3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast and a cup of quality hand-drip coffee at the famous Inoda Coffee, open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the iconic Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Visit the world-famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple, a masterpiece of Japanese dry landscape gardening. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy lunch sampling local Kyoto specialties at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's kitchen, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Various, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its nightingale floors and beautiful gardens. Open 8:45am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience refined Kyoto kaiseki cuisine at Gion Karyo, located in the traditional Gion district. Reservations recommended; open from 5:30pm.
JPY8000+, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Traditions

Arashiyama and Northern Kyoto, Japan on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee Arashiyama

Enjoy freshly brewed specialty coffee and light pastries at Arabica Coffee, nestled near the scenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Open from 8:00am; arrive right at opening for a less crowded experience.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the breathtaking Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to avoid crowds and soak in the serene tall bamboo stalks. Open 24 hours, free entrance.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit the head temple of the Tenryu sect with beautiful gardens and stunning mountain views. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h15m

11:15am

Boat ride on the Katsura River

Enjoy a relaxing scenic boat cruise down the Katsura River to experience Arashiyama's natural beauty from the water. Boat rides run morning to late afternoon.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (inside Tenryu-ji)

Savor a traditional shojin ryori vegetarian meal inside the tranquil temple grounds of Tenryu-ji.
JPY2500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kokedera (Moss Temple)

Reserve in advance to visit this moss-covered temple with exquisite gardens, open 9:00am-4:00pm. Experience a peaceful ambiance and a unique cultural activity.
JPY3000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy Kyoto’s favorite boiled tofu dishes at Yudofu Sagano, near Tenryu-ji, open until 7:30pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Gems

Higashiyama and Gion, Kyoto, Japan on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Higashiyama

Start your day with excellent coffee and pastries at % Arabica, a popular specialty coffee shop in Higashiyama, open from 8:00am.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples, with sweeping city views from its wooden terrace. Open 6:00am-6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk the historic Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka streets

Stroll these picturesque cobbled streets lined with traditional shops, cafes, and teahouses illustrating Kyoto’s old charm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Try handmade udon noodles in an elegant setting near Kodai-ji Temple, open from 11:00am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kodai-ji Temple and Gardens

Explore the beautiful Zen temple and its stunning gardens, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Gion district

Walk through Kyoto’s famous geisha district, enjoy historic teahouses, and perhaps spot a geisha or maiko. Best experienced in late afternoon to early evening.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine alongside the Kamogawa River at one of Pontocho’s traditional restaurants offering Kyoto cuisine and ambiance. Openings vary but mostly from 5:00pm.
JPY5000+, 2h0m
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