[jieshi]

I'm surprised everyone has stuck to the basics (Kyoto and Tokyo). If you can get down to places like Shizuoka where foreigners are rare, you are guaranteed to have twice as much fun! Getting off the beaten track is definitely a must see when you go to Japan as you will see what traditional Japan is like rather than urban life. Also if you can, try out Fukuoka- the capital city of Kyushu. Fukuoka is one of the most vibrant, youthful and fun cities I have been to while in Japan- definitely a must see!