Hi,

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I am still just a tad overwhelmed (understatement!) with Japan and I continue to do some daily research to help clarify things.

I think I need to focus on finalize what we want to see in both locations and surrounding areas, and then hotels and the how the JR pass works, and vegan restaurants.

Some great suggestions, i.e. Himeji-jo. I didn't realize it was that close and I am not sure I can pass that up.


Thanks again everyone! Hopefully this comes together :)

BigRuss, If you had read my posts carefully, I clearly suggested to the OP that she split her time between Kyoto and Tokyo. I only included DisneySea in my "pretend" agenda for Tokyo because the OP suggested it in the first place. I personally am grossed out by anything Disney. I stand by my suggestion of splitting the time between the two cities, since the OP expressed an interest in both.

I would never tell another poster that they are giving "bad advice", but that's just me.

here's my two cents worth lol

Pick one Tokyo or Kyoto and go there. Lots in both cities to keep you occupied and happy for six days.

Disney Sea is a great Disney venue. It may look small but we enjoyed our day there. We have been to every Disney park in the world and you will never see more rabid Disney fans as you will see in Japan. Sort of like experiencing Japanese baseball as mrwunrfl alludes to ^^^^^^

Hikone Castle is indeed near Kyoto and one of my favorites (probably the one mrwunrfl is alluding to^^^^^). First shinkansen stop out of Kyoto towards Tokyo is Maibara. You can transfer there or take the local from Kyoto up to Biwa-ko or Lake Biwa. The Imperial Palace is also located in Kyoto as well as Nijo-jo along with many many temples I noticed you wanted to see.

Be aware that Kyoto is probably the most expensive city in Japan to sleep, shop and eat. Public transportation is overcrowded and for the tourist it can be very chaotic. But you can say the same for the ultra modern public transportation methods of Tokyo hahaha.

So in the end its all up to you. Either one will provide you with a great Japan experience. Do your homework and enjoy.

Aloha!

I would agree with those previous posters advice to stay in one place for your time and enjoy that place. If its Tokyo a day trip to Kamakura is another option.
I liked staying in Nikko overnight (Kanaya Hotel) although some enjoy it as a long day trip, start early if you go.
Eight days with arrival and departure day plus some relax time
Kyoto is a must see but with limited time, 3 days in each location (Tokyo) wouldn't do justice to either.
Just my opinion.

My last trip we stayed in the Yanaka (Annex Katsutaro) and Asakusa (Richmond Premium) areas of Tokyo and really enjoyed it.
Also a few days in Odaiba (Le Daiba) at the end (Golden Week ) and it was wild.

Right now there is some great Japan travel writing in the Japan Times that some
members might enjoy about Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/201.../#.VzGYYxUrIcD

Kit Nagamura has a whole series about Tokyo neighborhoods in the archives

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/201.../#.VzGX9BUrIcB

Japanese lesson and humor

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/201.../#.VzGVlRUrIcB

Interesting Ryokan suggestion, we stayed at the Fujiya Hotel and enjoyed it.
In any case have a great time

also, do you have a nice beach to suggest near Tokyo? From what I am reading all beaches are very crowded but I was wondering if there is another suggestion from you?