Planning first trip to Japan

[Weltall43]

Hey everyone, new to the forum! I am hoping you all can help me with some travel questions I have. If you can, thanks in advance 

My friend and I are planning a trip to Tokyo and other Japanese cities in April or May 2013. We are planning to stay for 12-14 days. We are both 28 and would like to shop, go clubbing, tour Akibahara, see a sumo match and just backpack around the city for some general info on our interest in Japan.

First question what all is required before we are allowed in Japan? We both have valid passports. Is there anything else?

I found and understand how the JR Pass works, or at least I think. It doesn't seem like I would really need a 14 day pass, but that is why I am here. I also found this: Suica & N'EX | Fares & Passes | JR-EAST . Is the Suica package a better option? We plan to stay in the Tokyo area for the most part, but we would like to visit maybe Kyoto for 2 days and Mt. Fuji for 1 day before heading back to Tokyo. Would a 7 day JR pass be enough? I guess I need a better explanation of travel costs for the Tokyo (majority) portion of the trip.

Next questions: where is the best area to stay in Tokyo? Is Shinjuku a good choice? How are the hostels in Japan? Does anyone have a good recommendation for a hostel or business hotel which is near the subway?

I have so many more questions, but I feel rude as I already have asked too many too quickly.

Note: We are prepping at around $3,500 per person for the trip. Is this feasible? Under or overstated?

Thanks again!

 

[Glenski]

If you are both Americans, your passports are all that's needed to legally enter the country.

You should be wary of coming in early May, as it's a period of a MAJOR festival week (Golden Week), and accommodation/travel rates go up enormously, plus everything is severely crowded.

Sumo is on only in odd-numbered months.

Does your budget include the JR Rail Pass and airfare? If so, you won't make it.

I'd say go to Thorn Tree travel forum - Lonely Planet and hit Japan in the East Asia section. Travelers helping travelers.

 

[zoomingjapan]

The requirements for entering Japan depend on your nationality.
Like Glenski said, if you hold a passport of the US, then that's all you'll need.

If you want to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan, then I suggest coming in early April.
If you can't come in early April, then I think you might want to discover a bit of the Tohoku region where cherry blossoms bloom a bit later.

Most business hotels are near a station.
I can recommend Toyoko Inn if that's in your budget.