Tokyo and Kyoto - any recommendations?

[flowerpowergirl]

We are hoping to go to Tokyo and Kyoto for a weeks holiday this April. We live in China so we won't be jet lagged or anything. We need a day in Tokyo for DH work then I think bullet train to Kyoto then perhaps fly back from there. But maybe there are better places to go? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks.

I spent a couple of nights in Tokyo on the way back from Okinawa earlier this year - two nights not nearly enough. Couple of recommendations that I've not seen on the rest of the thread - Shibuya Crossing is a sight: literally thousands of commuters cross in one sixty second green light, and there's not a bump or push or shoulder at all - just a "flow".
Also, get to the observation deck at the top of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills - beautiful view over the Tokyo skyline (try to stop for sunset also - it's a fantastic, ever-changing sight).

OP - how did the visit go?

DH and I are going for a fortnight at the end of September. We're buying the RailPass so we can zoom around a bit.

I would say skip the flight back from Kyoto, just use the trains as they are fantastic. We were in Tokyo recently and went by train to Kyoto where we stayed three nights. We did a day trip down to Hiroshima from Kyoto. I was worried it was a long way for a day but the train was so comfortable (spotless loos, snack cart, sockets for laptops and spacious reclining seats) it went really well.

We had an amazing 2 weeks at Easter. DP wasn't keen on going - I bullied him into it, and he would now happily go back next year if we could.

It was much better value than we expected - you can eat/drink very cheaply from convenience stores and at chain restaurants (e.g, the pizza/italian chain Saizeriya - where wine was 100Y a glass (60p-ish!)). Even when we decided to go to nice restaurants, the food was excellent and not overpriced compared to the UK/Aus/US. Also, unlike some parts of Asia/Russia, you can be very confident that you are not being ripped off - people are scrupulously fair.

One tip - you mobile phone will not work - you can arrange to hire one, or we just used Viber and that worked out fine (or you can just ask your hotel to make calls for you, everyone was very obliging).

That's interesting about the phones Spam. Our Singapore phones worked fine in Japan. The OP is in China so her phone might be ok.

We were very impressed with Tokyo. I would happily move there.