Originally Posted by
LapLap
Personally, I think it's a nice two day trip from Tokyo (staying in an Inn overnight). Not so sure I'd recommend it as an alternative way to Kyoto unless the OP was wanting to explore the Kiso valley region/Japanese Alps on the way.
Yeah, it really would be better as a two day trip, and I'd break it in the Kiso valley. Our challenge was we wanted to see the Gion Matsuri the next day. When you've got a JR pass, you do silly things like that!