Hmmm....I don't think that many of us get to western Japan (like Nagano), or do you mean Kyoto when you say "Western Japan?" It's not completely clear from your post. Also, maybe a few more details about you and what kind of person you want to travel with would also be helpful.

You might also consider posting on the "Travel Companion" forum on the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree website, http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/