3-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: City Temples

Kyoto, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese-style breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and light pastries at this beloved Kyoto café, open from 7:30am.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore this iconic Zen Buddhist temple famous for its stunning gold leaf exterior reflecting over the pond; open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Ryoan-ji Gardens

Experience the world-famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji, offering tranquil and meditative views, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen

Dine on Kyoto-style udon noodles and fresh vegetables at Omen near Kinkaku-ji; open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the historic castle and its beautiful gardens; open from 8:45am to 5:00pm, showcasing Edo period architecture.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Nishiki Market

Stroll through Kyoto's vibrant food market, sampling local snacks and handmade crafts; most shops open until evening.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kyoto kaiseki dining in the historic Gion district, offering seasonal multi-course meals; reservation recommended.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Arashiyama Nature

Kyoto, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Coffee Arashiyama

Start your day with excellent coffee and light pastries at this scenic riverside café, open from 8:00am.
JPY700, 0h45m

9:00am

Walk the Bamboo Grove

Wander through the iconic and serene Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama; open all day and best visited early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h0m

10:15am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple known for its beautiful landscaped gardens; open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian shojin ryori meal inside Tenryu-ji Temple; lunch served 11:30am to 2:00pm, reservation recommended.
JPY4000, 1h15m

1:45pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to the park to see wild monkeys overlooking Kyoto; open 9:00am to 4:00pm, last entry 3:30pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Okochi-Sanso Villa

Tour the stunning villa and gardens of film actor Okochi Denjiro; open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Saga Tofu Ine

Savor tofu-focused dishes in a traditional setting near Arashiyama; open until 7:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historical Southern Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with a variety of coffee and baked goods near Kyoto Station; opens at 7:30am.
JPY800, 1h0m

8:45am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the mesmerizing torii gate tunnels of the shrine dedicated to the god of rice; open 24 hours with shrine buildings accessible from 9am.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Tour Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Learn about sake brewing history and sample sake at this museum affiliated with one of Japan’s oldest sake breweries; open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Locanda del Pittore

Enjoy Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist near Fushimi; open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore one of the great Zen temples of Kyoto known for its gardens and architecture; open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Stroll along the Philosopher's Path

Enjoy a peaceful walk along this cherry tree-lined canal connecting beautiful temples; open all day.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Kyoboshi Tempura

End your day with exquisite tempura in this Michelin-starred restaurant; open 5:30pm to 8:30pm, reservation essential.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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