Thank you for the very helpful replies from everyone. Everything is coming together. All hotels booked except for the ryokan option in Kyoto. Or Hakone. 1-2 nights would be great.

Kavey, I tried to get a room at Shiraume but no response back. No doubt they must be sold out. It looked so perfect I was really hoping to stay there. Any other suggestions near Gion District that you can recommend?

I continue to search while keeping my fingers crossed.
Thank you again, everyone.

Mara,
Your information on the Japan rail system and Shinkansen has been great. I don't feel so over whelmed now, given I have had time to absorb all the information.


More questions to follow as I start working on the fun stuff...places to go, things to see, food to eat...

Jane
The owner speaks fluent English so if you have time, I'd use Skype to give a call and double check on Shiraume, just in case.

I haven't stayed at other ryokans in Kyoto but Tawaraya Ryokan looks nice, as does Yoshikawa Inn. That's just going by some web search, you'd need to investigate a bit more, though.

p.s. the advantage of booking a ryokan in Hakone is that you can also have the onsen experience there too.

We had dinner at Yoshikawa inn and it was fabulous, service was also amazing. I didn't stay there but I really liked the vibe of the place and remember thinking this would be a great place to stay!

4/18...Hello everyone! Just wanted to give a quick report on our fabulous trip to Tokyo and Kyoto 3/28-4/6. While we planned this trip last minute...(5 wks out from departure...I know, who does that during Cherry Blossom season in Japan?) With everyone's help here on Fodors forum, all the suggestions and recommendations made for a wonderful itinerary that came together with ease. The only left was the unpredictable weather (rain was in the forecast for a few days) and of course, would the Sakura be in bloom while we were there?

The trip was the most fantastic, memorable trip ever. The weather was a perfect 60s and sun, with light showers in the wee morning hours. And the Sakura was in FULL bloom! I could cry over the beauty! The people of Japan are so gracious, kind, and helpful! Food beyond words.

Thank you everyone for your input! If anyone is traveling to Japan for the first time, and needs any suggestions or input, I can share our most recent experience.

Blessings to all! J

Thanks for letting us know! I'm glad you enjoyed it and that the weather and cherries cooperated.

Glad you enjoyed your trip. I would very much appreciate ideas of things to do in Kyoto and especially food recommendations for both Tokyo and Kyoto. I'm going in around 5 weeks and still have a lot to think about!

Thanks for coming back and letting us know about it. I'm so glad you got to the the sakura! We were in Japan last fall and were perfectly timed for the koyo. Next trip, I want to see the sakura.

janniekk - this thread is over a year old - you might get better responses if you start a new thread with your particular issues....

Yes @Janniekk, do start a new thread with your questions and you'll get more feedback!