11:30am to 2pm, reservation recommended.
JPY3500, 1h15m

1:30pm

Visit Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street

Explore historic streets with traditional merchant houses and artisan shops, offering authentic Kyoto crafts and souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Sagano Scenic Railway

Ride the picturesque train along the Hozu River gorge, open from 9am until 5pm during summer season.
JPY620, 0h25m

5:00pm

Return to central Kyoto

Travel back to central Kyoto to enjoy evening activities and dinner.
JPY500, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nishiki Market Izakaya

Sample various traditional Japanese tapas and fresh seafood at a lively izakaya inside Nishiki Market, open until 10pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Modern Culture and Shopping

Kyoto, Japan on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Modern Coffee Kamogawa

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh baked pastries with a river view, open from 8am on weekdays.
JPY900, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum

Explore a vast collection of manga and related exhibits, a must-see for manga enthusiasts, open 10am-6pm; closed Wednesday, so check accordingly.
JPY800, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk along the Philosopher's Path

Leisurely stroll this famed canal-side walkway lined with cherry trees and small cafes, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

A stylish cafe offering fusion dishes and desserts, perfect for a relaxing lunch near the Philosopher's Path, open 11:30am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping in Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades

Browse diverse shops from traditional crafts to trendy fashion, open generally 10am to 8pm.
Varies, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates along trails up the mountain, open 24 hours so late afternoon is an ideal quieter time.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Torito Yakitori Restaurant

Enjoy expertly grilled skewers of chicken and vegetables with an authentic Japanese atmosphere, open until 10pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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