[sugoiaisukurimudesu]

My boyfriend and I are going to Japan next year (June 2009) and I was wondering if anyone had any tips of how to prepare (other than money) for the visit. Any obscure phrases that would have helped knowing or any item that you wish you would have brought or hotel you wish you would have stayed at or when to buy tickets for the best price? Maybe a place you wish you could have visited.
I know it's kind of early to plan, but I'd like to get a checklist ready. I'm also planning on being fluent by then, or at least very functional.
We're planning on going to Tokyo for a week, but I really want to visit Kyoto and Osaka (The Osakan accent is so こーこい！）