Where should I stay on my 14 day trip to Japan?

I would highly recommend staying in Osaka. It's a quick trip to Kobe and Kyoto, especially if you get the JR Railway pass, and since Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan, you will be able to see a lot of temples and shrines, as well as see Geisha performances, and tea ceremonies, etc. You can easily book a day-long temple tour with an English speaking guide who knows the history - where you hit all the main sites, or you can get a map and explore on your own. You can also go to the Old Kyoto, where they have preserved all the buildings to be like they were back in the old days. It is very beautiful to see.

In Osaka you can get a cheap, clean, and well situated western style hotel. Also, in Osaka you'll be able to explore Shinsaibashi station, and see all sorts of people in different styles - it's really like watching a fashion show. Young people dress up in cosplay, or as different anime characters, or different styles, and you'll even see people dressed in traditional kimonos.

Also, Osaka is known for being the food capital - people go from one small restaurant to the next, sampling dishes like tapas. It is really amazing. Osaka is known for it's fugu, so if you're not afraid, you can enjoy the thrill of eating pufferfish. A short trip on the railway will bring you to Kobe, home of the world famous Kobe beef! Kobe is a beautiful beautiful city, and you can go up to the mountain via a tram.

I think with Osaka you get to see a lot, while in Tokyo, things are a little more difficult. You will see stuff, but not as much. Also, Tokyo is really expensive, especially when it comes to hotels. Osaka is much more well situated especially for a 7 day trip.

Enjoy your trip!

Yikes, please tell me you will double major! When I was in college I did the same thing you want to do, and I ended up throwing away my degree and starting over because nobody wanted to hire me and I couldn't get into grad school. I had a 3.6 average, I spoke Japanese nearly fluently, and I was "knowledgeable" having studied abroad there twice. The academic people in anthropology programs have very narrow interests, and Japan hasn't been "cool" for 15 years. This means you will find it hard to find an adviser to study with. Believe me when I say 10,000 other kids want to do the exact same thing you are proposing, and grad schools will only take the best maybe 100 of them (and that's being generous). Please don't confuse infatuation for a possible career.

That being said...I would spend a little extra money in getting a tour guide. Some locals will do it for cheap depending on where you will go. Japan is not the backpacking type of country, so you just shouldn't show up and hope for the best. If you get a tour package they will take care of the things you're asking for you (and since you don't speak the language, this is probably your best option). It help if you had contacts in Japan to help as well. For your first trip, stay in one area. There is plenty to see. Tokyo is good. Kyoto you will need a month to see. I have yet to experience Osaka. The best parts of Japan aren't the tourist traps, they are the places off the beaten path. This is another reason not to go it alone. I hope I haven't offended or scared you, but I want you to be sensible from someone who has been in your shoes.

If you do not go out of the city for some long distance travel on the Shinkansen, your JR Railpass will be a waste of money since you will still be required to pay additional fees for other subways than JR, depending on which area of Tokyo you will stay in.

For example, the JR Railpass is not valid on the Ginza subway line, or any of the Keisei Lines.

There are thousands and thousands of shrines and temples all across Japan.

Not staying in Tokyo does not mean that you won't see different walks of culture. You can get a much more accurate picture by staying in Ryokan, youth hostels, capsule hotels, business hotels and even temples.

There are lots of 'cool' little shops in every city and town.

Meiji-jingu in Tokyo should not be missed, and Kaminarimon in Asakusa is also a must.

A visit to Japan is not complete without a visit to Ginkakuji and Heiian Jingu as well as the Gion district.

7 days is far too short a period of time to visit Japan.

For a totally different look as far as castles is concerned, go to Okinawa's Shuri-jo.

A 7day JR pass for 14days trip to Japan? The itinerary must be quite restricted because you need to utilize the pass for the first 7days. In addition, it depends on arrival/departure time to/from Japan either.

Day 1 arrival to Narita (in case early afternoon), change coupon to the pass and take NEX to

to Tokyo and from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen(Hikari) within the day. (stay Kyoto, late check-in

might be necessary)

Day2 Kyoto sightseeing (if Day 1 arrival was quite late afternoon, you move to Kyoto this early time)

(stay Kyoto)

Day3 Kyoto sightseeing part2 (stay Kyoto)

Day4 Osaka one day tour by Shinkansen (stay Kyoto)

Day5 Osaka one day tour part2 (stay Kyoto)

Day6 Hiroshima or Himeji one day tour (stay Kyoto)

Day7 Move back to Tokyo by Shinkansen (stay Tokyo, possibly the North-eastern side is cheaper)

Day8 Asakusa/Ueno/Akihabara sightseeing (stay Tokyo)

Day9 Shinjuku/harajuku/Shibuya sightseeing (stay Tokyo)

Day10 One day tour to Mt. Fuji or Nikko (stay Tokyo)

Day11 Odaiba or waterfront sightseeing (stay Tokyo)

Day12 Tokyo Disney resort excursion or some museum/event exploring (stay Tokyo)

Day13 Move to Narita to leave(because you have to count the time rag for overseas traveling)

Day14 arrival to your home country. (if net 14days in Japan, Day13 would be the spare day for doing something in Tokyo and vicinity.) You'll have to pay for NEX going back to Narita because your pass is expired. While in Tokyo, you're going to use Metro for going around to and fro. For Mt. Fuji or Nikko, you have to purchase other railway or bus tickets anyway.

Carry the smallest goods as much as possible.

Large baggage is useless and invonvenient for quick move on transportation.

Stay fewest places as much as possible.

Too many check-in/out are most annoying subject to international travelling.

Use convenience stores for cheap but comfortable city life in Japan.

Bending machines are convenient but not so cheap in total.

Credit cards are best way to pay there and you can still withdraw cash at the post office.

Keep your passport always with you since cops may often ask you ID in the night at busy street.