Short Itinerary for Architect / Art Lover

Thank you all. I am almost sorted with just a few final questions. I must say Japan does not reward the last-minute traveler so I am making some pained choices as everything is booked.

1) KYOTO > UNO (Naoshima). I will be spending 4 nights / 3 days in Kyoto including jet lag recovery time. In order to get to Naoshima early on 27 March, I need to take train at 6:15AM from Kyoto. Is there another place you suggest I go instead in the evening and stay there that is shorter distance to UNO and worth spending just one night in? Or stay in Kyoto and move to place near station and leave early?

2) KYOTO ACCOMMODATION: I am booking on points as too costly otherwise given my late bookings. Would love advice on staying in one of the Downtown hotels convenient location (SANJO DORI area) VS Guesthouse Soi, which is a little off the beaten path near iyomizu Gojo and Shichijo stations vs STATION area... Or a recommendation for a reasonable Ryokan experience for 2 nights... I feel funny with all of my hotel choices!

3) TOKYO: Is Shibuya area going to feel like NYC Times Square (in my opinion, not a good feeling!)? Or worth stayin in for convenience of access? I usually prefer seeing a slightly cooler part of a city but as it's my first time and only 3 days, looked at both Dormy Inn and Shibuya Tokyo REI hotel, again both on points!!!

Wow - I usually stay in $9 hostels -- thank goodness for points.

Thanks all,
Kate
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I think Shibuya is a decent location, centrally located with lots of stuff going on, more like staying in the Village than Times Square. (Maybe Ginza would be closer to Times Square.)

In Kyoto, I assume "station area" means down by JR Kyoto Station? If so, it's not a very convenient area; I would opt for someplace closer to Sanjo/Shijo.

1) Okayama is not a bad place to spend a few hours/a night.Lots of accommodation there,it also has a few 'sights' if you have time (eg a famous garden,though it is a bit overrated IMHO).

2) I usually stay just north of the station.Its not the most exciting part of Kyoto,especially in the evenings,but the transport connections are great (both for day trips from the station and for buses around the city).It also has some great hostels.Which places have you looked at around there? Which dates is your trip?

3) As above...if you get a deal Shibuya is a good place to stay.Yes,its veryu lively.but lots to seee around and pretty good transport connections.

Thanks again. Re

Point 1) Will look into Okayama (possibly after day trip to Nara?) if I decide I have seen enough of Kyoto and want to move closer to Uno. Otherwise it's a 6AM train for me.

2) KYOTO: I will be there March 22-27!! I currently have a posh hotel booked on points (Royal Park) which is not my vibe but was available. For the last night I was able to get a place close to station called Nishikiro but have Hotel Excellence Kyoto Station as a backup. I look at Tour Club, K's house and others but all were booked. Happy to keep looking if there's a spot you particularly recommend.

3) Tokyo: Have booked at two potentials on points (Dormy Inn and REI) so I think I'm good there. Thank you!

Another good hostel in that area is Hana.I often stay there,or in K's.....

Have a look. .may be full though, that is the start of cherry blossom season and Kyoto is extremely popular this time of year..

Hi lucapal. Hana looks great. booked for the days I'm there. If I can organize it to have 2 nights in one place and 2 nights in another I'll do that but obviously want to avoid more moves. Have you ever seen Nishikiro or the Hotel Excellence by the station? Worth a try?

Thanks!
Kate

I know the Excellence, never stayed there though.Position is good.

Nishikori is a Ryokan type place, right? I may even have stayed there,25 years ago or so ;-)Not bad at all,if you can get a good deal There...

Hi, i notice you like art and architecture and are visiting Kyoto. Here is a museum that i'm planning to visit for the first time which combines both your likes.
http://www.miho.or.jp/english/inform/inform.htm

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