Kansai itinerary question

I'd love to hear everyone's input on our itinerary for April! Here's what we have so far:


Day One - Arrive in the morning, drop off stuff at the machiya (we're based near Gojo station), head to Kiymomizudera/Higashiyama/Maruyama Park/Yasaka Shrine. Probably dinner at Gion, then back to the inn (they allow check-ins up to 8 PM).

Day Two - This is the trickiest, I could use some advice! Since we're on a tight schedule, we figured we'd combine North + West Kyoto, and discovered that our group would rather spend more time in Arashiyama; the only thing most of us would like to see would be Kinkakuji. So:

We start at Kinkakuji for about an hour, then ride a bus so Ninnanji. We're not actually going to Ninnanji; the goal is Omuroninnanji, on the Keifuku line, so we can ride through the cherry blossom tunnel on our way to Arashiyama.

In Arashiyama, we'd love to try riding both the Sagano Railway and go to Kokedera; but I'm worried about the timing, since both require reservations. Ideally we'll have dinner in Arashiyama at night, when the food stalls go up, but I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Day Three - Nara/Osaka day trip.

Day Four - We'd like to be around central Kyoto during this time since we need to pack and forward our luggage to Tokyo prior to heading to Shirakawago the next day. Aside from Nishiki Market, any suggestions?

When you drop your stuff off at the hotel on day one, you can probably do all of your check-in stuff then. And you can always tell them you'll be back late if you don't want to rush for 8pm.

Also, depending on how fast you move as a group, you might considering adding in some more sights that day. Adding Nanzenjihttp://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3905.html or Sanjusangendo http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3900.html in would be my suggestions.

On day four, I'd suggest packing everything up and sending out your bags before you start your journey. That way you don't have to worry about going back to the hotel and will be free to travel anywhere you'd like for the day. Though if you want to stay central-ish, there's the imperial palaces, http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3917.html Nijo-jo http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3918.html and then heading towards the station you have the two Honganjis and Shosei-in garden. A small but lovely little place that is usually quite quiet compared to rest of Kyoto. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3920.html

Though really, as long as you're out exploring, you can't go wrong in Kyoto. There's plenty of great things to see.