3-Day Cultural and Food Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Northern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese-style breakfast with freshly brewed coffee at this historic café near the Kyoto station, open from 7:30am to 9:30pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

Discover the famous rock garden praised for its minimalist design and peaceful atmosphere, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor traditional Udon noodles with vegetable tempura in a quiet setting near the temple, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk in Philosopher’s Path

Stroll along the cherry blossom-lined canal, a scenic path connecting several temples and shrines, always open and free.
JPY0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

See the historic Zen temple known for its beautiful moss garden and traditional Japanese architecture, open 8:30am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner in one of the atmospheric restaurants along the historic Pontocho Alley, which stays open until late evening.
JPY4000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Central Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Sample fresh sushi and local snacks from various stalls at the lively Nishiki Market, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the historic shogunate palace known for beautiful gardens and intricate interiors, open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Musashi Sushi

Experience conveyor belt sushi near Kyoto station, offering fresh affordable sushi with quick service, open from 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through Kyoto's famous geisha district, viewing traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spotting geiko and maiko, always open.
JPY0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in a serene setting, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, with sessions requiring a reservation.
JPY2500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Sushi

Enjoy creatively crafted sushi dishes in a cozy Gion restaurant, open until 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee

Start the day with specialty coffee and light pastries at this stylish coffee shop near Fushimi Inari, open 7:30am to 6:30pm.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vibrant red torii gates on the mountain trails in this iconic shrine, open 24 hours free of charge.
JPY0, 2h30m

11:15am

Visit Tofukuji Temple

Explore one of Kyoto’s largest Zen temples featuring beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Enjoy traditional Inari sushi and seasonal dishes nearby, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk through Fushimi Sake District

Discover historic sake breweries, tasting opportunities, and shop for sake specialties, open mostly 10:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY0 - tasting costs extra, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tempura Endo Yoshikawa

End your journey with exquisite tempura cuisine in a refined Kyoto dining setting, open 5:30pm to 9:00pm, reservation recommended.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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