Originally Posted by
mtimmer
this would be the first part of May after Golden Week.
The last national holiday in the holiday ”week" is 6/May (MON). Expect a rush of traffic returning to Tokyo on 5/May and 6/May. On those days, I would expect immigration and customs to be a little slow trains from the airport into Tokyo to be full. It's not necessarily a reason to avoid those dates if they are the best dates for you, but something to be aware of.
Originally Posted by
mtimmer
Any benefit to which direction is best? For example, is Kyoto even more crowded on a weekend?
Be in Kyoto midweek if possible. Hotels may be a little cheaper. Sites may be a little less crowded. Be aware that some museums are closed once per week - Often Mondays or the next working day in the event that the Monday is a national holiday.
Originally Posted by
mtimmer
Does the number of nights in each place make sense?
I think so.
Originally Posted by
mtimmer
Train or fly between Kanazawa and Tokyo?
If you start your tour in Kanazawa, I think train is clearly the way to go - Shinkansen direct from Tokyo station to Kanazawa station.
If you end your tour in Kanazawa, you might choose to fly from Komatsu Airport to HND and connect to your flight home. Or take the train...
Buses from Kanazawa station to Komatsu Airport take around 40 minutes:
English?Komatsu Airport Limousine Bus ?HOKURIKU RAIL ROAD