[samokan]

from Kyoto, i would recommend to going directly to Nikko.
BTW, temples in Nikko closes around 4pm.

there is also a japanese theme park there called Edowonderland. I recommend you visit it. It is like you going back to Old japan. you can also dressed up(rent) different kind of costumes inside.

check out the Tobu Railway (Nikko Pass) , i think it would be cheaper to use them rather than the JR railway pass.