Oh, I also just remembered a few links that give info in English on some of the things you might be looking for. Try:
JNTO North America Visit Japan Campaign Website Home - JNTO NA Visit Japan Campaign
This is an official government-run page, primarily for tourists, but it has a lot of good stuff.
Japan Railways Group
This is the main Japan train operator's page, in English, with routes, timetables, and fares, etc.