4-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Classical Temple Tour

Kyoto, Japan on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast paired with excellent coffee at this historic cafe, open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:45am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore this stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, a must-see iconic site. It opens from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Visit the famous rock garden, a symbol of Zen philosophy, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Taste delicious udon noodles and side dishes at this cozy restaurant near Kiyomizu Temple, open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour this historic wooden temple with panoramic views of Kyoto, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk around Higashiyama District

Stroll through the traditional streets with shops and tea houses, a great cultural experience.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Savor kaiseki ryori, a traditional multi-course meal, in a refined Gion setting. Open until 10:00pm.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 2: Philosopher's Path & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy world-class coffee and light pastries in a minimalist setting, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 1h

9:15am

Philosopher's Path Walk

Walk this scenic stone path alongside a canal lined with cherry trees and visit nearby temples along the way. Open access, all day.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Explore this elegant temple known for its gardens and traditional architecture, open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Delight in Buddhist vegetarian cuisine near the temple area, open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h15m

2:30pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

See the impressive Sanmon gate and tranquil gardens of this large Zen temple, open from 8:40am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h15m

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Relax with a coffee break near Fushimi Inari, open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY600, 45m

5:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates at this vibrant shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Toshiya Honten

Taste exquisite yakitori and traditional dishes in this well-known restaurant, open until 9:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Arashiyama & Western Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Arashiyama

Start early with artisan coffee and baked treats near the bamboo grove, open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 45m

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo forest early to avoid crowds, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning landscaped gardens, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:30am

Togetsukyo Bridge Walk

Enjoy a scenic walk along the river and enjoy views of the mountains and cherry blossoms.
Free, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Dine on shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) inside the Tenryu-ji temple grounds, open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h15m

2:00pm

Okochi Sanso Villa

Visit this beautiful mountain villa with gardens, offering superb views, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h30m

3:45pm

Visit Sagano Scenic Railway (optional)

Take a scenic train ride through mountains along the Hozu River, open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY620, 1h

5:30pm

Return to central Kyoto

Travel back to the city center to rest and refresh.
JPY400, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Experience creative modern kaiseki dining in central Kyoto, open until 10:00pm.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 4: Imperial & Northern Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee

Enjoy a Japanese-style Western breakfast with coffee and toast, open 7:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY800, 1h

9:15am

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the historic palace and its gardens in a reserved guided tour, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Free (reservation needed), 1h30m

11:00am

Nijo Castle

Explore this historic castle known for its beautiful interiors and gardens, open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1030, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Try Kyoto specialty yudofu (tofu hotpot) near temples, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1600, 1h

2:00pm

Kinkaku-ji Revisit or Kyoto International Manga Museum

Optional second visit to Golden Pavilion or explore manga culture, museum open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Museum JPY800, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony at Camellia Garden

Experience a traditional tea ceremony in a serene garden setting, appointments required, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Issian Pontocho

Enjoy classic Kyoto cuisine by the river in the charming Pontocho alley, open until 10:00pm.
JPY4500, 2h
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