I concur with the above posts about taking the shinkansen!
Having taken the Nozomi twice and the Kodama once (to Hamamatsu), I can definitely raise my glass of juice and say they're the best trains I've taken. I still have good memories of Kyoto and Hamamatsu. Those cities are the greatest places to visit for anyone going to Japan! Osaka's a tad over-commericalized for me IMHO.
I want to try Miyazaki next year -- anyone have good recommendations on where to stay? I want to consider staying at the Sheraton Miyazaki. Comments are welcome.
Pickles, you have a PM. I have been waiting for a response from you for days on end now.
Sanosuke!