This will be our first trip to Japan in mid-Oct 2003. After a conference, three of us will be extending our stay in Tokyo for an extra 3 days and I'm open to any suggestions for exciting things to see and do. We will have already toured with friends and seen Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Yokohama, Nikko. Is Kyoto possible to visit on a day trip from Tokyo? How much would it cost by train and how long is the travel time?

By Shinkansen the trip from Tokyo to Kyoto is about 2 and a half hours each way if I recall correctly, so it would be a long day. There is much to see in Kyoto and a half day doesn't allow for much sightseeing, so you would have to plan your time carefully to see the major sights.

If you are interested in Japanese history, in Tokyo you might consider visiting Sengakuji Temple where the 47 Akoroshi are buried. 300 years after they committed seppuku, people burn incense at their graves daily. It is a famous story which embodies the bushido spirit. There is also a small museum on the grounds. The temple is near Shinagawa Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Sengakuji Station on the Toei Asakusa subway.

thanks for your reply. Do you know how much it would cost for a RT train ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto?

The Japan Rail website lists reserved seats at 13,220 Yen for one way adult fare, so roughly $224 U.S. round trip per person.

The 7-day JR Pass costs only 1860 JPY more than that roundtrip ticket to Kyoto. (tickets/passes for children are half price).

You can fly anywhere in Japan for 12,600 JPY if you get a "Visit Japan Fare" from ANA. JAL probably has a similar offer. (see www.fly-ana.com and www.japanair.com also search for "Chowari" fares elsewhere)