I want to plan a trip to Japan, but I don't know where to start. Help please?

Question:

I really do like Japan, so I wanted to plan a trip to Japan with my wife; however, I don't know where to start.

Would anyone be able to tell me some activities to do, romantic places and otherwise nice places and scenes to visit, along with an estimate of how much currency I should bring for a week-long trip (I'd hate to be stuck or not be able to pay for something)? I was estimating 2,500ish USD or 200,000ish Yen would be enough, but if not, please let me know.

I'm especially interested in Kyoto. Though, I'm pretty sure it's such a big tourist hot spot which will cause it to be very crowded, and I was thinking of something more quiet and serene. One thing I know I want to do is take her to view cherry blossoms.

So, if you could please give me ideas or tell me where I should go, what I should do, where I should eat, and where I should stay, that would be much appreciated.

Answer:

The must see cities in Japan are Tokyo and Kyoto. Attractions in Tokyo include the Asakusa district famous for Sensoji temple and Nakamise shopping street; Meiji Shrine; The Imperial Palace; Ginza and Harajuku.

Read more about Tokyo here
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2010…

Kyoto attractions include Kiyomizudera; Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion); Ginkakuji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion); Nijo Castle; and Heian Shrine.

Read more about Kyoto here
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2011…

Other places I highly recommend include:

Nara - ancient capital and full of history and old temples
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2010…

Takayama - beautiful city known for its traditional architecture and crafts
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2010…

Hiroshima - beautiful city in Japan that reminds me of my home town of Melbourne in Australia with its green parks and trams
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2010…

Things to do in Japan

Visit an Onsen
Stay in a Ryokan (traditional inn)
Watch a Sumo Tournament
Try some real sushi
Check out the various and unusual vending machines
Try out a high tech toilet
Visit the Temples and Shrines