Originally Posted by
carberrie
I'm planning to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto for vacation in late August. From what I've read, I assume that it would be best for me to fly into Tokyo and to then take the train Tokyo to Kyoto...
This leads me to two questions:
(1) Would I get a better deal buying the train ticket while still in USA?
(2) Are there different trains that go Tokyo-Kyoto? If so, would I be sacrificing a good experience by going for the cheapest train ticket?
Thanks, and this is actually my first post to this FlyerTalk!!!

Sounds like you have done 0 homework for your upcoming trip.
Please do your planning by utilizing this excellent site:
You will find answers to all your above questions.
http://www.japan-guide.com/