...what are you watching...

Finally getting a small amount of free-time or at least getting my weekends back.
Calling Japan-experienced travelers (who are still alive on lj).
Decided to travel beyond the layover this fall, and venture outside the Narita airport for the first time.

For those who have been there before, any advice?
1. Places to stay
2. Places to play and shop?
3. What not to bring, must bring, what to get (tickets) beforehand?
4. Tour group, or map-it?

I'd rather not spend my brain power on figuring out stuff, or getting hung up on language barriers.
(We'll be focusing our time in Tokyo, Kyoto and a day trip to Mt Fuji.)

...now to figure out what to do during the summer...