recommendations for travellers

This might be a little off topic, but while on Japan, keep in mind that some public restrooms don't have toilet paper. So it's a good idea to always carry some tissues on your bag.
Also watch out for the old model toilets! Especially in old or historical buildings they still have that type of toilet. It can be an awkward experience for westerners.

toilet topic, yeah!!! I do agree with Boutux that Japanese public toilets are always clean, old models as well as new ones. What stroke me the most the first time I went there was how clean the toilets were in train stations (or are dirty public toilets a french specificity?). at least in big cities. I like the modern ones with music or flush noise, a strange but amusing experience. Those who are interested in the matter : a big company that make toilets got a showroom with lots of models, somewhere in Shinjuku. (makes me remember that the first picture I took in Japan was the toilet remote of my hotel room in Kyoto...)

SumiTheCat wrote: Ladyfaile, i'm using your thread for asking some recommendations too.
I'm planning to go to Japan next summer with a friend. We would like to go on a onsen, go to the country side and also go to a ryoukan. in the same time or not. One condition; it has to be not too difficult to go by train from Kyoto or Tokyo.
I would like to have some recommendations about places to visit : temples, museums (all kind of museums), castles or whatever interesting thing to do. With the same condition than previously said.
I already went there in 2011, and visited most of the Kyoto temples, Nara temples, Miyajima temples. I would appreciate some recs in Osaka, in Tokyo too (cause I haven't seen much temples there). I'm already planning to go to Kamakura and maybe Himeji Castle. if you've got some curious places to see, i would considerate it too.
Your help will be really appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

I know I'm super late replying to this but how about Nikko? I think it's just a couple hours from Tokyo by train. My brother in law's fiancee is from that area and it's where their wedding will be. The one big shrine is supposedly the most lavishly decorated in Japan. There are ryoukan and onsen there, we're supposed to be staying at one for the wedding. There are multiple shrines and temples and they are working on restoring them so some may be closed when you go, just look it up ahead of time so you can plan your trip accordingly. ah here's a nice write-up about it that I have bookmarked :)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3800.html