[QUOTE=blitzen;31496458]
while that might be a good idea it is way easier to book hotels with points in osaka and Osaka<>Kyoto is a quick train ride
OP look into a overnight (or day trip) to Koyasan
[/QUOTE
You are right, I can stay for free in Osaka
I plugged in several of the day trips everybody has suggested and the light turned green - pretty sure I’m well north of $435 for JR. Next I have to decide whether to get the green JR pass for an extra $150, my wife likes the idea of not having to find a seat on a crowded train; I realize many of the routes might not have 1st class.