Re: Japan trip
At least that's what I hear Japan's all about right? Which region are you going to anyway? That'd help with ideas.
Gonna be in Nagoya for one more day then head over to Tokyo.
Visit a shrine out of curiosity and feel awkward surrounded by people who actually take the place seriously. I reckon that's what I'd do.
Sounds fun, though I wouldn't be feeling awkward, I'd probably be silently mocking the people like I do with the rest of religion.
You could also always try groping people on trains, spectate some giant monster/mecha battles, watch falling cherry blossoms, purchase used underwear from a vending machine, not getting shot in the safe streets, drink cold tea from a can, wear a kimono, see a geisha, buy some miniaturized electronics, and take a shit load of pictures!
Hoping to see some Gundams or Godzilla in Tokyo, maybe meet some reapers in Shibuya (but not play the game, I don't have a week to spend), Cherry Blossoms aren't in the fall/winter months (Unless somethings weird happens or I'm just confused.), Does hot tea in a can-bottle thing work?, Miniaturized electronics? Way ahead of you, and the pictures..... No.
Catch a tentacle monster. FOR SCIENCE!
I can try, but I left most of my hunting equipment at home.
Catch a loli while you're there as well. They can be cunning little devils, so watch out!
I think one of my friends made the exact same requests

.
My immediate response is "go shopping!" but then, I'm both geek and girl and would likely need an empty suitcase just for swag if I ever went over there, if I didn't just ship boxes of stuff home in the meantime.
Shopping yes, the empty suitcase no. If anything most of the stuff I'm going to buy are accessories for my computer or PSP that I will enter a blind rage when the break or fail. Maybe some Japanese games so I can play without knowing what the hell is going on.
Take lots of pictures and then share with us. Better living through vicariousness.
I read pictures and laughed. I personally hate taking/being in pictures so don't be expecting any.
Also, I'd say do like what was suggested, though if you're looking for a guide, maybe pick you favorite anime or manga and find places from it (if applicable.)
Not a big Manga or Anime fan so dead end here.
As for some of the places I've been/going to go see are Toyota Automobile/Comemorative Museums, Nagoya University, Nagoya Castle, Tokyo Disneyland (Not liking this one at all. Good thing I brought my PSP and MHFU.), Sony ExploraScience, 3 districts (Can't remember which ones, Wasn't paying much attention during planning.) and some sight-seeing tour.