Hi andy,

I'm adding fj.life.in-japan, where there are many English-speakers living
in Japan, in the Newsgroups: listing.

>  - I'm flying into/from Tokyo-Narita
...
>  - My only compulsory destination is Kyoto where I have to spend a few
>    (2 to 4) days anyway
...
>  - I definitely don't want a car, also given the world-famous Japanese
>    rail services

Be sure to order a Japan Rail Pass, if you satisfy the requirement for it.
http://www.japanrailpass.net.

>  - Someone told me about "ryokans" (sp?) and if I understand correctly
>    what they are all about, I'd love to stay there. Any suggestions?

Ryokan is Japanese-styled inns, with tatami, yukata, and Japanese foods.
You can, of course, order sushi at ryokan.

Since most ryokans in Kyoto are designed for sightseers, not for business-
men, you may suffer some handicaps like:
        - they can be a little more expensive than cheap hotels
        - you may be away from internet access, though there are many
          internet cafes in Kyoto
        - they may not have English-speaking clerks, though it is rare
          in international tourist sites like Kyoto.

Be sure to arrange carefully with your travel agent about where to stay.

========================================================================
(Mr.) IIJIMA Hiromitsu,                  mailto:delmonta@ht.sakura.ne.jp
           aka Delmonta            http://www.ht.sakura.ne.jp/~delmonta/

> Hi all,
> 
> I've just been told that I'm about to leave to Japan! I've got a
> business meeting to go to in Kyoto, and since I've never visited Japan
> before I decided to take quite a few additional days off for a total
> of about a fortnight. Due to the short notice I haven't had time yet
> to buy guidebooks and stuff, which I'm doing ASAP. In the meantime I'd
> appreciate any and all advice as to places to visit. Some general
> hints:
>  - Trip will take place approx during the first two weeks of
>    September
>  - I'm flying into/from Tokyo-Narita
>  - I'm not on an overly tight budget but I don't want to spoil myself
>    either
>  - My only compulsory destination is Kyoto where I have to spend a few
>    (2 to 4) days anyway
>  - Given the limited timeframe my preference lies with culture rather
>    than nature. This is a sad choice as I'd love to do both but I
>    definitely don't think I can embark on a mountain hike (which I'd
>    love to do BTW) in such a short time
>  - I definitely don't want a car, also given the world-famous Japanese
>    rail services
>  - I adore Japanese cuisine (particularly sushi), so any food-related
>    advice is specially welcome
>  - Someone told me about "ryokans" (sp?) and if I understand correctly
>    what they are all about, I'd love to stay there. Any suggestions?
> 
> I think that's all for the moment. Thanks very much in advance,
> andy