I appreciate everyones help and advice. Here is the basic plan we are going to follow.

2 Nights in Tokyo, 4 nights Kyoto, then last night Tokyo.

We figured we could then take at least 1 or half-day or day trips from Kyoto. It seems like a good place to be based since there are a lot of cool places to visit within 1-2 hours train ride. May do half day to Nara and day trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto, just tentative. Would it be worth going to Osaka one night from Kyoto to check it out? How does my itinerary sound? Or would basing ourselves in Osaka be better?

For a day trip from Kyoto, Himeji, Okayama and Kurashiki are probably better than Hiroshima.

I fail to see the draw of Okayama........And I would rank Hiroshima/Miyajima as far more interesting than Kurashiki!

Depends on if you can get accommodation in Kyoto for all four nights! Osaka and Kyoto are only about 40 mins away from each other on the train.

I think your tentative itinerary sounds very workable. You don't even need to decide on Osaka versus Kyoto until you know about accommodations. I much prefer Kyoto as a base but agree that hotels could be difficult for that time of year. I'd start trying to arrange the rooms. If you find good ones in Kyoto, great. If not, then look in Osaka. It is only a half-hour or so train connection away.

I think you could make it down to Hiroshima if you were to take an early train and plan on moving pretty quickly to see everything before taking the train back in the evening. If this is your once-in-a-lifetime visit, I'd say go for it. Americans should probably visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum at least once and Miyajima is beautiful. If, on the other hand, you envision returning some day, I might suggest leaving the long haul for another time. I agree with the previous post that Himeji, Nara and Okayama/Kurashiki make easier and perhaps simpler day trips.

You haven't mentioned what sort of accommodations you prefer so nobody has made any recommendations. If you want help, just let us know what you are looking for - budget, mid-range, luxury, etc.

For the kind of running around you seem to be planning, I again suggest you consider the Japan Rail Pass. The round-trip Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo just about breaks even. All the other trips - Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji, Nara - are pure gravy. To get an idea of train trip times, costs and frequencies, take a look at Hyperdia. Just remember to check the box to "Exclude Nozomi," as the Pass does not cover Nozomi travel.

http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi

JR

Thanks. Looking for mid-range accommodation. Definitely will being JR Rail Pass.

I have to say Hiroshima and Miyajima would be a lot better then Okayama and Kurashiki (which is a nice place).

However a trip out to there I would say a full day instead of a half day trip, maybe with a stop at Himeji on the way there. Only if you have time though to visit.

For Okayama I am thinking of Korakuen as well as Kurashiki. Going to Miyajima on a day trip from Kyoto will be a little stressed.

I don't disagree. Hiroshima and particularly Miyajima will make for a very long, tiring day. I agree with others that it would still be worth it if the OP will never have another chance to see them.

I really enjoyed Okayama and Kurashiki. Korakuen is nice and is just across the river by footbridge from the "Crow Castle." There is a nice riverwalk park with interesting displays along the loop of river that surrounds the park and numerous restaurants for a nice lunch. Okayama Station is pretty easy to navigate and has lots of shops and such - the obento stalls have an amazing variety. Kurashiki is getting a little touristy but still has one of the better preserved historic areas around. I had a wonderful time wandering around there, topped off by the single worst bowl of ramen I've ever managed to find. Luck of the draw. I was hungry and that little tiny place in an alley was all I could find quickly. :)

JR

Korakuen is a summer garden where as Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is a winter garden (snow) and Kairakuen in Mito is an early spring garden (ume hanami). So Korakuen may not be best until later in the year.

Okayama's egi ben (station bento) is famous. Of course it was easier when the train windows open and you can just lean out the window to buy one.

I was able to get availability at the Hearton Hotel Kyoto for 4 nights at 168 plus tax a night. Also I got availability at the Harvest Hotel Kyoto for 15,000 yen. It does seem widely known about though. Hotel Okura was 198 a night plus tax but don't know if we want to spend that much. How is the Hearton? Would any travel agencies be able to provide better availability/rates?

http://www.heartonhotel.com/hearton_...yoto_rooms.htm


http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...oto_Kinki.html

Looks like a typical "bizness" type hotel, clean.........

I have stayed at the Hearton a couple of times. I call it about a half-step up from the usual business hotel. Very clean. Small but comfortable rooms. Nicer than normal lobby. Staff is used to foreign guests and speaks some English. The breakfast buffet is extensive and good but NOT free. Wi-fi in rooms is free. The best thing going for it is location. Nice area. Right at the major crossing of the two subway lines. Walking distance from the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle and Pontocho. There is a nice little neighborhood restaurant kattycorner across Oike-dori that I kind of like called the Luna House (last time I was there.) Several konbinis within short walking distance. I did a lot of my first touring in Kyoto by foot from the hotel.

Like most business-oriented hotels in Japan, they are geared toward singles and their single room rates are quite good. I'm assuming you are looking for a twin, which will be higher. It looks like you could save a couple of bucks per night at the Kyoto Garden or the Comfort Inn Gojo (assuming there is availability) but I don't think either is quite as nice.

I'd search the Rakuten and Japan Hotel Net sites and compare. Search on Central Kyoto. I've booked through JHN several times and trust them completely. There are also a number of inexpensive hotels in the area around the station that might be more convenient for day trips but the neighborhood leaves something to be desired.

JR

We are going to also stay at Conrad Tokyo the first two nights and deciding were for the last night. Possibily the Park Hotel Tokyo. I hear its very nice. We were able to get two nights free at the Conrad so thats the how we are able to stay there on this trip. We have traveled so much lately, I am trying to keep this from getting too outrageous. haha.

Park Hotel and Royal Park Shiodome are good hotels -- both walking distance from the Conrad. But maybe a little further than you'd like to walk with suitcases.

On a lower budget -- Villa Fontaine Shiodome is in the next building to the Conrad.

Alternatively move to the Marunouchi Hotel by Tokyo station (short cab ride from Conrad). Similar price to Park Hotel and very convenient for the Narita Express.