TASTES & TALES OF KYOTO:
A CULINARY & CULTURAL TAPESTRY
Highlights | Sample Itinerary
Highlights
4 DAYS
TASTES & TALES OF KYOTO:
A CULINARY & CULTURAL TAPESTRY
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1: A CULINARY ADVENTURE
Please make your way to the meeting point to meet a local guide. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Nishiki Market, a covered food paradise stretching for over a kilometer. Sample local delicacies, from fresh seafood and colorful vegetables to unique sweets and pickled treats. Your guide will help you navigate the market and choose the perfect ingredients for your cooking class. This is a great opportunity to learn about local Japanese produce. After visiting the markets, you'll travel through the back streets and lanes of Kyoto and visit a former sake brewery for a tour and sake tasting. Later, put on your apron and unleash your inner chef in a hands-on cooking class at a traditional wooden townhouse. Learn to make classic Japanese dishes like sushi, miso soup, and seasonal salads, using the fresh ingredients you picked at the market. Savor your culinary creations for dinner and gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese cuisine.
DAY 2: BIKING THROUGH KYOTO'S BACKSTREETS AND GEISHA ENCOUNTER
Today let's gear up for a scenic cycling adventure through Kyoto's charming backstreets. Pedal through the enchanting geisha districts of Gion and Miyagawacho, where you might catch a glimpse of a gracefully kimono-clad geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha). Glide along the picturesque Shirakawa Canal, lined with weeping willow trees and traditional wooden houses. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Imperial Palace Park, a sprawling oasis amidst the city. Then, cycle alongside the Kamogawa River, a popular spot for locals to relax and soak in the city's vibe. In the afternoon, transform yourself into a geisha for an unforgettable experience. Get dressed in a stunning kimono, complete with traditional white makeup, and capture the moment with photos in picturesque locations.
DAY 3: ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST
Escape the city bustle and enter the enchanting world of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Stroll beneath towering bamboo stalks, creating a mesmerizing natural cathedral bathed in sunlight. Step into the serene gardens of the Okochi Mountain Villa, a former samurai residence. Savor a cup of matcha green tea and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding gardens. Discover the spiritual side of Kyoto at the Nonomiya Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine, and Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Zen gardens. Afterward, immerse yourself in the Zen aesthetics of Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, and stroll along the Philosopher's Path, a scenic walkway lined with cherry blossom trees and offering stunning views. Conclude your day with a traditional tea ceremony, a meditative ritual steeped in Japanese culture. Learn about the art of tea preparation and savor the delicate flavor of tea accompanied by Japanese sweets.
DAY 4: KYOTO DEPARTURE
Bid farewell to Kyoto and head to your next destination, carrying with you the memories of its ancient temples, vibrant markets, and the timeless charm of its people.
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