You could try a temple stay or homestay next time in Kyoto. For me the magic there is not in the sights but in the refined details and lifestyle. For getting around a bicycle or scooter is probably still the best option.
Originally Posted by biggestbopper
Just got back from the two night bullet train tour of Kyoto. Train is nice and fun (but not so bulletie-French and Shanghai are ahead on speed of this over 40 year old technology). IMHO Kyoto is boring (the town that is). It's hard to get around and the town itself is in no way old with the sights being very spread out. The various sights we saw (Golden Temple, Niji Palace etc.) are very interesting and beautiful, but in 4 days, I'd say, stay in Tokyo, go to the Tokyo National Museum, walk around Omoto Santo area and relax. By the way, we tried to see Mt. Fuji from the train. No sighting. Too cloudy.