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🌸 Discovering the East: Kyoto, Tokyo, Seoul 🌸

Carla Romero

Carla Romero

17 Jan 2024

Embark on a 17-day adventure through the cultural wonders of Kyoto, Tokyo, and Seoul. Immerse yourself in ancient temples, vibrant markets, and mouthwatering cuisine. Get ready for a journey filled with awe-inspiring sights, unforgettable experiences, and a taste of East Asian charm.

Trip to Kyoto

Day 1Temples and Culinary Delights in Kyoto
+

$45

·

$ 2

Inafuku (稲福)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$10
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Fushimi Inari Taisha
Mountainside Shinto shrine dating from 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional gates.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
36 - 44 min

~

Directions

Byōdō-in Temple
Tours are offered of this iconic temple with a scenic pond & garden, plus a building with artifacts.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$6
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

地鶏家心
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$16
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

三国志
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$12
Day 2Serenity and Tradition in Kyoto
+

$59

·

$ 2

御米司 ふみや
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$11
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Higashiyama Jisho-ji
This 15th-century Zen temple features picturesque gardens & a sand mound shaped like Mount Fuji.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$6
23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Kiyomizu-dera
Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$13
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

阿古屋茶屋
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$13
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Kyoto Katsugyu (京都勝牛 清水五条坂店)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$16
Day 3Imperial Grandeur and Geisha Culture in Kyoto
+

$47

·

$ 2

イーサン
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$10
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Palace complex & former Imperial family residence reconstructed in 1855, with gardens & gates.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Nishiki Market
400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

祇をん 豆寅
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$16
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Kennin-ji Temple
Historic, ornate Buddhist temple with a traditional Zen garden, tea ceremonies & colorful murals.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$6
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Gion Suetomo (祇園 末友)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$14
Day 4Golden Pavilions and Zen Gardens in Kyoto
+

$53

·

$ 6

Shichijo Kanshundo (七條甘春堂 且坐喫茶)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$9
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Rengeō-in (Sanjūsangen-dō) Temple
This iconic Buddhist temple is known for its 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of the goddess Kannon.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$6
40 - 48 min

~

Directions

Kinkaku-ji
Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$6
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Seigen-in (西源院)
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$15
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

とようけ茶屋
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$16
Day 5Exploring Kyoto's Hidden Gems
+

$60

·

$ 4

伏見
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$9
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Tō-ji Temple
Historic Buddhist temple with a 5-story wooden pagoda & sculptures of deities from the 8th century.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$6
25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Nijō Castle
Built in 1603, this cypress-wood castle with extensive gardens was a home for the shogun Ieyasu.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$10
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

とようけ茶屋
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$16
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Shrine with 10th-century origins featuring annual festivals to mark natural & historical events.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$6
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

ヌーラーニ
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$12

Budget breakdown: $932 In total

Activities & Food:$888
Transport:$44

Trip to Tokyo

Day 1Temples and Culinary Delights in Kyoto
+

$45

·

$ 3

裏恵比寿 まました
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$10
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
Museum of photography with a large collection of Japanese works as well as international images.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$6
20 - 24 min

~

Directions

The National Art Center, Tokyo
Large, modern venue presenting temporary exhibitions of Japanese & international art.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
46 - 56 min

~

Directions

Restaurant Hokusai (れすとらん北齋)
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$16
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Gentle children’s ride with animated puppets, relating the story of the popular fairy tale.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

The Blue Bayou Restaurant (ブルーバイユー・レストラン)
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$12
Day 2Serenity and Tradition in Kyoto
+

$72

·

$ 3

The French Kitchen (フレンチ キッチン)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$11
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Mori Art Museum
Art museum in the Mori Tower featuring a rotating exhibition of international contemporary artwork.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$19
54 - 65 min

~

Directions

Ghibli Museum
Whimsical museum dedicated to the famed animation studio with a play area, theater & rooftop garden.
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
•
$13
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Krung Siam (クルン・サイアム)
吉祥寺店
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$13
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Cafe RIGOLETTO
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$16
Day 3Imperial Grandeur and Geisha Culture in Kyoto
+

$53

·

$ 2

Locale
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$10
16 - 23 min

~

Directions

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Art deco former residence of Prince Asaka, housing museum hosting temporary art exhibition program.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$13
21 - 26 min

~

Directions

Roppongi Hills
Complex housing offices, restaurants & art museum, plus a skyscraper with a roof observation deck.
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Jomon (ジョウモン)
六本木店
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$16
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Sushi Tsu (すし通)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$14
Day 4Golden Pavilions and Zen Gardens in Kyoto
+

$57

·

$ 2

ゑんぞ
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$9
17 - 26 min

~

Directions

Edo-Tokyo Museum
Major museum opened in 1993 & displaying artifacts from Tokyo's Edo period & one-off exhibits.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$8
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Ramen Kamo to Negi (らーめん 鴨to葱)
2017/6/28~
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$15
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

The National Museum of Western Art
Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso & Monet are featured in this national western art museum opened in 1959.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
$12
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Uguisudani-en (鶯谷園)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$13
Day 5Exploring Kyoto's Hidden Gems
+

$75

·

$ 5

明洞
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$9
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Yayoi Kusama Museum
Annual exhibitions, lectures & events explore the life & work of a beloved avant-garde artist.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$13
27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Museum of fine art, sculpture & photography, with 6 exhibition halls, cafes & restaurants.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$13
24 - 29 min

~

Directions

A ta gueule ORIENT-EXPRESS
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$16
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Permanent & rotating collections of Japanese & international artists in a 1990s landmark building.
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
•
$13
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Tandorr Bar Kamarupuru (タンドール バル カマルプール)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$12
Day 6Day 1: Artistic Marvels and Culinary Delights in Tokyo
+

$64

·

$ 2

Sushi Kanesaka (鮨 かねさか)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$11
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Renovated 1969 gallery housing Japanese art created since the start of the Meiji period (1868).
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$12
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Min Min (赤坂珉珉)
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$13
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
Modern gallery showcasing contemporary Japanese design, with rotating exhibits & a museum shop.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$13
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Kuronekoyoru (黒猫夜)
六本木店
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$15
Day 7Day 2: Museums and Magical Worlds in Tokyo
+

$47

·

$ 3

The Lobby Lounge & Bar (リッツカールトン ザ・ロビーラウンジ&バー)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$9
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Suntory Museum of Art
Cozy museum showcasing special exhibitions of ornate lacquerware, textiles & paintings.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$13
39 - 47 min

~

Directions

Journey to the Center of the Earth
Riders meet an animatronic monster on this underground roller coaster, based on a Jules Verne book.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
24 - 36 min

~

Directions

The Blue Bayou Restaurant (ブルーバイユー・レストラン)
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$12
32 - 39 min

~

Directions

Ramen Jiro (ラーメン二郎 環七一之江店)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$13

Budget breakdown: $932 In total

Activities & Food:$888
Transport:$44

Trip to Seoul

Day 1Temples and Culinary Delights in Kyoto
+

$42

·

$ 3

dugahun (두가헌)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$11
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Bukchon Hanok Village
Village dating to the 14th century filled with narrow streets lined with restored traditional homes.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Deoksugung Palace
Historic palace in the heart of Seoul offering a popular Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony.
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Mongmyeok Sanbang (목멱산방)
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$17
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Namsan Cable Car
This aerial tram takes passengers on a 3-minute trip in a glass cable car with panoramic city views.
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
•
Free
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Olea Kitchen & Grocery (올리아키친앤그로서리)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$14
Day 2Serenity and Tradition in Kyoto
+

$49

·

$ 2

Gastro Tong
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$12
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Free guided tours are offered of this large 14th-century royal palace with a museum & gardens.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$3
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자)
명동에 2군데가 있습니다. 본점과 1호점. 이 곳은 본점.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$17
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Myeongdong Cathedral
Brick-built, 19th-century, Gothic-style Catholic cathedral with a 45m-high bell tower.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
•
Free
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Myeongdong Gyoja (명동교자)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$17
Day 3Imperial Grandeur and Geisha Culture in Kyoto
+

$41

·

$ 3

Half Past Ten (하프패스트텐)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$9
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

National Museum of Korea
Major building opened in 2005 to house the country's cultural & military artifacts & artworks.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
20 - 24 min

~

Directions

田多 (전다)
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$15
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Changdeokgung
Tours are offered of this large Joseon dynasty palace & its surrounding gardens.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

정돈
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$17
Day 4Golden Pavilions and Zen Gardens in Kyoto
+

$42

·

$ 3

Nilli Pasta & Pizza (닐리)
과천 맛집, 과천 파스타, 서울랜드 맛집, 과천정부청사역맛집, 별양동맛집 * 사업자등록번호 : 220-02-80373 * 상호 : 닐리과천 * 소재지 : 경기도 과천시 별양동 1-17 과천타워 206호 * 업태 : 음식 * 종목 : 간이음식점
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$11
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Seoul Grand Park
Nearly 3,000 animals live in the zoos at this attraction with rose garden, art museum & theme park.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
38 - 46 min

~

Directions

부촌육회
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$16
1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Gwangjang Market
Bustling shopping area offering a wide array of traditional food items, plus clothing & souvenirs.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Woo Lae Oak (우래옥)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$15
Day 5Exploring Kyoto's Hidden Gems
+

$43

·

$ 5

서울뚝배기
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$10
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Namsangol Hanok Village
Tours & cultural programs inside a recreated Korean village with 5 restored hanoks, built 1392–1910.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Namdaemun Market
Opened in 1964, this large area of stalls offers clothes, household goods & local items.
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
37 - 45 min

~

Directions

Pork House (돼지집)
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$17
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Gwangmyeong Cave, Gyeonggi-do
Former mining cave complex turned entertainment venue, with light shows, an aquarium & a winery.
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

산촌신쭈꾸미
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
•
$16

Budget breakdown: $932 In total

Activities & Food:$888
Transport:$44