Japan Luxury Vacation Review: Kyoto, Osaka, 16-Day Trip

1. The order in which we spent time in certain places caused us to have to unnecessarily travel. For example, we went Osaka > Kyoto > back to Osaka to fly out. Yes, it's a relatively short train ride (~1.5 hours) but we had an 8 a.m. flight so had to wake up an hour earlier than would have otherwise if we had already been in Osaka. Similarly it was recommended we go to 2 islands in 4 days. Again - a relatively easy flight but would like to have stayed in 1 place (Miyako) the entire time. 
2. We used 2 tour guides - the second was really great - she knew lots of facts about the shrines/temples we saw as well as went over and beyond on the history of Japan and really answering any historical or fact-based question we asked. The first did not offer a lot in terms of historical knowledge of the areas/facts she showed us. I would only book with tour guides who really know the history and facts of the area they're guiding you through.