Just found this and man, I feel your pain. I went through the exact same thing with my X-T5 last year. Buying the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f4 R OIS WR felt like a smart move for a travel zoom, but unfortunately, it was a massive letdown once I saw the files. The edges are just mushy. On that 40MP sensor, every optical flaw gets magnified. Focus hunting in lower light was another issue during my evening walks... Since you're worried about quality, here's how I felt about the alternatives:

• The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR is technically stunning but it's a literal brick. My neck was killing me.
• The Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X is sharper but lacks the 16mm width.
• That Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR also failed to impress; the resolution just wasnt there. It's honestly frustrating that these zooms just cant handle the new sensor. You might have to carry the heavy 16-55 if you want real sharpness, or just deal with the soft corners on the lighter stuff.

I've been shooting Fuji for about six years now and I've learned the hard way that 'best' on paper usually means 'heaviest' in your hand. I actually took the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR to Japan a few years back and while the images were stunning, I had to be careful with my wrist after walking ten miles every day. It really is a brick and it doesn't have OIS, so you're relying entirely on the T5's IBIS. It works, but it's a lot of mass to carry through Fushimi Inari. One thing I'd warn you about is relying too much on those sharpness complaints regarding the 40MP sensor. Most people aren't printing billboard size, but if you're really worried about resolving power, you might want to consider a modern prime like the Fujifilm XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR. It's weather-sealed and incredibly sharp, though obviously, you lose the flexibility of a zoom. For Kyoto specifically, make sure your setup is weather-sealed because it rains out of nowhere there and those narrow streets get misty fast. Quick tip: Get a solid strap like the Peak Design Slide Lite to distribute the weight if you go with a heavy zoom. Also, pack at least two extra batteries because that high-res sensor and IBIS combo drinks power way faster than the older models. You're gonna have a blast in Kyoto, just dont overthink the gear so much that you forget to look up from the viewfinder!

Honestly, Kyoto is a walking city so you really gotta prioritize weight over some theoretical sharpness charts. I spent a week there and my biggest mistake was bringing a lens that felt like a literal dumbbell by the third day. The 40MP sensor is amazing, but dont let people scare you into thinking every lens looks like mud on it... it's mostly pixel peepers complaining. A few things I'd watch out for:

• Avoid those heavy f/2.8 zooms for travel. They are basically bricks and will ruin your vibe when you're hitting 20k steps.
• Skip lenses without weather sealing. Kyoto gets sudden downpours and you dont want to be hiding your gear constantly.
• Watch out for older glass that hunts for focus too much in crowded streets. Im super happy with a solid f/4 zoom that has a bit of extra reach. It works well for those tight temple shots and honestly, the stabilization is a lifesaver. Just keep it light and enjoy the trip!

Honestly I have been dealing with this exact same headache for like two months and it is driving me insane. I have been deep-diving into MTF charts and technical reviews for the X-T5 trying to find one lens that actually hits the resolving power needed for that 40MP sensor, but everything is a total letdown. Like you, I am paralyzed by the trade-offs... either it is sharp but weighs as much as a brick, or it is light but looks like mush at the edges. I have a big trip coming up too and I am still staring at an empty camera bag because nothing seems to fit the bill. It is so disappointing that such a high-end body has this limited of a selection for a true all-in-one travel lens. Ngl I am starting to regret the upgrade since I cant find an answer either.

Re: "Just found this and man, I feel your..." - honestly, the 40MP sensor is a beast, but everyone gets so wrapped up in the pixel peeping that they forget to just shoot. I have been thinking about your Kyoto trip all day and you definitely need something that balances resolution with actual portability.

• Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD This is honestly the secret weapon. It gives you that extra reach over the 16-55mm and includes stabilization which is a massive plus. It handles the 40MP sensor way better than people realize.
• Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR This is the new kit lens and it is shockingly sharp. It was designed specifically for the higher resolution sensors. It is way lighter than the big f/2.8 brick and performs fantastic in the corners. Basically, the 16-55mm is a tank and the 16-80mm is just too soft for the T5. If you want a one-lens solution, grab the Tamron for the range or the new 16-50mm for pure optical clarity. You will thank yourself when you're hitting those shrines!