Originally Posted by
RhubarbPie
... Did you utilize taxis at all? I read that a taxi from the Hyatt to Gion is only around 700 yen, which seems very reasonable to me.
Taxis in Kyoto and Nara are plentiful, convenient and relatively inexpensive when you figure in No Tipping. In Kyoto, the drivers know all the tourist destinations and many (not all) will speak some English. You can help them if you have some form of flyer or other written paperwork showing the destination you want. Definitely keep a card or brochure from your hotel. Just get in the cab and show it to the driver. Don't open or close the cab door yourself - the driver will do that. In the heat of August, cabs could be a trip saver, getting you around in air conditioned comfort.