I would love to hear suggestions for a 2 prenights before Japan
AbD.
Since we will already have 4 nights in Kyoto, would it be better to spend a few days in Toyko beforehand or is there enough to do in Kyoto for 2 nights before the adventure starts. I also noticed not much happens on Day 1, just introductions. Is that correct?
I recommend Kyoto. There's 2 things IMO ABD does not do as well (or have time for) in Kyoto, which would make pre-days worth it. First the visit to a Zen temple without heavy crowds. You do visit Kiyomizudera, but the crowds are overwhelming IMO. While it's interesting to see, it lacks what other temples excel at. That is a unique Japanese "Zen" feeling - quiet, peaceful, minimalistic, beautifully sculpted gardens, and an opportunity to take time and reflect.
The second is seeing Higashiyama and/or Gion before the afternoon crowds take over. If you check out any photos of Kyoto, you see quiet empty, old, traditional streets. They're gorgeous. ABD's only visit to Higashiyama is mid afternoon along with Kiyomizudera. Again, the crowds are so heavy, it loses just all it's charm. You do get to visit Fushimi Anari Shrine before the heavy crowds thank goodness. It's amazing with its tori gates, but it's a very different experience than most other temples and shrine around Kyoto in my experience.
Tokyo could use more time too, but you have a lot more free time even within the ABD.
I kind of rationalized it this way. I knew we'd be back to Tokyo at some point with Tokyo DL. So, I'm sure I'll see more of Tokyo later. But, I'm not sure when I'll be back to Kyoto. So, I wanted to experience Kyoto as much as I could.
Now it's time for someone who spent their pre days in Tokyo to give a compelling reason for Tokyo! Honestly, I don't think there's a wrong answer to this question. Any pre-days anywhere in Japan is worth it!