First trip: Kawaramachi or station
Kawaramachi/Shijo: Hankyu terminal, walk to Nishiki and Gion, Keihan for Higashiyama. Station: shinkansen and early JR to Arashiyama/Inari; evenings quieter. Pick one for the whole stay — do not swap nights.
Sleep west or in Fushimi?
Two west days or a very early bamboo walk: one Arashiyama night. Sunrise at Inari: one Fushimi night. Otherwise JR/Keihan day trips save luggage. Same logic for Uji.
Do not change hotels nightly
Sleep in one district, ride to another axis. If the inn includes dinner, stop there — do not book a second Pontocho sitting.