Mara

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5200.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3800.html

I haven't been to Nikko and I was in the Hakone area at the start of a longer trip but I don't do tours.... ;-) See above link for travel and other info.

kappa1

> Another hotel choice in Kyoto under $100: Super Hotel Kyoto shijokawaramachi, ranked #8 on Tripadvisor.

Willjame, have you stayed there? I think it's even No.1 hotel in Kyoto on Rakuten, a main Japanese booking site. I will be staying there next months for a few nights. The location is really central in Shijo-Kawara-Machi, close to Teramchi Arcade, Ponto-cho etc. It also has a common bath that's appealing to me. Breakfast included, I will pay about 5800 yen per night. I stayed at the first Super Hotel in Kyoto, closer to Kyoto Station and a bit less interesting area, and the hotel itself was nothing to write about, it was ok only for 1 night and at 5000 yen. I have not returned there since then. I hope Kawara-machi one is (much) better. Fortunately the reviews seem great. But of course it is a "business" hotel, not in the same league as Okura or Gran Via.

yankeetraveller

Thanks again everyone, I booked at Hotel Vista Kyoto Hachijoguchi it is accross the JR station in Kyotofor Y35,000 for 4 days a tad higher than what I wanted to pay but it was very convenient.

I also booked a hotel in Tokyo at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel for about CDN$90/night it was a great deal.

All your suggestions have been very helpful, I'm now doing a day to day schedule for Tokyo and Kyoto this weekend hopefully you can comment too.

WillJame

YankeeTraveller, glad you got a place within your budget. Hope it works well for you. (Curious about the Cdn spelling and domicile in light of your username--Are you actually CanuckTraveller?)
Kappa1, no, I haven't stayed at a Kyoto Super Hotel; but I really like the Kawaramachi area from having stayed at the Kyoto Karasuma, and others nearby over the years, including ryokan and 5-star places. But I am primarily a Hankyu RR user, and their stations add convenience to that area. I usually go to Kyoto while living in nearby Nishinomiya, between Osaka and Kobe. Usually, but not always, day trips.
I regard a hotel in Kyoto as mostly a place to sleep and shower, not an entertainment venue, spa, or retreat centre. It should be clean, well-run, comfortable, and good value though. And for sure the communal ofuro would be a bonus.

elnymiel

hi WillJame, you seemed quite expert in traveling in Kyoto and Osaka. Pls kindly advise the station area for best to stay in Kyoto beside the hotel you mentioned here.

I'll go to Kyoto in Aug, and my arrival will be in KIX. Im thinking to directly head to Kyoto from KIX airport. I wonder the cheapest or best transportation from KIX to Kyoto. Is it by Kintetsu or Hankyu or Hanshin? Gosh, so many private train operators make me confused.

I'll stay in Kyoto for 3 days before going back to Osaka and spend other 4 days there. I really need your advise the best point to go to Nara for a day trip: is it from Kyoto or Osaka? Based on the shortest distance, it seems the best point is from Kyoto to Nara, however I plan only 3 days to stay in Kyoto. If you were me, how many days you will spend in each city (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara)? I'm wondering if necessary to stay 1 day in Nara?

Many thanks in advance for your advice. Domo arigato gozaimasu.

WillJame

elnymiel, since this thread was last active almost two years ago, I suggest you start a new thread with your particular issue. There's a lots of time before your trip and I'm sure folks would be glad to help you out with your questions.