Asakusa
Asakusa is home to a large, open air market laid out in a four square block grid. At the core of the grid lies several temple structures surrounding the main shrine building. Just outside the shrine are the various food vendors, and beyond that, souvenir, clothing, etc, shops abound. When we went there the first time we bumped into a group of Japanese college students who were surveying foreigners in the area. We answered a few questions about our thoughts on Japan, then did this little Kanji dance with them where we all formed the character "Inochi" (way of life.)
Higashiyama Kouen
During the peak of the Sakura in Nagoya, my usual Wednesday Japanese class was replaced by a field trip to the nearby Higashiyama Park. Despite fierce wind chill and a half mile walk from the entrance to the botanical gardens, the zoo was nonetheless packed with throngs of families and couples who had come out to see the animals and Sakura trees. Ryan, Jared, Loren and I spent most of our time checking out the animals- some exotic, several quite mundance (notably, the "Common Racoon"). Among the various omiyage (souvenirs) available, I opted for a white Gorilla.
Himakajima
A small island known for its taco (octopus) and fugu (blow fish) located 20 minutes by ferry off the coast of Honshu. The shoreline is defined by a string of docks thanks to the ample fishing grounds nearby, with beaches and a few buildings periodically breaking things up. The majority of the island is residential, with many services available only via the mainland. Overall fairly scenic, though rather brisk in the fall season.
Imperial Palace
A massive gravel, moss, and tree garden situated in the center of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace occupies an immense amount of real estate- so much so that I recommend checking it out with Google Earth. As one approaches closer to the main palace grounds, modern sculptures and water fountains grow abundant, while further out one can find the usual flood of omiyage (generally, lots of tiny Tokyo towers which look very much like tiny Eiffel Tours). The main palace grounds were closed off on the day we visited, so unfortunately no interior photos.
Inuyama
A spacious, quiet town located forty five minutes outside of Nagoya by train, Inuyama is best known for its well preserved regional castle. Having survived WWII (or as it's referred to locally, the Pacific War) without damage, the castle has a more authentic feel than the many rebuilt castles I've frequented (Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa castles). Peripheral benefits include extremely steep stairs and narrow, outward sloping balconies that threaten an early demise for the more reckless tourister. The petite windows further added to the quainteness of the building, evoking a sort of big-tree-house-like image.
Kyouto
If ever you're in a touristing mood, drop by Kyouto to join millions of similarly minded people. There are so many temples here that visiting them all is close to impossible (or perhaps just very boring.) Though the architecture's as beautiful as ever, the frequent souvenir shops, overly manicured walkways, and unending horde (those camera toting things) result in a somewhat drab sightseeing experience. There was an excellent exception to this trend: the Shrine of 10,000 Gates. The shrine works its way into a neighboring mountain where various trails- some clearly defined in stone, others "dear tracks"- wind their way through an elaborate bamboo forest. A long, surreal, and thoroughly enjoyable hike ensued.
Moriyama-ku
A densely populated yet very quiet residential district, Moriyama-ku is home to my ex-host family's three story apartment. The roof top photos were taken from my room on the third floor. Due to the numerous, scattered powerlines, the neighborhood feels as if it probably hasn't changed at all in the last 50 years- the technology's there, but it's merely an addendum thrown on top of everything. Every morning at seven swarms of elementary school kids would make there way down the streets towards school a few blocks away, and I would exchange 'good morning's with the police woman who helps guide them.
Mount Fuji
When first coming to Japan, I was able to see Mount Fuji as I made my way towards Nagoya Central Airport (Centrair). Nothing was visible apart from a boundless stretch of stratus clouds far below with the crest of Mount Fuji breaking through. The whole scene was blinding white.

My second treck to Fuji didn't yield much in the way of good photos, but it did give me the opportunity to eat some good pizza. The clock tower (on the right) was located near the main tourist bus center at the base of Mount Fuji. I felt it was suitably weird to merit a photograph.

Nagoya Castle
"Nagoya Castle was constructed on the orders of Ieyasu Tokugawa in order to secure an important position on the tokaido highway and to ward off attacks from the direction of Osaka. Construction was completed in 1612, and the castle is typical of those built on flatlands." -Nagoya Castle Information brochure (english version)

The castle was almost entirely burned down in WWII, so the interior was rebuilt into a museum showcasing pieces of armor, statues, and paintings. At the time we visited one of the golden dolphins which usually resides on top the highest tower was off at the multicultural expo (Banpaku), while the other was on display within the castle.

Nara
Nara is notable for a variety of tourist sites, including the largest Budha in the world, a deer park (they're everywhere, and they're hungry- they bow their heads down so that people will feed them), and gobs of the usual ancient temples and shrines. Having survived largely intact from WWII, Nara is my favorite tourist site to date, as nearly all of the structures are authentic and not overly tourist-ified. The city itself is located in a valley with several easily hiked mountains in the area which afford a phenomenal view.
Okinawa
A warm, tropical paradise located south of Honshu, Okinawa maintains a pleasant dichotomy of lively tourist districts surrounded by densely packed palm trees and otherwise verdant, unscathed plant life. The area is home to various small shrines, as well as a re-contruction of Shuri castle, a blend of traditional Chinese and Japanese architecture of the time. The island specialties include Tacos, Okinawa soba, and this creepy alchoholic beverage with a snake inside (pictured on the right.) Make sure to check out the pikouki pictures as well (the first few) for an idea on how we got there.
Sakae
Larger than any shopping district I've been to by several orders of magnitude, Sakae houses (tens of?) thousands of shops in a vague swath around Central park and its neighboring TV tower. Underground, a large mall complex connects directly with the two subway lines which pass through (Tsurumai and Meijo.) I frequently head out this way for Karoke, Outback Steakhouse (essentially identical to its US equivalent), the Mandarake (an Anime collector's type of store), and the nearby arcades in Osu-kannon.
Tokyo
Chock full of just about everything (particularly those things which one can spend money on), Tokyo is definitely worth several visits. Highlights include Ginza (the super high class shopping district), Akihabara (the promised land for Otakus), and Tokyo Tower. The subway lines run every three minutes, so travel time is quite good- provided you aren't trampled by the suited legions of commuters (and shoppers) who pack themselves into every nook and cranny in the station.
Yagoto
A twenty minute walk down the street, Yagoto has all the basic necessities for surviving Japan: A very large, super staffed department department store, an Arcade (sadly lacking in DDR- for that I go to Osu-kannon), an extremely impressive Japanese style cemetary, and my UFJ bank branch. There are many places to eat and shop along the way from Nanzan area (Yagoto-Nisseki) to Yagoto.
Yamazato Kouryuukaikan
My humble little abode whilst living in Japan. A homey, older building with a large common area downstairs and room for 20 students. Most of the photos here were taken during the farewell party for Kiyoko, Mayuko, and Yuto who had to leave before the start of the new school year (the Japanese school year starts in April). Most social time is spent in the common area, an overally warm communal space which houses the napping facilities (three couches), the snack supply (three refridgerators), and our various vintage video game consoles (Saturn, Super Famicom, and PSII.)