where should i visit??

I plan on visiting Japan in the future, but I cant decide where I want to go.

Tokyo would be fun and all, but it is so big, busy, and expensive.. It is already going to be a different change by going to Japan, but a big city like that is already a change for me as it is.. So, I was wondering about a good decent small city with most basic things. I was thinking Sapporo, or maybe Kyoto. They look nice, and doesnt look too crouded.

I was thinking maybe a city with a population around 500,000? Doesnt seem too big or small. I'de like basic Japanese things too, like entertainment, traditions, and not too quiet of a town. If anybody has been to Sacramento or Roseville in California, that's basically how i'de like the Japanese city to be.

Has a lot of things, basically a sized-down Tokyo, with a smaller population, and some traditional Japanese things outside of it. I'm sounding pretty picky, but I want to feel relaxed while in Japan, and I think being in a large city packed of people, it would be a hassle to get around the city.. So I want something a little more basic, but still a lot to do and not too basic. Thanks!

I recommend Nagoya; it's pretty big but not quite as intense/expensive as Tokyo. It's also very conveniently centrally-located so it's just a short trip to Kyoto/Osaka or Tokyo in the other direction. If you come this year you'll also be able to visit the Aichi World Expo in Toyota (short train ride from Nagoya).

I recommend Kanazawa.
You can watch an old building
In addition, it is the place where traditional industrial arts is prosperous.
Kenroku-en Garden of Kanazawa is a famous garden.

http://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.gr.jp/kanazawa_e/index.html

Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Garden

I didn't find Kyoto as expensive as Tokyo. I would definitely recommend a longer stay than just a daytrip.

For a nice oceanside town, I really liked Atami. Not much in the way of temples and shrines there, but still enjoyable.

I also would recommend Lake Kawaguchi. It is near Mt. Fuji and on a clear night you can see the lanterns of people heading to the summit for the sunrise view.

hi ! I'd recommend changing places following matsuri (local festivals) you can ask the place and time of a special festival at the information office or find them in free magazines, on the net etc... I think there's a wonderful energy in even the smallest places during a festival and it's a great occasion to meet local people or see things that you'd have to pay for in your own country for free like maiko dancing, hyogen (like theatre), hear traditional japanese music. There are many different festivals depending on the season, especialy in summer because of Obon (festival of the dead).

you could also join a workcamp to meet local young people or foreigners, it's a good way to see another side of Japan.

enjoy

Fukuoka is a great city too! Yatai's~ Ocean, mountains, convienent airport...