The only plan of action I have right now is to fly into Tokyo and then most likely take the Shinkansen to the outside cities I visit. I’ll probably be staying for about two weeks.

This is where I need some input from you guys:

1. I’m thinking of going either around April or November of next year. Any cons of going around that time? I live in the mid-west and don’t really want to deal with more humidity during the summer. lol A pro to going later in November would be my skills being a bit more developed than they would in April. (Well, hopefully)

2. Where are some places to visit and cool things to do? Japan is so vast, I can’t even imagine beginning looking where to start. @_@

2. Come to Tottori! We’ve got camels!
http://wikitravel.org/en/Japan
This site is pretty good. Tons of info on what to see and how to get around. A word of caution; a lot of temples and or shrines are pretty much the same. Don’t build your schedule around seeing them all.

Oh the the shinkansen is expensive.

Any reason why traveling in the summer is better for someone coming alone? I’m not sure yet if I’ll be having anyone accompany me, but I really can’t see anyone either being into it or having the money. Missing the festivals is a good point.

I remember looking at that site, but there’s so much knowledge, I only got halfway through it all. I’ll have to finish it again. I like temples, but like you said they seem like they’d get kind of old fast. Isn’t there some unlimited travel pass for the Shinkansen for like $200 or something?

Camels? Really? Lol

Traveling alone is just much easier in my experience since you don’t feel responsible for the other person’s safety/entertainment. Especially in the heat of Shinjuku Station.

That’s a good point. Didn’t even think of it like that.