We are thinking of going to Japan for one week around Christmas time. What do you recommend if we just have 7 nights? Tokyo and Kyoto? Something else? We will be with our two teenage daughters ages 15 and 17, We would like to stay at really nice places.

Tokyo and Kyoto would be plenty for seven nights. Don't get ambitious and try to do more. Make sure you leave Japan to return home before New Year's, when things are pretty well closed.
We spent Christmas in Kyoto several years ago, and really enjoyed being there at that time. Ask some specific questions, and you'll get helpful replies here.

in 2004, we spent Dec 26-Dec 30 in Tokyo. It was fun to be in the city then...lots of Christmas Decorations still up, including the big Illuminations walk0-thru exhibit in the Ginza. With 7 nights, I would only visit two places...Tokyo and Kyoto would be my choices. You could stay at one of the high end Ryokans in kyoto and then a modern hotel in Tokyo for an interesting contrast. Your daughters would probably love shopping in Kyoto and Tokyo.

And if you arrive by air at Osaka's KIX and depart for home from Narita you don't need to buy JR rail passes. You would be in transit within Japan only one way--from Osaka/Kyoto to Tokyo (or vice versa).

Thanks so much. That's all sort of what I was thinking. How cold does it usually get in Tokyo and Kyoto this time of year? Are prices any lower because it is off season?

When we were there it was pretty chilly. Light snow fall several times, though only little bits stuck. We had on winter coats, gloves and hats over jeans. One thing in japan is that they don't heat their rooms really high, so you need to dress warmly even inside a lot of places.

We did 6 nights with two girls. We stayed 3 nights in Kyoto and 3 nights in Tokyo - into KIX out of NRT. We took a day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima and another day trip to do Mt Hiei loop (not recommended in Dec) from Lake Biwa side. The Miyajima trip made getting a 7 day JR pass worthwhile. The itinerary was not challenging once I figured out how transportation linked together.

The Hiroshima peace park was an objective our trip outside of Kyoto. Miyajima was added because of Hiroshima.

We are thinking of doing the same trip. Did you spend the night in Miyajima or Hiroshima or was it just a day trip. We are planning on going for two weeks. thanks

neglex, what is your budget for <i> nice places</i>

Aloha!