We got our flights to Tokyo booked on JAL first class from L.A. to Tokyo (Narita) and are ecstatic about it! Thanks so much for everyone's help!!!

Thunderroad, we are staying at the Westin Kyoto and flying back out of Osaka purely based on you thoughts, so thanks again!

Right now we are thinking that we will do 5 nights in Tokyo (Park Hyatt), 5 nights in the Westin Kyoto (with a day trip elsewehere or two), and two nights in Osaka at the Interccontinental. It looks like JAL from Osaka-Tokyo-L.A. is probably our best way to get back home (with a connection L.A. to Nashville to finish it off)?

I have used several of your suggestions and would LOVE any additional thoughts, ideas, corrections, recomendadtions, etc.

Thanks again!