Need recommendations for Kyoto portion of trip – having hard time planning travel between attractions

Hi all,

My questions are getting a better idea of good plan for Kyoto section as I can’t seem to group things ideally.

Original plan was:
[Kyoto option 1](https://imgur.com/gallery/4AuU8Xx)

* 4/17: arrive early afternoon. Check in. See Kyoto Tower, Nishiki Market, Yasaka Shrine. Dinner downtown.
* 4/18: Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka and Ninen-zaka street, ?Koda-ji, Maruyama park, ?Shoren-in Garden, explore Gion at night
* 4/19: Fushimi Inari Shrine + hike, ?Tofuku-ji, Nanzen-ji temple–> Philosopher’s Path–> Ginkaku-ji
* 4/20: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Iwatayama Monkey Park, ?Gio-ji temple, Adashino-nembutsu-ji, Otagi nenbutsuji temple, Cooking Sun cooking class 2-5pm, night in pontocho

Potential alternative?

[kyoto option 2 slides](https://imgur.com/gallery/slWxTiP)

* 4/17: arrive early afternoon. Check in. See Kyoto Tower, Nishiki Market, Yasaka Shrine. Dinner downtown.
* 4/18: Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka and Ninen-zaka street, Maruyama park, Nanzen-ji temple –>Philosopher’s Path –> Ginkaku-ji
* 4/19: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Iwatayama Monkey Park, ?Gio-ji temple, Adashino-nembutsu-ji, Otagi nenbutsuji temple, pontocho at night
* 4/20: Fushimi Inari, ?Tofuku-ji, Cooking sun cooking class 2-5pm, explore Gion at night

**For either option:** 4/21- plan to go to Osaka in the evening. Trying to figure out morning plans, was between trying Kurama –> Kibune hike for morning/afternoon and then head to Osaka vs going to Nara en route to Osaka. If we did either of these, would need to use a luggage storage option at Kyoto station or Nara station because we check out of Hotel Kyoto Alza by 11 am. Are either of these options more feasible timing wise when traveling to Osaka? Having hard time figuring this out.

Notes about plan:

* I’m a visual person and a planner. Making it is fun for me (yes I know I am weird). However these are researched ideas and guidelines, NOT requirements. I do this for all trips and modify plans accordingly based on weather, stamina, feelings of the day. I realize we likely won’t do these all. Food places again just ideas in area. If you would like to see my other slides for rest of itinerary please let me know.

Questions:

* Having hard time deciding how to structure because of the cooking class booked on 4/20. It is the only thing my husband picked out (he is not a planner) and we like cooking classes abroad, so I don’t want ot cancel, but having a hard time figure out how to plan around this since it is midday 2-5pm. This is what started option 2 vs option 1. Which do you think is more feasible?
* Is it feasible to do Kurama to Kibune hike in AM of 4/21 and go back to Osaka for evening? We like to hike and was thinking this would be a change of pace from proceeding 4 days, but we would need to put our carry-on luggage in a locker at Kyoto station and then take 1 hr train up to Kurama. If this is too much back and forth may do Nara instead.

Thanks!