Originally Posted by
Keyser
However, like I said before, after reading all the great comments & suggestions here I am looking at taking the train one way & flying back the other.
Good choice. I love to drive, and I love to drive in Japan, but driving between Tokyo and Kyoto in one go is not fun nor efficient. If you like to drive, I would suggest renting a car and staying in one region, or taking more leisurely routes.
My most memorable drive was renting in Komatsu on the sea of Japan and driving over the course of nearly 2 weeks, ending up in Tokyo. But that's 2 weeks, not a single day.