Hotel in Osaka or Kyoto or Both- for a 3 nights stay?

Hello guys!

I am planning to explore Kyoto/Osaka with my girlfriend in the month of early October. It my will be my first trip to Japan.

Keeping my Tokyo days aside, I have a slot of 4days/3nights for Kyoto, Nara and Osaka.

I am confused where to book stay for this period.

Basically,
It is convenient for me to stay in Kyoto since otherwise If I book in Osaka, then I would have to move back and forth to Kyoto from Osaka for 2 days, since I will be covering kinkakuji, Arashiyama, kiyomizu-dera, fushiminar in Kyoto.

The down side is that people say that it is a bit dull place for couples to stay and mostly shops will get closed by 7/8PM there. Staying in Osaka where nightlife is there would suit us more.

I am not sure what would be better…
I am also considering staying 1 night in Kyoto & rest 2 in Kyoto.

Request you to please share your suggestions/experiences around my problem.

Does there seems any problem with the 1+2 plan?

Thanks in advance!!