3-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Ancient Temples & Traditional Cuisine

Kyoto, Japan on June 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast and rich coffee at Inoda Coffee, a beloved Kyoto institution known for its retro atmosphere.
JPY1200, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion with its shimmering gold leaf exterior reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond; it is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy handmade udon noodles and seasonal vegetable dishes in a cozy setting near Kodai-ji Temple, known for its fresh and flavorful Japanese cuisine.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Kodai-ji Temple

Walk through the serene gardens and historic temple buildings of Kodai-ji, a Zen temple founded in the early 1600s, offering peaceful sights especially in the summer greenery.
JPY600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll through Nishiki Market

Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s food culture at Nishiki Market; try seasonal snacks, sweets, and watch local vendors crafting traditional food.
Free - purchases optional, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Savor authentic Kyoto cuisine with specialties such as kyo-kaiseki (seasonal multi-course meal) at Gion Tanto, located in the atmospheric Gion district.
JPY4000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Nature & Scenic Beauty

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Arashiyama

Grab a specialty coffee and a light pastry at Arabica Arashiyama, known for its excellent beans and minimalist aesthetic, perfect to start your day in nature.
JPY1000, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest which offers a tranquil and photogenic experience among towering bamboo stalks that sway with the breeze.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple and gardens

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its beautiful mountain backdrop and traditional zen gardens that reflect the refined aesthetics of Kyoto.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Experience Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) at Shigetsu within Tenryu-ji, offering delicate and artistic dishes emphasizing seasonality.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Enjoy a relaxing traditional boat ride down the Katsura River, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic mountains providing serene views.
JPY2500, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to central Kyoto & Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the many waterside restaurants in historic Pontocho Alley where you can enjoy kaiseki or grilled specialties in a traditional atmosphere.
JPY5000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Historical & Cultural Immersion

Eastern Kyoto, Gion, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start with a premium specialty coffee and light baked goods to fuel your exploration of eastern Kyoto’s historic districts.
JPY900, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates trail at Fushimi Inari, an important Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Enjoy a light brunch or coffee break at Vermillion, a café just outside the Fushimi Inari grounds known for great lattes and snacks.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the stunning Kiyomizu-dera with panoramic views of Kyoto, famous for its wooden stage and historic charm, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets

Stroll along these picturesque historic streets lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and craft stores, perfect for buying souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Conclude your Kyoto experience with an elegant kaiseki dinner at Gion Karyo, featuring seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation in a refined setting.
JPY7000, 2h0m
View Hotels