3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Kyoto-style breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a beloved local coffee shop known for its rich coffee and light breakfast sets.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore one of Kyoto's iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kiyomizu-dera, famous for its wooden stage that offers stunning views of the city and the cherry and maple trees below. Open 6:00am-6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:45am

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Wander the historic streets of Higashiyama, lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and artisan crafts — a perfect place for unique souvenirs and cultural immersion.
Free, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy lunch sampling various Japanese street foods at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's kitchen, open 9:00am-6:00pm. Try fresh sushi, grilled mochi, and pickled vegetables.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Gion District

Explore the famous Gion geisha district for a chance to see traditional tea houses and perhaps spot a geisha or maiko. The area is enchanting in the afternoon light.
Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Tea Ceremony Experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to appreciate the history and cultural significance of tea preparation. Sessions typically last about an hour; open till 5:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine at Gion Karyo, offering exquisite kaiseki (traditional multi-course) dining in an elegant setting, focusing on seasonal Kyoto ingredients.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Bamboo Groves

Kyoto, Japan on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Begin the day with premium coffee and light pastries from Arabica in Arashiyama, well known for its scenic riverside location.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to beat the crowds, enjoying the towering bamboo stalks and tranquil atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

10:15am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple with its beautiful gardens and mountain views, a prime example of zen landscape gardening. Opens 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy a tofu-based traditional lunch at Shoraian, set in a serene location by the river in Arashiyama, perfect for a relaxing meal.
JPY3500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park to see wild macaques in their natural habitat along with panoramic views of Kyoto. Park open 9:00am-4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll along Togetsukyo Bridge & Riverside

Relax with a riverside walk along the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, capturing the natural beauty of the Katsura River and surrounding landscapes.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Taste yudofu, a soft tofu hot pot specialty, at Yudofu Sagano, a peaceful spot near the bamboo groves focusing on plant-based Kyoto cuisine.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Philosophical Walk and Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Enjoy quality coffee and a light breakfast at Vermillion near Fushimi Inari, a great spot to fuel up for a day of temple visits.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Experience the famous thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, a must-see spiritual site open 24 hours with free admission.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore Tofuku-ji's beautiful Zen gardens and historic temple buildings, known especially for its autumn foliage. Open 9:00am-4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Eat at Omen Kodai-ji, specializing in udon noodles and traditional Japanese dishes near the Philosopher’s Path, open 11:00am-8:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk Philosopher’s Path

Take a peaceful stroll along the Philosopher’s Path canal lined by cherry trees with stops at small temples like Honen-in and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion).
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Tour the Silver Pavilion and its exquisite gardens symbolizing Japanese aesthetics, open 8:30am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kichi Kichi Omurice

End your Kyoto trip with a visit to Kichi Kichi for their famous theatrical omurice, a delicate omelet over fried rice served with flair.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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