Scenic itinerary from Tokyo to Hokkaido

Hi
I arrive Narita 05Nov early morning and depart Narita 12Nov in the evening.

In total 7nights in Japan and would like to see the beautiful autumn foliage between Tokyo and Hokkaido and perhaps with hot-spring.

Have been to Tokyo twice on free & easy but have yet to travel on any domestic train or flights. Likely I'll be travelling alone and is unable to speak nor understand Japanese.

Appreciate if anyone can help with a detailed day-to-day itinerary with suggestions on where to stay (nice budget accommodation), mode of travel, where / what & how.

Arigato!

November is probably too late for autumn colors in Hokkaido and the higher elevations of the northern Tohoku Region, but in many other places in the Tohoku Region the colors should be beautiful.

Basics about the Tohoku Region:
http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1102.html

Tku Uji-san for the info.

I have changed my flight to Narita (17Oct-23Oct). This is my 1st time exploring Northern region and also would like to try taking train & overnight stay at places that offers nice scenery during Autumn.

1) What would you suggest for 6nights itinerary starting & ending Tokyo?

2) Should I buy JR or JR East pass?

3) Which reasonable hotels/inns would you recommend as per itinerary? Should I book them early?

4) Will there be English translation or signage for rail as well as getting around each destination?

I generally recommend picking destinations based on your interest:
http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1102.html

For autumn colors, I recommend to travel from Lake Tazawa to Nyuto Onsen, then via Tamagawa Onsen to Hachimantai and from Hachimantai to Lake Towada and Oirase Stream (in that order, as autumn colors are usually best in the Towada area around October 25). It is one of my favorite areas of Japan for hot springs and autumn colors. But it is somewhat challenging to explore by public transportation, as bus connections are infrequent. If possible, I recommend to travel by rental car, e.g. take the shinkansen to Kakunodate and rent a car from there, drop it off at Hachinohe and take the shinkansen back to Tokyo:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2024.html