9 Days trip in Japan

Hi,

4 of us are planning to go to Japan from 29-Dec-07 to 06-Jan-08. Arrive at Osaka and Depart at Narita.

We would like to feel the local culture, food and hot-spring.

Also, we plan to spend one day at Disneyland.

Any suggestions are most welcome!

If you have not yet booked your hotel/ryokan, you should act now. You'll come to Japan during the busiest traveling period.

There is lots of advice throughout this website on things to do. Too many people dont use all the great info this website offers.

Personal if your American, I find it really pointless to visit Disneyland, since its goal is to simulate that in America.

Your in the great country of Japan, why do ordinary American things?

Like mentioned before, you really pushing your luck on finding good hotels/ryokans for 4 people this late. You might end up at those heartless business hotels, instead of getting a taste of traditional Japanese living you find at ryokans.

Below is our travel itinerary:
29-Dec to 30-Dec
(stay 2 nights)
Osaka

31-Dec to 01-Jan
(stay 2 nights)
Kyoto

02-Jan to 03-Jan
(stay 2 nights)
Hakone

04-Jan to 05-Jan
(stay 2 nights)
Tokyo

My questions are:
1) With the one-way transportation from Osaka-Kyoto-Hakone-Tokyo, is it necessary to buy the 7Days JR pass, which cost 28,300 yen? Or it will be cheaper with the normal ticket?

2) Can anyone suggest any good ryokan to stay at respective location? Preferably less than 10000 yen per person per night.

TQ....