Hi,

For Fushimi Inari, any idea climbing up the hill take how long? And do we have to walk down again after reach the peak or there is any bus/train station.

I come across some page stating that they don't have specific opening hours, to save time.. am planning to go there 7.00am.. stroll around 2 hours then rush to Kyoto Imperial Palace (10am tour). Something like the following, anyone can advise:

6.30am walk to Kyoto Station - train to Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine
7.00am stroll around Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine
9.00am to Inari Station - train to Kyoto Imperial Palace
10.00am Kyoto Imperial Palace (10am / 2pm tour)
11.00am  to Nijo Castle
12.00pm transfer to Nishiki Market
12.30pm lunch at Nishiki Market
2.30pm to Shoren-in Temple (enjoy a cup of tea overlooking the garden)
3.15pm to Chion-in (renovation?)
3.45pm to Maruyama-koen Park
4.15pm to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
5.30pm Return to hostel to rest and freshen up
Arashiyama will be done next day, cover tenryuji temple, bamboo forest then transfer to Kinkakuji.. late evening rush to Osaka.