Japan

[Mother Goose]

I know someone on BB recently visited Japan and I am after some recent visitor information!!! (It's been over 15 years since I was there!).

How easy is it to get around? (we'll have DD in tow who will be about 4.5 then)
Is it true that all the signs are now in English as well? (last time I was there, signs in train stations were so confusing the japanese local I was with got lost!)
Recomendations for accomodation? Not sure where we'd go but Disneyland is a definate to do on our list (for DD)
Recomendations for who to go through when organising?

TIA!

MG

[luna moth]

It was meeeee! It was fabulous.

It is SO easy to get around. Everything is in English and Japanese. People are reluctant to speak English to you a great deal, but will listen if need be. The JR pass is a brilliant option (was for us, for 7 of our 20 days)
Accommodation-wise, we stayed in four places: a friend's house, a ski lodge type place, a hotel and a private room in a hostel. All were great. We got a good deal on all of them by booking online, but you can also book in-country.
We didn't go through anyone to book anything. Not really how we roll. We were given a Lonely Planet Japan, though, which was particularly good for finding vege-friendly restaurants.

You're in for an awesome trip! Good luck and have fun planning!