... The reason for the short visit is in case I don't like it there. If I do like it I can always go back.
Thanks for the recommendations so far, please keep them coming. I am planning on doing the Skyhop on and off bus tours the first full day in Tokyo then getting a 72 hour subway pass to visit areas of interest. I am taking the shinkansen to Kyoto and back. The reason for the short visit is in case I don't like it there. If I do like it I can always go back.
Google maps work very well for the trains and subways.
Read about the subway / train cards before you go.
Most places only take cash (or train cards).
Learn some of the etiquette (like move to the side of a sidewalk if you need to stop and check your phone, don't eat /drink while walking)
Restaurants don't typically like to make substitutions, so if you have diet restrictions, it can be difficult (plan ahead).
Buy thing from vending machines (for coffee, red labels are hot, blue is cold)
The 7-11 and Lawson stores are great to grab a quick sandwich and other things during the day.
Garbage cans are hard to find (plan to carry garbage with you for a while)
Public toilets (like in a park or train station) are sometimes a squat toilet, and others are super nice (bidets, heated, sings to you, etc)
Be prepared to want to upgrade your toilet when you get back.
Watch a sumo practice (book ahead of time).
Try lots of kitkat flavours.
Go to a don quijote store.
Go to an animal cafe (cat, dog, owl, etc)
Kabuki theater was interesting to see once, but I wouldn't do it again. (I'm 6' tall and I didn't fit in the seats nicely (they warned me, and gave me an isle seat)
teamLab Borderless (digital art museum) was one of the coolest experiences I've been to (although it's moved locations now, so might be a bit different)
If you have hotel picked out, restaurants that do take reservations i am finding are booked out weeks in advance so try get some slot for a sure thing on some evening or lunch. Midori Sushi in Tokyo (3 locations) is one of my favs. Heading over end of March
Well I'm finishing up my trip here to Japan. It's been very interesting. Even though it was a short trip I feel that it was about the right amount of time for me to spend here. I love the excellent transportation system. I must say that if you plan to come here, visiting the major cities, expect crowds everywhere. I enjoyed the cuisine, although I can't bring myself to eat sushi. I did not really have a problem adjusting to the time difference from Ohio. Another continent off my bucket list, only two more to go!
We are currently in Japan on a Road Scholar tour. Very pleased with everything. Food is outstanding, logistics are near perfect. Group (14) very pleasant.Totally on my list- two continents left to see Asia and Africa. I think Japan would be a perfect Asian trip. Starting to look at Tauck Japan tours ! Thanks for the inspiration.