3-Day Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historic Core

Kyoto, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast combo and hand-drip coffee at this beloved Kyoto coffeehouse, open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage overlooking the city and its historic architecture. The temple opens at 6:00am and closes at 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

11:45am

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll through this preserved historic neighborhood filled with traditional shops, tea houses, and artisan boutiques, perfect for photos and souvenirs.
Free, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy various local delicacies at this lively market known as Kyoto’s kitchen, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Discover this historic castle featuring beautiful gardens and impressive wall paintings, open from 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

5:30pm

Relax at Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Enjoy a peaceful stroll in the large park surrounding the former Imperial Palace; the park is open until sunset and free to enter.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappo Sakamoto

Dine on exquisite kaiseki cuisine, showcasing seasonal ingredients and Kyoto specialties in an intimate setting in Gion. Reservations recommended.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 2: Nature & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Grab a specialty coffee and light breakfast at this trendy café near Arashiyama, open from 7:00am.
JPY1000, 45m

8:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience walking through the iconic towering bamboo forest early to avoid crowds. Open 24/7 and free to enter.
Free, 1h

9:45am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this Zen Buddhist temple with stunning gardens and a majestic backdrop of mountains. Opens at 8:30am and closes at 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:30am

Boat ride on the Katsura River

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Katsura River for a unique perspective of the lush landscape and mountains. Available in the morning until about 2:00pm, costs vary.
JPY2000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (Inside Tenryu-ji)

Savor shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, in a serene temple setting. Opens 11:30am to 2:00pm. Reservations recommended.
JPY3000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that wind up Mount Inari. Open 24/7, free entrance.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Izuju Sushi

Try Kyoto-style sushi at this historic restaurant located near Gion, open until 8:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h
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Day 3: Southern Kyoto & Departure

Kyoto, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee in this cozy café that opens at 8:00am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore one of Kyoto’s great Zen temples famous for its gardens and autumn colors. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Sanjusangen-do

See the 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in this unique temple. Opens 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy hearty udon noodles with seasonal vegetables near Kodai-ji Temple. Open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Unwind in Kyoto’s oldest park famous for cherry blossoms and a central pond. Free and open all day.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Departure prep or last-minute shopping in Kyoto Station

Use remaining time to shop in the extensive Kyoto Station mall or relax at a café before departing.
Varies, Until departure
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