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With respect to money...credit cards are fine for big purchases and in big stores but cash still rules in Japan. It is amazing...I never carried more than 50 bucks in my pocket until I came here. Now I always have a couple hundred in my wallet. I would recommend your credit card, change $500 or so into Yen at your bank at home before you come and get the rest in Traveller's Checks. Then just walk into any bank (9am to 3pm) and show the check, your passport and just say "Yen, on igeye she mas' (literal translation). No problem. Not every ATM will work and some do not have screens with English.
To Mr. Deflok...Kyoto is definately nice...but not as pristine as you think it is. It's a big city with lots of people and 40 MILLION tourists a year...very busy. But still very nice. I would recommend going on one of the tour buses to see the cool temples. The six or seven great ones are far apart and if you go by bus...it will take forever. I went last year on a group tour bus and it cost about 50 bucks for six hours. Definately better than the last time I did it by bus. There are tons of different packages...morning/afternoon/evening/all day/2day Kyoto&Nara (recommend) - you wont regret it. These tour places are right outside the main doors when you leave Kyoto Station...which alone is a couple hour visit (very beautiful station).
I have been here for 5 years. If you have any questions...just ask.
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Life's jounney is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn-out shouting, "Holy sh*t! What a ride!" - unknown 
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