Nijo Castle

Pros

• Nijo Castle was a highlight. Mixture of beautiful artwork and interesting history.
• Bus to Nijo Castle, castle/villa where shogunate ended and gave full power to emperor. Got huge and delicious kakigori (shaved ice) in the tea house
• In Kyoto, I found the Niji Castle quite interesting.
• As for Kyoto, besides the route I mentioned, I also enjoyed Nijo Castle and Yasaka Shrine. They felt a bit less crowded.
• Nijo Castle: This was more crowded than the other places, but it was quite interesting to visit something that wasn't a temple and see how architectural elements translated and changed.

Cons

• Move Nijo Castle out of the evening slot... I checked its official hours: regular entry ends at 4pm and it closes at 5pm, unless you're going for a separate night event.
• since Nijo Castle is a must-see World Heritage site for you, definitely keep it! Just know that Nijo's grounds are huge and covered in thick gravel, which is surprisingly tough on hips and ankles.
• I would cancel atleast the Njio castel tour. Didnt find the castle super impressive and it was very crowded. Overall japanese castles are nice on the outside, but the inside is not that enjoyable
• The only thing I can think of cancelling the Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace tour (we can get a refund) and do Ginkaku-ji / Philosopher's Path on day 7.
• enjoyed this more than the Osaka Castle but there was zero air conditioning.