I took a trip for 12 days in March and I'm going back for a little break from my China vacation in August. Highly recommended!
I did my homework and no problem, I'd be happy to share what worked for me:
- get the Lonely Planet guide for Japan. You'll never need another guide. Top notch for sites.
- It is overall going to be rather expensive. Don't be surprised. Prices for a good place to stay actually aren't too bad, but it's everything else (transit, food, temples) that gets pricey.
- if you're planning to see many parts of Japan (or even a few) you'll want to take the Bullet Train. It is very expensive, but the only way to quickly move between major cities. There is a trick to it: visitors from outside Japan can get the all-important JR Rail Pass. It allows you to ride unlimited bullet trains for week intervals. It's about $256 per person per week, but I found with my short trip I had likely got about $600 in tickets. Awesome deal. You must buy it from outside Japan! I'll relay the good travel agent I had at the end of the list.
- I like to travel at a pretty fast pace. In 12 days I managed Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Tokyo and Nikko. I derived my itinery from the Lonely Planet guide and was not disappointed. Of course, this is basically central Japan, but unless you have a lot of time, this is "Must see" Japan for the intial visitor. You definitely MUST SEE Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo. If you find yourself stuck in only area (or limited by a week), do Tokyo-Nikko-Kamakura (I'd been to Kamakura on a previous visit) or try Osaka-Kyoto-Nara (the Kansai region, as its called). It's very possible to do all of these places with a JR Rail pass and 2 weeks (If you do the timing right you'll only need to get a pass for 1 week and then use the subways for the other days). Then again, I don't get tired like many other travellers. If you're limited by a week, I'd recommend sticking to either one of those trio of cities I noted above, and then you don't want the JR Rail Pass, but will instead take the local slow trains.
- Import game shops: Superpotato is incredible (just look up the threads already posted), there's also Traders and a few other places. Osaka has some very good branches of these game shops, but the really famous area is Akihabara in Tokyo. So as long as you include Osaka or Tokyo in your trip, you'll only need a busy halfday to have your video game orgy
- Don't underestimate food at the Convenience stores in the subways or on the street. If you like sushi, you'll be stunned at how good these "low end" stuff is. This can save you money in the long run (but you will want to try at least one or two restaurants. the LP guide had some great recommendations, espcially in Kyoto)
- Dos and don'ts aren't anything to worry about. Read the LP guide and you'll learn all you need. The great thing is you don't have to tip! The only other major thing to keep in mind is the Tokyo subway stops for the night at midnight! I nearly got stuck a few times (I barely caught the last train on two occasions).
- Japan is very easy for English-only speakers. Any sign that you'll need will have English translation. Don't expect anybody to speak English, but if you can speak "map" (like a map in your guide book) you will be okay. I had zero problems finding my way around. You won't need a tour-guide or need to go on a paid tour. Everything is easy to get to using the tremendously efficient mass transit (the subways are so timely it will shock you).
- Because the JR Rail Pass is so controlled, you can only get it from 6 sources. In my research I found one of the tour agencies that's permitted to give them out can make just incredible hotel arrangements (and plane, if you need it -but I got my flights from Northwest Airlines for a good deal). http://www.kintetsu.com/ I can't recommend this agency enough, they know their shit. I told them I wanted around $100 per night, Western-style hotel, and they got me some really nice spots all along my own chosen route.
Any more questions (like specific recommendations within cities), let me know. I love international travel, and Japan's been one of my favorite places to see.
I can't recommend the Lonely Planet Guide or Kintetsu Travel enough.
