Planning a full 2 day layover to get a little sense of Japan enroute to Thailand for the holidays. Should we atempt Tokyo or Kyoto ...other smaller towns of character. We want to feel we got the flavor of Japan. We currently have reservations at Holiday Inn Metropolitan in Tokyo, but I am unsure of the best strategy. WOW, we need your expert advise. Thank you so much...

Tokyo is your best bet as its only a 2 hour bus ride from Narita. I think Kyoto is much further.

Dear trav46,

Its impossible for you to travel to Kyoto when you have only 2 days.
You must stroll in Tokyo.
Your hotel is located along Yamanote-line which is hub train line, and
accessable to every highlight of Tokyo.
I recommend you to go to Asakusa for your experence of japanese traditional culture, and Shibuya for pop n latest culture.

If you are interested in shopping Ginza is the place to go. Plenty of small shops and fine retailers. Not cheap, lots of restaurants some very good. Try Kobe beef. Asakusa will take a whole day just to see. Check with the hotel concerige. The people are friendly and will help. The subway system is very well defined and easy to navigate.

There are airlines that connect in Osaka (KIX). That will allow you to visit Kyoto. But definitely not from Narita.