You may well find that the timing flights makes the decision for you - If you'd rather avoid an early morning arrival or departure, for example. In terms of not ending the trip "on a low," I think that you might be surprised with your reactions to Kyoto and Tokyo. When you go somewhere with high expectations, you can sometimes be disappointed - That's what I experienced when I first visited Kyoto. (Since then, I've come to love it).
Originally Posted by
janehoya
5 nights in Tokyo, and between 5-7 nights in Kyoto (we like to hike and apparently there are several day trips we can take from Kyoto).
Have you considered taking a couple of days to stay somewhere rural? If you like hiking, you might enjoy a break in the mountains.
Originally Posted by
janehoya
down south.
Tokyo is farther north than Kyoto by about the same margin as Raleigh (NC) is farther north than Charlotte (NC) ... just sayin'