Kobe

I noticed that Kobe is on your list which I'm very excited about b/c I loved Kobe!  It has a bit of a western feel to it but is still distinctly Japanese.  The streets are wider, the sidewalks more pedestrian friendly and flowers on lightposts.  But there is still all the great Japanese shops and restaurants.  Sachi, if you haven't gone there already, you must go to this store called the Loft.  It's like a cross between an Ikea and Target.  You could spend HOURS in there!!  Such an awesome store and only a few blocks away from Kobe JR.  Another must see is the Earthquake museum, a quick subway ride from JR.  It's only a few years old and they did such an amazing job chronicling the experience of being in an earthquake.  Jason actually lived in a small town 15 minutes from Kobe during the great quake so it was an expecially personal exprience for him.  You may get information overload but it is still worth the stop.  And Lee, not to worry, the museum is VERY english friendly -- in fact the entire city is VERY english friendly.  Oh, and the little museum cafe is a pretty good stop for lunch too.

Osaka

I know a lot of people skip Osaka to go to Kyoto but I actually really enjoyed Osaka.  A must see is the Floating Garden Observatory.  The view is absolutely amazing and the journey to get to the top is an experience in itself.  Try to go at sunset and you'll be in for a real treat -- lots of good, cheap restaurants to eat in the basement too.  Also look for the underpass from the train station -- we totally went the long way through an industrial part of town.  Try to avoid that if you can.  We also went to the aquarium where the main attraction is a huge whale shark and a sunfish (I had no idea they were so BIG!).  It was a nice break but it sure was crowded.  You could probably skip it unless you're into aquariums (which we are).  Last but not least, are you in the market for souvenirs?  We found this little shopping lane called "Sennichimae Doguya-suji" where they have more dishes and pottery than I have ever seen in my life!  It was very intimidating at first but we picked up a lot of dishes and cookware that you just can't find anywhere else.  Great prices and best selection I've ever seen.  It was a hassle to lug the stuff around (I'm assuming you'd mail it back home) but I've enjoyed everything that we bought.  The hard part is finding the place and sorry I can't help much with that.  All I can tell you is that it is near the Nankai Namba station and from there Sachi will have to ask questions.  I absolutely cannot remember how we found that place but it was worth the journey.

Kyoto

I must admit that Kyoto was not my favorite place.  It may have been because it the first 3 days of our trip and I was nursing a cold.  It may have been that I didn't expect such development in what I had imagined to be a traditional place.  And I got templed out real quick.  BUT, there were things I liked.  One of them being where we stayed -- Ryokan Shimuzu.  Inexpensive, convenient, a GREAT bath (that can be reserved for just the two of you) and a wonderful staff.  The rooms were japanese style but with an attached bathroom.  There was also internet access downstairs.  LOVED this place and would highly recommend it.  Another thing I liked was the Kyoto Station.  I think a lot of people don't realize the view you can get if you take the escalators up to the top floor.  I'm not afraid of heights but there is something a bit unnerving about taking an escalator at a 45 degree angle for 12 stories!!  Very very cool.  Oh and one last thing, if you stay at the Ryokan Shimizu or anywhere near Kyoto Station there is a wonderful Kyoto style restaurant.  It is served Kaiseki style and is known for it's vegetarian meals.  Although this was one of the first meals we had, I still remember it as the best meal on our entire trip.  It's called Izusen and is in a very nondescript building (really easy to miss) above a McDonalds right across the street from the Kintetsu Department Store (Surugaiya Building on Karasuma Shichijo Dori).

Yes, yes I know.  Not the type of things you think of when you think of Kyoto (I can hear Stacy now!) but that's what I liked!!