Travelling suggestions for Japan?

Well one thing to be aware of is around New Years is "Shogatsu" Japanese New Years Holiday week. Many stores and places will be closed for a day or two and so will some Government offices like Post Office etc. You don't want to be caught off guard with plans to do something only to find it's closed so please make sure to check around that when planning. Also prices tend to be a little higher at this time because so many people are off work and travel ling.

That aside I would suggest a 2 week stay.

Buy a special JR rail pass that allows you unlimited use of the JR rail and start in Tokyo. Visit Ginza, Tokyo Tower, The Imperial Palace, and Asakusa at the minimum. Take a day trip to Yokohama and visit the Port and Chinatown there.

Ride the Shinkansen to Osaka. Stay in Osaka and from there take day trips to Kobe, Nara.

Next stay in Kyoto for 2-3 days and explore the numerous temples, shrines and other historical places like Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Nijo-jo.

Make sure to dress in layers as Japan is cold in Winter and some areas will be getting snow. Learn at least basic Japanese language like how to order food, ask direction, say hello, and thank you etc.Also learn about Japanese etiquette as it is very important in Japan.

Hope this helps!

Firstly you definitely want two weeks if you can. There is so much to see and do. It will be winter at Christmas so cold and some parts may have snow depending on where you go.

You sound as though you plan on the usual tourist places.I suggest then 2-3 days in Tokyo, 3 days minimum Kyoto plus a side trip to Nara, then you may want to go to Hiroshima, or at least as far as Himeji to see the castle...probably Japan's best and you could spend time in Osaka and/or Kobe which are nearby.

For something different you could go to Okayama where one of Japan's top three gardens is, and only a 30 minute train ride away is Kurashiki which is lovely...so could spend a day there.

You can find more detailed information at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/jap...

Be sure to get a two week Japan Rail Pass before you leave home....it will save you a fortune in train fares.You can still prebook a seat for your travel once in Japan which I recommend.You have to get the pass verified in Japan.

Nagoya is not really the best place to buy electronics in Japan. Tokyo's Akihabara district takes that honor. The electronics there are much cheaper and more advanced than in the US. As for sightseeing, you should visit Nagoya-jo(castle) and Nagoya Television Tower. Kimonos are also not readily available in Nagoya. You will need to go to Kyoto to find good kimonos. There is a kimono shop there that specialises and hand-crafts kimonos. When I was there in May 2008, I purchased an original men's kimono(not silk), complete with sash and obi for 7300 yen. They also have a limited number of getas(Japanese shoes, but they have a flat sole).

you probably want to stay in japan for 2 weeks because theres so much to do.

if you're willing to spend a lot of money on traveling, I'd say tokyo, kyoto, hokkaido.

kyoto is probably one of the best prefecture in japan that have really solid cultural examples.

its really traditional, and also beautiful.

tokyo, because its great for shopping. specifically shibuya and harajuku. soo many things to do there. if youre looking to do more cultural things in tokyo, asakusa. theres a big gate thing, called kaminari mon (thunder gate in english), that has this gigantic lantern hanging from it.

if youre into computers gadgets and basically technology then you should check out akihabara.

hokkaido, because its a great place to ski! there are many big hotels that have great service and fluent english speakers.

im sure travel guide books will list most of the major spots.

roppongi and mid-town is also a cool place to check out.

in roppongi there are some cool night clubs like 911 black.

enjoy you stay in japan!

two week suggest you visit hokkaido for 1 week and tokyo for 1 week