I've looked at back posts and it looks like the bullet train would take many train changes, but other trains would not. How often do other trains run to Tokyo from Osaka and what is trip duration? We regrettably have only one day, as we are arriving on a cruise ship.
And with only one full day, should we limit ourselves to Nishi and Higashi Hongan-ji temples and Toji Temple plus the Nijo castle, since they are in close proximity, or are we missing out by not going out to others, like Golden Pavillion?
Your specific suggestions and instructions are very much appreciated.

You can easily see all of Japan in one day. Banzai!

I'm confused. Are you talking about Tokyo or Kyoto?
and when you say you have a day, does that mean you have all day (24 hrs) or say, 10 am to 10 pm?

rizzuto - lol

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

Here's some info on Kyoto showing various places of interest - further down the page is Kyoto travel information.
One day in Kyoto is not enough as things are really spread out there - as much as I hate to say it you might be better off with some type of tour.....

Wanted to post our experience for the benefit of other travelers. From the port of Osaka, we rode a subway to the train station. You go in one bldg. to buy the ticket, exit and enter a 2nd bldg. to go to trains. Used an automated machine to purchase our ticket, much easier than dealing with language barrier. Station is very modern, you wait in a marked area for your train before being allowed to the tracks. Wonderful train. Kyoto station is magnificent.
We walked to our first temple destination, then took taxis to and from the rest of our destinations
Kyoto is wonderful, and we accomplished much in one day. Saw several major temples, beautiful areas, the philosopher's path,and fell in love with Kyoto. We took taxis between major sites to make the most of our time. It was absolutely doable for us, and want to return for a more lesiurely visit.

So it was Kyoto, not Tokyo that you were going to visit...

Well, one <u>is</u> an anagram of the other.

That explains it ...all mixed up! (The spelling not the poster...)

Do not zap the messenger Lucy. Your names have anagrams too,lol

Must be a slow travel season.....

Aloha!

HT, did you not have a birthday very recently? Happy 80th, or whatever.

DT, you must be using that HT calendar,lol. Yes 79 tomorrow thanks.

Aloha!