Originally Posted by
mojo2121
Was thinking of maybe going straight from NRT out to Kyoto on the night of arrival - spending all of the next day there and heading back to Tokyo that evening if that makes sense?
Works for me.
Since the last trains from Kyoto leave at 9pm, I would recommend spending the second night in Kyoto. *(The following morning, you could catch a train to Tokyo as early as 6am if you want to maximize your time there). That allows you to enjoy an un-rushed evening in Kyoto. You should take the opportunity to try kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) and wander around the entertainment districts in the evening.