TL;DR: Get a thumb grip and fast memory cards, skip the heavy baseplate! To add to the point above: honestly Kyoto is going to be so amazing but your feet will hurt lol, so keeping the weight down is key. I totally get the budget struggle after buying an X-T5. Honestly skipping the Smallrig is smart because it felt like overkill for street stuff. If you want better handling without the bulk, the Haoge THB-XT5B Thumb Rest is a total lifesaver. It just slides into the hot shoe and makes the camera feel so much more secure in one hand without blocking dials. Technical tip tho... that 40MP sensor is a beast. You really need a fast card like the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB UHS-II V60 or you will be waiting on the buffer constantly. Its worth the extra few bucks over a standard card. Since you're traveling, maybe check out the Peak Design Leash Camera Strap. Its super thin and fits in a pocket easily. Also, maybe grab a Wasabi Power NP-W235 2-Pack set of batteries. They are way cheaper than the Fuji originals and work great for a long day of shooting. Save your money for the incredible food over there!

Building on the earlier suggestion, it seems like we are all in total agreement that skipping the heavy baseplate is the way to go! Kyoto is going to be absolutely amazing and you will be doing a ton of walking, so every gram you save is a massive win for your back. Since you are worried about the budget and keeping things reliable, I have a few specific items that are basically mandatory for safety and keeping that X-T5 in perfect shape.

• Expert Shield Glass Screen Protector for Fujifilm X-T5 is my top pick for safety. Honestly, do not even take the camera out of the bag without one! It is such cheap insurance against scratches from your jacket zippers or accidental bumps while you are navigating crowded streets. The glass version is fantastic because it feels exactly like the original screen.
• Giottos Rocket Air Blower Large is an absolute lifesaver for travel. You are gonna be changing lenses near temples and gardens where dust is everywhere. Never, ever use your breath to blow on the sensor or lens glass! This blower is super powerful and keeps your gear pristine without risking damage.
• JJC Soft Release Button Red is a tiny addition but I love it for the tactile feel. It makes the shutter way more responsive for street photography and looks great with the retro body without adding any real weight or bulk. Basically, the group consensus is to stay lean! Focus on protection and ergonomics rather than adding metal cages. Kyoto is gonna be epic, enjoy the trip!

I definitely agree with your point about avoiding extra bulk for travel! Keeping the setup lightweight is absolutely the right move for a trip to Japan. In my experience, skipping the full baseplate is a smart choice because it preserves that amazing tactile feel of the X-T5. I would highly recommend looking into a thumb grip though. It adds incredible stability for one-handed shots and basically fixes the grip issue without adding any noticeable weight to your kit! Just one quick tip... make sure you find one that doesnt obstruct the exposure compensation dial. It really makes the handling feel much more professional and secure. You are going to have a fantastic time in Kyoto with that camera!