Are you trying to put together plans for this or next year cherry blossoms? If this year you are very late in planning and will have to likely take what you can get at this point.

The typical tourist in Japan does what you describe. Tokyo, Kyoto, and another stop (maybe a traditional ryokan in Hakone, or Miyajima, or Takayama). That is not too much for 10 days. Japan has a few flavors (which sounds good to say but am not sure what it means). It is all the "real" Japan.

10 days as a first-timer in Japan? Cherry blossom season in Tokyo & Kyoto? Well, here's how we did it...

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/tokyokyoto-live-trip-report-and-photos-from-mrmsgo.cfm

Scroll down a bit; the "informative" part of the trip report starts about 1/3 of the way down. Hope this helps!

I am another very later planner for this April cherry Blossom season.

Mr.go, thanks for such a detailed trip report - its going to be really useful on our upcoming trip. similar route to yours but opting for central Honshu over Hiroshima and miyajima.

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/itinerary-and-accommodation-advice.cfm

would you mind advising how you booked the accommodation and also how you do you get tickets for the Myako odori. would really like to go for that if our timing is right.

thnx.

Nikidi, You can book Miyako Odori tickets through your front desk at your Kyoto hotel. Have you seen this site yet?

http://www.miyako-odori.jp/odori_en.html

I have seen your other thread and will answer later today when I have more time.

Aloha!

thanks so much hawaiiantraveler.. I was really hoping you will answer my itinerary question!! i have never been this last minute with any previous trip..so ur expert views will be much appreciated as soon as i iron out the itinerary i can start looking at accommodation then!