Japanese Visiting Japan!

Hi, my friends and I will hopefully be visiting Japan next Spring. I think we've decided on going to Tokyo and Kyoto. Can anyone tell me of a hotel/hostel in either city that's good and reasonably priced (according to Japanese standards, of course)? Any good places to visit? We want to visit Japan during the sakura trees are in bloom, when is the best time to go? Also, what's the best way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto? I heard taking the train is good. Is that expensive? I know I can look up a Japanese guidebook (and I will!) but I think answers from people who've experienced it first-hand is always best, ne? Any comments and advice will be greatly appreciated!

Domoo arigatoo gozaimasu! (We're going to take an intensive course in Japanese!)