I am travelling to Japan for 9 days in October. My original plan was to stay in Tokyo the whole time and spend 2 days in Hakone. Some friends say 7 days in Tokyo is too much and they suggest taking a side trip to Kyoto. Since I've been to Tokyo before but not Kyoto, i think that's good idea. However, based on what i've read in this forum, it seems like it'll take more than two days to explore Kyoto. Any input as to whether a trip to Kyoto is worthwhile? If so, how would you divide your days between Tokyo and Kyoto?

Kyoto is fabulous. If you've already been to Tokyo why not consider spending 4 or 5 days in Kyoto and the rest in Tokyo. I definitely takes more than 2 days to see Kyoto. I'd skip Hakone in favor of Kyoto.

Thanks for your input. I'm thinking we can relax a little bit at Hakone since i know we'll do tons of walking and sightseeing in Tokyo and Kyoto. If we skip Hakone, do you know of any onsen ryokan in Kyoto where we can just kick back for a day or so?

I also think it would be a great idea to stay four or five days in Kyoto. Even two or three days would be good. You should not miss it! There are many interesting day trips to take from Kyoto, so it's a great base. Since you've been to Tokyo before, I wouldn't recommend staying for 7 days unless you are visiting a lot of friends.

It is possible to have a nice onsen experience in Kyoto. One choice is Kurama Onsen - a scenic little village in the hills of Kyoto. You can do an easy day trip here and enjoy the onsen as well as visit the spectacular (especially at night) temple. There is also a quite famous and expensive ryokan in Hanase, also in the hils of Kyoto. I can find out more if you are interested.

Did you get out to Kamukura when you were in Tokyo? The temples are fantatic. Nikko is a psycho day trip that I did but the origin of the three monkeys (see no evil,...) If you go to Kyoto, I was of the opinion that Nara was almost better than Kyoto and I didn't give it enough time. Kyoto as a side trip is probably best done with rail pass and the bullet train