Kyoto Tour Guide
Suggestion: If Google Maps is no help, call stores or restaurants in the area and ask them to fax or text you a map so you can find the place easily.
Sights. Taxi drivers know a lot about the town but few speak English. You can try to find an English speaker at the major stops like Kyoto Station, or a tour guide at the Tourist Information Center nearby. If you happen to get a driver with good English, get his phone number.
My favorite sights are Kiyomizu-dera, a temple on a cliff; Ryoanji's Zen rock garden; Nijo Castle; and the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji). My favorite relaxation is the main store of the coffeehouse called Inoda Coffee--a short walk around the area leads to many interesting shops like Miyawaki Baisen-an, a folding-fan shop. Turn right out of the shop, left at the corner, a block and a half on the left.
Nishiki Market is a quick introduction to Japanese foodstuffs, and you can purchase beautiful knives there. If you're into pottery, you can't miss the Raku Museum, but it's too subtle for most of us. Gion's geishas are lots of fun to ogle, and the food there is unbelievable.
Hotels. My favorite reasonable choice is the Gion Hotel, with the Royal a close 2nd. The Royal is better located but more expensive.
Food. You need to reserve top-class food in advance; preferably 1 or 2 months ahead.
5 star food--reserve now or leave it to chance and ask your concierge, but I assure you, you won't get in.
Japanese: Tankuma Honke 075-351-1645
J-French: Okumura Takumi 075-541-2205 or the main shop Okumura, but unlikely you'll get in there.
3-4 stars Budou no kura (Grape Warehouse) 075-525-8200
...to be continued