they don't recognize it.

so just hole up in your house until travel day, take the darn PCR test and submit to mySOS app (their mysejahtera) before arriving in Japan.

the rest is essentially pre-covid liao, just mask up as usual

In Kyoto, bus pass is more superior than subway pass. Though do note driving in Kyoto City is a nightmare (even parking is a pain).

The one day bus pass can be purchased at the bus terminal (got vending machine), at the city bus office building  (its a building  (more like a kiosk) outside of the main kyoto station (not very far just right outside one of the exit near to the terminal)

You can also buy them at the commuter pass office at the various subway stations.

Regarding the keihan kyoto-osaka sightseeing pass, you cannot use it to ride the keihan buses.

Regarding the luggage on normal trains. Well, you can.......... But you are gonna be a whole pain in the ass during peak hours. Try to use first or last carriage so you arent blocking ppl that much.

Keihan normal train to kyoto takes abt 1 hr.
Hankyu is less
JR rapid is fastest normal train to kyoto

1.
7-8am Less people. But taking Randen line from Kyoto had to pass Nijo Station. Morning rush hour.

2. No

3. From Torrokko Kameoka Station to Hozugawa River Boat just 3 minute walk. You must be kidding me by talking bus. Bus driver will kick you out from bus.

4. Arashiyama Yoshimura.  One of my fav spot in Arashiyama.