Circles indeed! But one can certainly do worse than spend more time Kyoto, IMO, and Tokyo, too, for that matter.

Can't offer any suggestions as I am having the same issue with our first trip to Japan. I have never struggled with planning a trip as much as this one for some reason.

Good to know I am not the only one yestravel! 10 days in Japan seem a lot more complicated than the 2 months in South Africa I am planning for in October. South America was a lot easier than both!

I think I am finally getting there as I decided to move fro a "top down" approach to "bottom up" and have found some particular places/ activities I want to stay/see/do (I have also decided to ignore the weather" if it rains, it rains!

Crellston: In answer to your post #4 regarding the Sofitel Yura M Gallery , I’m here at present. It’s good that I bookmarked this thread. I’ve been in Kyoto for 12 days and will head back to Tokyo tomorrow. I’ve been in Japan for nearly 3 weeks now and it’s been crazy busy.

This is my 3rd hotel in Kyoto for this trip and I’m ending at this one for 2 nights. I had originally booked 3 nights, but changed it to 2 in order to add one more night onto Tokyo. I started in Tokyo and will also end there.

As for the hotel: Pros: If one wants to be both close to downtown and the river then this location is very good for that. I asked the receptionist what street was out front and she said, “Sanjo-dori”. Yesterday, I had come in by taxi from my hotel in another part of Higashiyama and couldn’t tell what street I was on and since the hotel’s address doesn’t say, Sanjo-dori, it was a bit confusing as even the taxi driver had to pull over on a side street to try to figure it out. Today I took a taxi back to the hotel from Daimaru dept store , on Shijo-dori , and that taxi driver was also confused. I said to him that it was actually the same as Sanjo-dori, but on the opposite side of the river. I also mentioned Sanjo Keihan Station. Who knows, maybe the street changes names in certain parts of it.

I’ve stayed on Sanjo-dori twice, but the part that’s walking distance from here and right at Kawaramachi Street. This hotel is across the river in the opposite direction and is one building from Sanjo-Keihan Station if that is of importance to you. Plus, a few steps away, in the direction of the river, are bus stops. I took the #5 today as I knew that it went out Sanjo-dori and then turned onto Kawarmachi Street and headed to Shijo-dori as I needed to go to Takashimaya dept store. Yesterday evening, I actually walked to Shijo-dori from the hotel.

The hotel is quite nice and of course very new as it just opened at the end of April. The lower level where the restaurant is, is really beautiful.

Cons: Due to the hotel being on a busy street, the taxi diver had to drive onto part of the sidewalk to let me out in front of the hotel. He then reminded me not to forget my luggage and opened the trunk, from inside the taxi, and I got out and dragged my suitcase and tote bag out of the trunk. When I got into the hotel, someone came and asked if I needed help. There’s an elevator or one can walk down a small flight of stairs to enter the hotel. It’s an odd floor plan.

Also, as for breakfast, there isn’t a big choice. There’s a small buffet and then one can choose one item from two main sections of the menu to add to the buffet. Upon check in, I was informed that my breakfast wasn’t included in my room rate which I was aware of. I was asked if I’d like to order breakfast as if one orders it a day in advance, then one gets a discount. So, I ordered it yesterday and had it this morning. I’m only having it tomorrow morning due to needing food before leaving Kyoto for Tokyo on the Shinkansen. Otherwise, I’d eat in town as I eat at Muji Cafe inside of the Bal building on Kawarmachi St (closer to Sanjo-dori than to Shijo-dori). It’s on the 4th floor of that building and I can get a solid meal there with either 3 entrees and miso and rice included (900yen) or 4 entrees and miso soup and rice included for (1,000) yen. Breakfast here was over 3,000 yen, but I don’t remember the exact amount. I think it was maybe around 3,400 yen. I’ll know exactly when I get my bill.

As to whether I’d stay here again, I could see if for possibly two nights at the end like now. But, for longer stays, I need more space, more food choices, and better TV. I was told that other guests have commented about the TV. Thank goodness I have my MacBook Air with me as I’ll need to go on it soon to see if anything else has happened at home in the U.S. My other hotels had plenty of news channels. Oh, I have a superior room which is 26 sq.meters/ 280 sq.feet.

Hope the above has helped.

Happy Travels!

Crellston: I agree with your post # 23 as I find planning for Japan leaving me screaming at times. LOL! This is my 3rd summer straight. And as for the weather, I agree with you that it is what it is, so to speak. On Aug 02nd, I had a one-hour walking tour and partly uphill and which started at 10:30AM and it was 36C/97F, that day , but it was what it was. We walked from Shijo-dori to Higashiyama. Around the last two days, it's been around 100F. So, for you it might be dealing with rain, but life goes on. Have a great time!

Happy Travels!

That is hot Guenmai! Mind you, here in England we had a mini heatwave a couple of weeks ago. The temperature in the car hit 39.5c and elsewhere in the country they recorded our highest ever temps. At least we didn’t get the humidity I imagine you did in Japan.

Thanks for your feedback on the McGallery. Surprised about the breakfast. Fantastic breakfasts have always been a major feature of McGallery properties I have used elsewhere, indeed some have had pretty amazing restaurants. If you had raved about the place, I may well have gone for it, but I may well save my Accor points for elsewhere.

I have been looking at Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto Nagomi tei and will probably go with that. It is close to Nishiki Market, not as convenient as the Mc Gallery for Gion etc. but great for street food etc in the evenings.

My focus ( once I have finished planning our South Africa trip) will be to fill in the detail of what we want to see and do in Kyoto and Tokyo and select a Ryokan for a couple of nights in Kinosaki Onsen.

Enjoy the rest of your trip and thanks once again.

Thanks and you're welcome.

Happy Travels!