[john70t]

Definitely see the castles and temples(shinto and buddhist). Many are small and poor and survive only from the few dollars from visitors. These are sometimes unmarked and out of the way but are beautiful nature walks.
Also look up festivals, shows(bunraku), and farmers markets.

You'll walk a lot, so get good shoes beforehand, and take a bottle of water and small snacks on long hikes. They sell umbrellas everywhere.

Kobe is famous for their deer petting/feeding parks, and for their massaged-cow beef.

One essential phrase to know in Osaka is: "Sumi-ma-sen(excuse me). Kura-kura(round and round) zushi(sushi) do-ko desu-ka(where is)?"
Many Japanese think it's glitzy/commoner but it's a trip. Little plates of food for $1-2 travel around the room on a conveyer belt. You stack the plates and pay at the end.

Be careful of some of the "deep-Osaka" yakusa-owned bars where a bottle of beer for foreigners costs $100. If it doesn't feel right it ain't.
98% of the people you'll meet will be clean and honest however. Heavy perfume/deoderant on busses and subways is considered rude.