I'm aware of the visa regulations, and of course know that I need a passport.

As far as hotels go, the ones I have called said there is no problem as long as I can prove my identity and show the credit card that I used to book the room. And the few ryokan that I am staying at have no such rules/regulations - just pay cash.

I already have my JR Pass, so I'm set in that department as well. I didn't post in the Tokyo forum simply because, though I'm flying into Tokyo, most of my trip actually won't be spent there (only four days).

Thanks again for all the input!