3-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Historical Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and delicious coffee at Inoda Coffee, a popular local café known for its classic ambiance and quality beverages.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning and iconic Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple famous for its top two floors covered entirely in gold leaf, set beautiful amidst a calm pond and garden.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:15am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Visit the serene Ryoan-ji Temple, renowned for its rock garden which is a masterpiece of Japanese culture symbolizing simplicity and meditative calm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen

Enjoy authentic Kyoto-style udon noodles at Omen, a restaurant famous for its fresh handmade noodles served with seasonal vegetables and flavorful dipping sauces.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Nijo Castle

Tour Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring exquisite architecture, beautifully painted sliding doors and sprawling gardens that represent Edo-era Japan.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Break at Camellia Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to learn about its rich cultural significance and enjoy matching wagashi sweets in a peaceful historic setting.
JPY2000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine at Gion Karyo for a refined kaiseki (multi-course) meal offering seasonal Kyoto delicacies, served in a traditional townhouse in the famous Gion district.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Nature and Bamboo Groves

Kyoto, Japan on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Start early with specialty coffee and light pastries at Arabica Kyoto, located near the charming Arashiyama bamboo grove, perfect for recharging before a big day.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Walk through Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the world-famous Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, a surreal natural tunnel of towering bamboo stalks that offers a peaceful and photogenic experience.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit Tenryu-ji, a major Zen temple with spectacular gardens that change beautifully with every season, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00am

Sagano Scenic Railway Ride

Experience a picturesque slow train ride through the Hozugawa River gorge, offering breathtaking views especially beautiful during summer greenery.
JPY620, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, at Shigetsu located within Tenryu-ji temple grounds, offering a peaceful dining ambiance.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Climb up to Monkey Park to see wild Japanese macaques in their natural environment and enjoy panoramic views over Kyoto from the top.
JPY550, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Togetsukyo Bridge and Nearby Shops

Walk around the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge and browse local artisan shops and cafes that line the riverbanks, perfect for souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor yudofu, a tofu hot pot specialty of Kyoto, at this cozy restaurant near Tenryu-ji, offering a simple yet comforting dining experience.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Walk

Kyoto, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Higashiyama

Enjoy high-quality coffee and light breakfast in a stylish setting blending modern design with historic Higashiyama streetscape.
JPY900, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its wooden stage that juts out over the hillside and panoramic views of the city below.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:45am

Walk Philosopher's Path

Take a peaceful walk along the Philosopher's Path, a scenic walkway along a canal lined with cherry trees and small temples fitting for reflection.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Taste traditional yudofu and Japanese set meals at Okutan, a historic restaurant near Kiyomizu-dera, operating since 1661.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Visit the understated but beautiful Silver Pavilion and stroll through its exquisite moss gardens and sand patterns.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore Nanzen-ji, a grand Zen temple with impressive gates, aqueducts, and peaceful gardens situated close to the Philosopher's Path.
JPY500, 1h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

End your day with delicious Kyoto-style home cooking at Gion Tanto, a cozy and lively eatery favored by locals for its authentic flavors.
JPY3000, 2h0m
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