DH & I are in Japan for 4 months on business. We would like to spend a weekend in Kyoto in early April to view cherry blossoms and see the sights. I have booked a hotel room at the Otsu Prince Hotel (it seemed to be the only place available that weekend).

We plan to arrive on Friday night and leave on Sunday (we are unable to take a day off work). We will be traveling by train or bus...we will not have a car.

We are both in our mid-40's, enjoy local cultural events, historical sights, nature, shopping, dining and so on.

I would welcome any advice Fodorites can provide regarding Kyoto and possibly Nara.

Arashiyama,Philosopher's Path and Kiyomizudera are popular sites in Kyoto during cherry blossom season.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html

The bus would be a good means of transport in and around Kyoto for what you want to do. See here for details:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2363.html

I would concentrate on Kyoto and save Nara for when you have more time.

Aloha!

There are so many amazing temples and shrines in Kyoto, I'd say your time will be packed there without taking any day trips. The glowing Golden Temple was a favorite, as was Sanjusangen-do filled with 1,001 statues that represent incarnations of Kannon. Lots of info and pics from our trip at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot....oto-japan.html

We enjoyed the garden at the Heian Shrine as well as Nijo Castle when we visited Kyoto.

I agree with the other posters that you should concentrate on Kyoto - we were there for 1.5 days and barely scratched the surface.

Besides the wonderful temples, shrines, castle, Philosopher's Walk (very nice for cherry blossoms), etc., we enjoyed the kimono fashion show at the The Nishijin Textile Center.

You'll be impressed by any of the temples. But also go to the Nishiki Market in downtown. It closes at around 5, so get there early.