Fushimi Inari at dawn, then Higashiyama’s lanes to Kiyomizu-dera. Gion and Pontocho for an early dinner.
Day 2
Gardens & maples
Tōfuku-ji at opening, then the Philosopher’s Path from Ginkaku-ji to Eikan-dō, ending with a night illumination.
Day 3
Arashiyama
Bamboo grove before 8am, Tenryū-ji’s garden, the river and Sagano’s quieter temples. Tofu lunch.
Day 4
Day trip
Nara’s deer and Tōdai-ji, or a gentler half-day in Uji with tea and the Phoenix Hall.
Day 5+
Go deeper
Kurama and Kibune, Ohara’s temples, Okazaki’s museums, Nishiki Market and a craft-shopping afternoon.
Honest thought: late November is Kyoto’s busiest season. Two days give you the icons; five let you visit them at quiet hours and still find gardens with nobody in them.