I’m glad to see you chose Westin Kyoto. I’m heading there for three nights in April on points and then two nights at the RC Kyoto as Titanium. Why didn’t you pick Ritz? I could have got five nights at Kyoto but I just cannot pass Kyoto without staying at the best RC in the world (per flyertalk forum).
They are both very well located — not inside Gion, mind you, but walkable and honestly, having stayed at a Japanese inn last time right in Gion, I rather stay outside of it. It was a bit too touristy (as in way more tourists out on the street there than local folks).
Tokyo I would choose Hilton using points and I’m gold.
Osaka I’m probably choosing Hyatt using points (got no status though).
My entire Japan trip this April is on points, and I’m traveling alone too (a woman)!