[JBaymore]

Even if it is your first time in Japan, see if you can stay at some of the ryokan that have Englsih speaking staff rather than the "typical anywhere hotel" kind of places. I think it would be a much better experience.

You want to embrace Japan.... not isloate yourself from it. A lot of the western style hotels are not much different from staying at a big hotel in any major city in the world.

Invest time in planning; it will be well worth it. Get more than one guidebook and read up. Then plan your basic itinerary..... but don't lock yourself in too tight.

There is a basic rule when visiting Japan: If a car door is opened for you, get in. If a food is put in front of you, try it. If you folloow that..... you'll likely have a GREAT time and one that will be much better than what you plan.

I'm writing this from Asakusa... about to head back to the US after two months here in Japan.

best,

................john