1. We are going in mid-June. Bummer that it is the rainy season but my wife is a school teacher, so we don't have much of an option.
2. I am Hyatt Platinum (but will be tryin for a Diamond Trial before the trip), HHonors Gold, Fairmont Premier, IHG Platinum, and Starwood Gold.
3. Will DEFINITELY checkout this forum and TA forum, thanks.
4. I have made notes to checkout Nara for sure!
5. I would LOVE to see a baseball game but I need to sell my wife on it a bit. I am a large guy (6'4" - 300LBS) and am a LITTLE concerened about if I woould fit in the seat - pictured a retired offensive lineman
6. No problem on the co$t. We feel that we are able to take such advantage with thee hotels and flights that if we spend a few bucks while we are there that it's just part of it....not that we aren't aware of cost AT ALL, just not stressed about a few bucks here or there.
7. I am comfortable in any hotel, so even if the other hotels pale in comparison to thee Park Hyatt, I will sstill be happy.
8. I don't have Platinum with Starwood and am not sure howw to gain it since I don't get many paid nights each year. Any way to match to Starwood Platinum or gain it in another way that you know of?
9. Great, Kyoto for 5 nights sounds wonderful. If we get bored of it for some reason we can just take a few day trips.
10. I will continue researching Osaka as a destination. One thing I thought iss that it might give us a chance to get to some of the western cities that might be too far for a day trip from Kyoto.
11. I love the idea of visiting Hiroshima and was thinking of maybe a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto (I have not researched the distances yet)
12. I did not see any non-stop flights from Osaka to the U.S. mainland but I would rather get my luggage on a plane in Osaka, hang out at lounges, etc. than take a train back towards Tokyo

Thanks again!