[Newbie]

Hallo!
I just got to know that I was accepted for an internship in Japan in March 2008. It's in a town called Tomioka in Gunma.

Does anybody know this town? Is it far from Tokyo or other bigger cities? Where can I get some information about railway fares & timetables?
I want to take a "Japanese course for beginners" or sth. like that, but I doubt, that it will be enough (I don't know a word, yet). Is it possible to get along with English in everyday life?
It would be nice if I could get to know some people nearby or get some practical information about the city, life in gunma or what I should think of before departure.

Thanks for any helpful info.