Overnight trip to Kyoto

I will be visiting Japan for the first time at the end of the summer. I will be staying around ten days with the bulk of my time in Tokyo, but I would like to make an overnight trip to Kyoto. I am thinking of leaving Tokyo early and spending the day in Kyoto, staying overning in a ryokan, a little more time the next day in Kyoto, a short trip to Nara, then back to Tokyo from Nara. I have a few questions. 1) Does this idea seem plausible? 2) Any suggestions of a nice but affordable ryokan? I have a more western style hotel in Tokyo and would like to spend a night a little more traditionally. However, I'm still pretty American when it comes to having a private bathroom. 3) Suggestions on places to see in Kyoto? Thanks!

Does this idea seem plausible?

It is possible. Whether it is enjoyable or not depends on your personally preferred travel style.

Kyoto has enough sites for a week. So, if you allocate only 24 hours, you will obviously be able to see just the surface. If that is okay, go ahead.

A visit to Nara adds another 2 hours on the train for a total of 8 hours on the train during your two days. Unless you are the type of traveler who prefers seeing many cities on the surface over a few cities in detail, I strongly recommend to drop Nara.

Suggestions on places to see in Kyoto?

Here you go:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html

Just got back from Tokyo-Kyoto, I spent 3 full days in Kyoto and still felt not enough. If you only have 24 hours, like Uji, I suggest leave Nara out and stay in Kyoto. And try to stay in ONE area instead of going all over town. This is a sample itinerary:

Depart Tokyo at 7:40
Arrive Kyoto at 10:00
Drop bags at Ryokan (I stayed at Ryokan Rikiya, Higashiyama area )
Nijojo
Kiyomizu Ji
Sansenzaka
Ninenzaka
Gion Kobu

Next day, I walked north from my Ryokan to:
1. Kodaiji
2. Ryozen Kannon
3. Ishibe Koji
4. Maruyana Park
5. Chion-In
6. Konchi-In
7. Nanzen-In
8. Massage (yes, I managed to have a massage by the Duck River)
9. Sanjusangendo

3rd day
1. Yasaka Shrine
2. Kinkakuji
3. Kinukake-no-michi Road
4. Ryoanji
5. Ohara
6. Yase
7. Cable car - Hiei Sanjo
8. Fushimiinari- Taisha Shrine
9. Kayogama

Be prepared for a lot of walking. Buses are pretty easy, but I used taxi too. Not cheap but OK for short distance.

Having been to Japan 3 times, Kyoto is definitely my favorite now.

Unfortunately I have commitments in Tokyo that will not allow me to spend more time in Kyoto, so two days will have to do.

Perhaps I will drop Nara. I wanted to go for the Light Up Promenade they have, the pictures looked so beautiful.

I was just wondering of any sights besides the usual ones on travel sites anyone had come across, even just a fantastic shop or restaurant. For example, someone on another sight suggested I check out the Nishin Textile Center where they have kimono fashion shows.