Two weeks in Japan

Tyty-----I cannot give you really up to date info as we were in Japan in late 2008. Started at Hiroshima, Kyoto and ended up in Tokyo.First we found hotels very expensive. We chose hotels close to train stations as we purchased a train pass for our travels in Japan.Need to allow several weeks to get a train pass as we did it all on the internet. Passes are expensive but we think worth it. That was definitely the best way to travel. We had reserved a rental car and when we saw the traffic we canceled. You can go anywhere on the trains. The high speed long distance trains are fabulous. We made our room reservations with Asia Rooms and got great rates compared to rates posted on US Hotel sites. We had to pay in advance and that is always concern when you plan your travel months ahead time. Eating cost is expensive however by eating lightly and including lots of local places you can reduce that cost substantially. Hotel restaurants were very expensive. We visited dozens of temples and religious (Buddhist) sites in Kyoto, Yokohama, Yokuska, Tokyo and the same town out the international airport. There was a fantastic religious complex at that little town. The hotel bus actually took us there and picked us up before out return flight. There are Geisha shows everywhere and we found them to be relative inexpensive. In Tokyo be sure and take in the Imperial Palace and in Kyoto there are limitless places to view gardens, etc. You will have a fabulous time. Before going, check the internet and sign up for some tourist information from the large government bureaus. All large cities have one. We still get monthly e-mail with lost of suggestions about travel. Reply to this

I've been Kyoto in August last year. I stayed in a budget hostel which is quiet and clean. It just takes 5-10min walk from the Kyoto Station. It costs 4400yen/night per person. I chose a twin western room with shared bathroom. I don't know rooms with Japanese tatami available or not. You can send email to ask them if u are interested.
You can check the website of this hostel:
http://www.st-kyoto.com/cgi-bin/penkyotoHP/sitemaker.cgi?mode=page&page=page3&category=0

I also stayed in a Ryokan for one night. They provide traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner which were delicious! I stayed at the room of the first floor which can see the small garden. The scene is nice. It takes 10 minutes to the JR Kyoto station on foot.
The website:
http://www.oak.dti.ne.jp/~kikokuso/

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