Timing and order
Kinkaku after opening (tour groups arrive early); one pond loop, leave. Bus to Ryoan-ji rocks; if time, Ninna-ji or Kitano Tenmangu — pick one. Kitano ramen closes the day — no Arashiyama dinner booking.
Bus first — no subway to the gate
No subway at the Kinkaku gate. City bus from Kyoto Station or Shijo to Kinkakuji-michi. Bus-heavy day: price the city-bus day pass. Mixing Karasuma back to Kawaramachi: subway+bus pass or ICOCA.
Where to stop / what not to stack
Stop in the northwest. Not Arashiyama bamboo, Kiyomizu or Fushimi. Nijo Castle belongs to a palace day — not a Kinkaku add-on.