I'll be vacationing in Japan this November and want to go to Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Kanazawa, and maybe Osaka through a 11 day period and was wondering what your thoughts were on either starting or ending the vacation in Tokyo. Which would you recommend?

Also any recommendations of cities similar to the above (and which ones to eliminate) would be highly appreciated. Food, sights, and culture are my focus. Not too big on nightlife or museums per se…but if it's a must-see then obviously I'm down.

Thanks in advance!