Kyoto: 7-Day Itinerary

Each day includes: Morning activity • Lunch suggestion • Afternoon activity • Coffee break • Dinner

Day 1

• Morning: Fushimi Inari Taisha (early for torii gates)
• Lunch: Udon at Omen near Ginkaku-ji
• Afternoon: Philosopher’s Path → Ginkaku-ji
• Coffee: Weekenders Coffee
• Dinner: Nishiki Market small plates → Pontocho izakaya

Day 2

• Morning: Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove → Tenryu-ji gardens
• Lunch: Yudofu (tofu) near Tenryu-ji
• Afternoon: Okochi Sanso Villa; Katsura River boat or monkey park
• Coffee: % Arabica (Arashiyama)
• Dinner: Tempura or kaiseki in Arashiyama

Day 3

• Morning: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) & Ryoan-ji rock garden
• Lunch: Soba at Okakita
• Afternoon: Nijo Castle and gardens
• Coffee: Vermillion - espresso bar & info
• Dinner: Yakitori on Sanjo-dori

Day 4

• Morning: Southern Higashiyama: Kiyomizu-dera → Sannen-zaka lanes
• Lunch: Obanzai lunch at a machiya café
• Afternoon: Yasaka Shrine & Gion district
• Coffee: Blue Bottle Kyoto (Kiyamachi)
• Dinner: Gion kaiseki (Gion Nanba or similar)

Day 5

• Morning: Kurama to Kibune hike (summer alternative: Ohara)
• Lunch: River platform nagashi somen (seasonal) in Kibune
• Afternoon: Relax in onsen at Kurama
• Coffee: Arabica % (Fujii Daimaru) or local café
• Dinner: Izakaya on Kiyamachi

Day 6

• Morning: Nishiki Market food crawl
• Lunch: Seafood donburi at market stall
• Afternoon: Tea ceremony experience
• Coffee: Drip & Drop Coffee Supply
• Dinner: Oden or shabu-shabu near Kawaramachi

Day 7

• Morning: Day trip to Nara (Todaiji, deer park)
• Lunch: Kakinoha-zushi (persimmon-leaf sushi)
• Afternoon: Back to Kyoto for shopping around Teramachi
• Coffee: Kurasu Kyoto Stand
• Dinner: Ramen (Ippudo or local shop)