[Peter]

My girlfriend and I are planning to visit Japan for 10/14 days in ~August (if that is a good or bad time, let me know! - we're flexible)

Ideally we'd like to explore as much of Japan as possible - We love photography, shopping, and clicky tourist activities!

Any advice on where to go? Stay in Tokyo or travel around?

[wataru]

It's going to be hot and humid. Almost any other time of year (minus the rainy season) would be more comfortable.

How much of Japan you see probably depends on your budget. It can be expensive to travel within Japan, though things like the JR Rail Pass help. If you plan to leave the Tokyo area I highly recommend it (note that you need to buy it before you enter Japan).

Another concern is the language. Outside of large cities and touristy areas you will probably find it hard to get around if you don't speak Japanese.

[osiris]

Yes, it will be mushiatsui (hot & humid). You wish it would just rain, but it won't. Fall is nice, as is March/April. May/June is the rain season.

Regardless, Tokyo is fascinating (Shibuya is my favorite - lots of youth culture) Akihabara (cameras/electronics), Shinjuku (more youth & dining), Ginza (great dining). Asakusa is great for beautiful streets & souvenirs. Temples & Shrines are dotted throughout - get a map for those.

Mt Fuji is worth the trip - stay at a Ryokan with an Onsen (Traditional Inn and Hot Springs), go to Kyoto, etc.... There are too many places to visit. Things are expensive, but quality is abundant.

But you should learn some of the language before going, even in Tokyo it is difficult without some basic Japanese. Anywhere else you are stuck - though people will try to help as much as possible.

Pick up a Japan Guide or browse the internets for more opinions. Also Reviews of vacations, hotels, resorts, vacation and travel packages - TripAdvisor

[Oisín]

Eat lots of udon.

We love […] clicky tourist activities

Try light switches.

[Peter]

Where are good places to stay? Ideally cheaper than hotels so we can move about lots.

I'll buy a guide.

[Andy8]

No need to tip for anyone/service in Japan.

[Andy8]

Also remember your mobile phone will not work in Japan, so if you need a phone you can rent one at the airport when you arrive, or just buy a phone card from a vending machine and use public telephones.

[Randman]

Take lots of money as that long will eat a HUGE hole in your wallet.

The tips given by Osiris are good. Take a good pair of walking shoes and a camera.

[B Gallagher]

Rakuten is a great website for booking hotels. That aside, Toyoko Inn is a reasonably priced, fairly basic but decent hotel chain - they're all over Japan.

[lavar78]

Buy the Japanese versions of your favorite albums for the bonus tracks.

[Paco500]

Originally Posted by Randman 

Take a good pair of walking shoes and a camera.

This is excellent advice- Cameras are almost impossible to find in Japan.

[Andy8]

If you have time, try an onsen, just remember to read up on onsen etiquette before diving in.

[Randman]

Originally Posted by Paco500 

Cameras are almost impossible to find in Japan.

Well, not always cheap. Plus, if you have your own, you don't have to worry about setup or accessories do you.

[The Godfather]

Get a Magic Jack, if you don't want to pay for expensive calls back to your side of the globe.

[Paco500]

Originally Posted by Randman 

Well, not always cheap. Plus, if you have your own, you don't have to worry about setup or accessories do you.

I was just being silly, not critical.

[Randman]

Originally Posted by Paco500 

I was just being silly, not critical.

Also, lots of good food but willing to explore. Some of the best and not too expensive meals are businessmen shops. MMM, katsu curry don.