Cherry Blossom time is a great time of the year to visit- smells are wonderful from hundreds of trees, great to see local people celebrating this time.
Transport links for city and in fact country wide excellent. JR pass invaluable. Historical sites and shrines wonderful some amazing carved and bronze Buddhas, large and small shrines all had something to offer.Food was great and interesting, thank goodness for picture menus. Japanese accommodation and service and hotel food was wonderful not to be missed! Hiring a car was interesting, thank goodness for English satnav, gave us freedom to explore the coastal regions found a cafe called Ripple overlooking a beach food and views great,but overall The Japanese were extremely welcoming and courteous people. An experience not to be missed - unanimous by all 7 of us in the party. Would call this an adventure not just a holiday.
Would recommend Japan travel agency. I dealt with a member of staff named Sandy who was extremely helpful any requests or alterations were always dealt with no matter how many times she was asked to amend. Nothing was too much trouble.