Thanks for all of the advice.

We have an assortment of people going and no set itinerary. We have the usual guidebooks but are placing an emphasis on a relaxing trip. I foresee late nights mixed with some light touring during the days. All of us are computer geeks, males and single. This will be the longest trip most of us have had since we graduated college. Everyone is laid back and will have fun just people watching. Given this background, do you have any recommendations for nightlife and are there any must see sites in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Guidebooks always list a top-ten but are there some hidden gems where we could stop and just take in the culture?

As for train travel, it sounds like the N'Ex/Suica combo pass would be a good way to start our ride in from NAR to Asakusa. We can just reload the passes from there as we travel. It sounds like the Suica pass will work in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka?

I'm still reviewing the wiki pages so I'm sure I will be back with more questions.