Quick answer: The best time to visit Kyoto is March–April (cherry blossom) or November (autumn colors). Expect a mid-range budget of about €110 per day. Visa: Visa-free for most EU/US/UK passports for up to 90 days.
Why this window
Kyoto rewards early starts and neighborhood clustering — temples at opening are silent, by 10am they're crowded. This plan groups Higashiyama, Arashiyama and central Kyoto so you walk more and bus less.