My friend commented on my completed itinerary that I packed too many things in my Kyoto 2.5 days.
My current plan:
1) Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Kawaramachi Takashimaya (get Disneysea ticket), Kyoto Station (JR pass)
2) Kiyomizudera, Higashiyama till Yasaka Shrine, bus to Ginkakuji, Philosopher path, hanamikoji, shirakawa canal, gion
3) Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Potoncho, Maruyama Koen night hanami

Looking at the list, seems that I am backtracking slightly. First night go Kawaramachi just to buy tickets. Second day go north to Ginkakuji and then back to Gion again. Third night go Maruyama Koen again when I pass by it on second day when going to Yasaka Shrine. My hotel first two night is near Kyoto Station while last night at Kawaramachi Station.

Should I remove some of the places from the list? I am not sure if Ginkakuji worth the entrance fee. Philosopher Path and Shirakawa canal both look at water + sakura. Which one less crowded or look nicer?

I am thinking switching Takashimaya till third night when I stay at Kawaramachi Station area. But, if I also switch gion/shirakawa canal till third night, I can have more time walking along Philosopher path. But, I worry later third day become too packed instead.

So, any suggestions on reorganizing these areas? Thanks.

This post has been edited by jackieatbtu: Jan 24 2015, 11:35 PM

I vote against Samantha Thavasa. I bought the deluxe series at Narita when I went there a few years ago. Basically, I was paying around 40000 yen for a PU bag. It was expensive but my heart set on a Samantha as souvenir. End up the PU material can not last long. When I used as my daily work bag, cracks started to appear and peeling after one year.

For the same amount of money, I would get something else like Blue Label or make sure it is full leather.

This post has been edited by jackieatbtu: Jun 5 2015, 09:51 PM