I can't believe that I didn't consider making an appointment sooner; I hadn't realized that it was not readily open to the public or that it might potentially get fully booked so far in advance. I just checked the website and it shows that ALL available days and time slots for November are 100% booked. I could kick myself for this, I am beyond disappointed. I can't imagine leaving Kyoto without a visit. Is there any possible way to get an appointment if the website calendar shows that they are already booked through November? I've written to my hotel in Kyoto but I wanted to seek advice here as well. I'm truly heartsick over not planning this sooner. Who would have guessed it would book 4 months in advance though... is there still a way that we could visit somehow?