Aussies visiting Japan! Advice and guidance please.

[ish Stupid]

Hi everyone!

I'm extremely excited to say that I'll be visiting Japan this July and it'll be my first trip out of Australia.

I'll be travelling with 3 other friends and we would greatly appreciate your advice.
We'll be staying for 2 weeks or more (depending on activities and accommodation).
We're hoping to rent out and apartment in Tokyo and/or stay in affordable places as we venture through the country.

Does anyone have any experiences and recommendations they would like to share?
We're very much on top of all the touristy locations to visit.

I'd to know/experience the places in japan the locals love.
Transportation would be nice too.
More than happy to meet people too!

One thing I just can't figure out is where to stay and how to get to the Okinawa ocean expo.

I'll be planning my trip on this forum as I go, helpful input and advice would be most welcome.

blaugh 3nodding heart heart

[ish Stupid]

To purchase

A smart cooker (not too large, enough for 2-3 people)
Tea set
Pottery/ceramics such as serving plates and vases
Cosmetics
x 2 Bento boxes

[Propapanda Ganda]

I have never been to Japan myself so take these with a grain of salt sweatdrop
This zoo is a place that I want to go to personally and it seems pretty cute. THEY HAVE AN ONSEN FOR CAPYBARAS emotion_kirakira
I also heard that outside of Tokyo there aren't many English signs. It would be helpful to learn some Japanese before the trip. Also I'm not sure if you'd be able to get an apartment since the trip is only two weeks long.