Darling, you're in Kyoto and you haven't been to see the Golden and Silver Pavillions yet? Also the Daibutsu which you see was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, an important leader during the Sengoku period. There are also some wonderful shrines with Kanon.

It's hard to see you feeling so discouraged over a bit of bad luck. If you go to these sites, however, at least there is something you can do which doesn't require spending money.