The fact that you mentioned something other than Anime and J-rock means you are more into Japanese culture than 99% of the people here. Welcome.
It'll be very difficult for you to experience old Japan without being there. My girlfriend is moving in with me from Japan in August, and we plan to visit her mom in the winter.
We're going to stay out of neon wastelands such as Tokyo, and enjoy the culture of places like Kyoto, Osaka, and some small towns. Visit her grandparents' rice farm, stay at a ryokan together, watch some sumo and kabuki.
But if you're not in the country, may I suggest the classical stylings of Akira Kurosawa and the Yoshida Brothers
Oh! I wish I was in the land of Ramen
Otaku there are not downtrodden
Kawaii! Kawaii! Kawaii, Desu Ne!
MAXIMUM VIPER
Defender of the Scholar, Scourge of the Otaku, Savior of Japan