Just got back from 2 weeks in Japan and it was honestly one of the best trips I've ever taken.
What got me most was how it's super modern and super traditional at the same time. Even the old shrines and gardens are kept in perfect shape.
The respect people have for shared spaces is on another level, and it's easily the safest place I've ever been. At first people can seem a little cold since there's not much small talk like you get in the US, but the second I asked anyone for help, even just directions, they were so kind and helpful. The language barrier was the main reason I didn't end up chatting with locals as much as I usually do when I travel.
Here's my itinerary:
Oct 3 - Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando, Shibuya crossing, Shibuya Sky at sunset
Oct 4 - Tokyo: Senso-ji early, Yanaka old streets, Akihabara
Oct 5 - Tokyo: slow morning, Kappabashi, Ginza, Tokyo Tower area at dusk, Shinjuku at night (Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, Golden Gai)
Oct 6 - Tokyo: teamLab Planets, Shimokitazawa, depachika
Oct 7 - Train to Kanazawa, Higashi Chaya district
Oct 8 - Kanazawa: Kenroku-en at dawn, castle park, Omicho market, Nagamachi samurai district
Oct 9 - Day trip to Takayama for the autumn festival (floats, marionette show)
Oct 10 - Train to Kyoto, Nijo Castle, Nishiki market, Gion area at dusk
Oct 11 - Fushimi Inari at dawn, day trip to Nara
Oct 12 - Arashiyama early (bamboo grove, Okochi Sanso, Tenryu-ji), Kitano Tenmangu/Kamishichiken, old sento in the evening
Oct 13 - Travel to Miyajima, overnight on the island (low tide torii walk, lit torii at night)
Oct 14 - Boat to Hiroshima, Peace Memorial Museum, on to Osaka, Umeda Sky at night
Oct 15 - Himeji Castle in the morning, Osaka afternoon, Dotonbori at night.