[Nyororin]

I`ll add a few comments on some of these - hope you don`t mind, MMM.

Everyone in Japan has studied English, right?

I would compare the level of actual English comprehension to that of say, Spanish in the US. (With those who do not come from a Spanish speaking family/background) There is plenty of casual exposure to English, and students do have to take it in school. But like the majority of required language studies, everyone forgets it the minute they`ve passed the test and gotten the credit.

Am I going to be stared at? / Am I going to be treated like a rock star?

I think people should also be careful not to interpret this the other way. If you get a look - it`s far more likely to be because you DID something strange rather than "racism". If people approach you to help in English, don`t interpret it as "They`re discriminating by assuming I can`t speak Japanese!!" - this is especially true if you really can`t speak Japanese.

A trip to Japan isn't complete without a visit to Tokyo.

I personally hate Tokyo. It`s a big dirty busy city with all the stress and crowding anyone could possibly want. There are other cities in Japan where you don`t end up tired out from crowded train trips and being pushed along in a sea of people. Other cities where most of the same stuff is available as in Tokyo, and tourist sites that aren`t so full you can barely enjoy them.