Timing and order
After opening: Kiyomizu stage, down Ninen/Sannen-zaka, Yasaka afternoon, Hanamikoji and Shirakawa at dusk. One matcha in Gion. Do not queue Nishiki first then climb.
Keihan vs city bus
Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo then ~20 minutes uphill — steep, less stuck in traffic. City bus to Kiyomizu-michi/Gojo-zaka is nearer the gate but packed in blossom/maple weeks. From Kawaramachi use Keihan; from the station, bus or subway then Keihan.
Where to stop / what not to stack
Stop in Gion or dinner west of the Kamo. Not Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama or Kinkaku. The Philosopher’s Path belongs to a Ginkaku day — not a Higashiyama add-on.