Originally Posted by Braniff
Thank you for all your assistance. It's been invaluable.
We're now planning a 10 day stay in Japan are doing 4 nights in Tokyo in a Western Hotel (most likely the Park Hyatt based on everything, but we're also seriously considering the refurbished Imperial) and then 5 nights in a Ryokan in Kyoto...
I stayed out of this because I tend to lean more toward budget accommodations, but have one comment. You may find that you are just as happy with the "ryokan experience" by staying a night or two and then finishing up at a hotel. I find that ryokans, while certainly luxurious and wonderfully relaxing, can be a bit stifling after a day or two. While some have quite varied menus, many will vary the meals only slightly from day to day. Likewise, the need to vacate the establishment for several hours during the day can cut into my nap possibilites.
If you are ok with staying away between 10.00 am and 4:00 pm or so, then it might not bother you.
For me, a night or two in a ryokan is wonderfully relaxing and a highly rewarding cultural experience. Much longer would wear a little thin.
JMHO. YMMV.
JR