Pre-cruise days in Kyoto, Japan--Has anyone been there?

Thanks for the comments. SLSD this has been a really interesting thread you started.

If anything, it confirms what we have been told by friends who have lived in Japan. We thought about staying in Kyoto as it is very interesting, but decided on Osaka as there are other places including Hiroshima that we want to fit in over a week or more. Kyoto is only 15 mins by train, so if we find a hotel near the station it will be a hop skip and a jump which we don't mind doing over a few days or can break it up by doing other places in between visits. Have previously looked at Chris Rowthorn's site which is very good and think we may try and use them for a few days.

Who said planning was half the fun? A few things have been doing my head in! Good luck with yours.

We can recommend the Crown Plaza in Kyoto which is a beautiful hotel with several restaurants and one of the best hotel shops we have seen. Absolutely excellent. It is opposite Nijo Castle which is very convenient. There is a free shuttle to and from Kyoto station or is walkable if you don't mind stretching your legs.

The Osaka -Kansai airport is indeed closed at the moment due to the effects of the recent typhoon and damage from the tanker. Hopefully repairs will get underway ASAP.

When we were in Kyoto we went to the train station where there are light up steps which light up in time to music every so often. If you go all the way to the top of the steps there is a nice garden up there. It is also worth going up the Kyoto Tower at sunset for lovely views. Also worth just walking along the river.