Go to Kyoto and if you stay at the hotel adjacent to the Train Station you will be in a very good location for taking short bus rides to many very interesting historic attractions and there are some within a short walk too.
Kyoto offers a much easier time to get around that Tokyo and you can travel here without any fear. I got lost there and ended up in a not so nice back lane one day, although I was nervous I had nothing really to fear. Crimes against persons is very low. You will have great respect if you are not a youngster, and more so for being with your GS.
When taking the bus you can count before you board the stops for where you are going on the maps, then you know when to get off. It is very affordable way to get around.
Don't expect to do too much but put one goal ahead of you each day.
There are also very good places to eat in that general area and if you really want to stay in that too can be arranged. You will find all the hotel front office persons have good english or will get you a person with good english to speak about your daily travel plans.
You will experience a lovely city, filled with lovely people.
Fruit flies - help needed please.
Army horses loose on London streets
Have any of you got all electric cars? Pros and cons please.