Most temples were destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa... The most famous monument there is Shuri Castle which is not even a temple... It was too destroyed in WWII but rebuilt. It's really a beautiful sight and it offers an amazing sight over Naha. The beaches ARE amazing.

Here's an attached picture I took in Okinawa north of the city called Nago.

I've never been to Japan, so if I could only go for 10 days I would have to go to Tokyo of course!

Really?

I have only been to the UK once, and now I kind of regret spending the entire time in London.

If i went id just lounge around in tokyo.

I'd be all over Japan.

i would spend half of the time in the south and then the rest time in the north.:ywave:

If forced to choose either Tokyo or Kyoto and Sapporo, I would have to pass on Tokyo. My impression is that it is the most expensive and most westernized place in Japan, so it has the least appeal if I am that limited. Besides I could not pass Kyoto and and trip up into Hokaido, especially if it winter.

I am not sure if I would consider it "Westernized", but to me, outside of the great neon light, its just another big city, a big city that offers what a LOT of other major cities offer. I am not suggesting that anyone should NOT visit it, but don't expect too much out of it, and to me its a like a brief stop every time I go. I would opt out on it next year too if it wasn't for my Fiancee.

I agree Kyoto is a must, never been to Hokkaido before, would love to go, but for me, I still want to go to Kyushu and Shikoku again... I really like the more "relaxed" atmosphere there

I'd go without Tokyo, if I wanted to go to a big city I'd go to New York. =)

Honestly, though, I just love the country side and would love to see the older buildings. But then I'm an Asian Studies nerd. x.o

Tokyo
 

I would plan in staying in Tokyo. There is just so much to do. I been here for ten plus years and I never get bored.

If you get to Tokyo and then feel like you want to see another area of Japan you could take a day trip to somewhere close. For example, Kamakura.

That fits with my impression from friends. When I finally make it over for a visit, it will be central point connecting everywhere else - just not the focus of my trip. Sort of like one of my trips back to the UK. I am not fond of Birmingham, but it was a great locale that time because we were driving everywhere instead of taking the train. Its proximity to everywhere else on my itinerary was great. And it was cheaper than London.

Although I love Tokyo, I would easily choose 10 days in the rest of Japan over Tokyo, especially if this was the only trip to Japan I would be able to make. You can see a lot in Tokyo and it's a fun place to live, but if you really want to see Japan and its culture you have to get out of the biggest cities.

im a city man, so id say tokyo all the way

Just get a 10 day JR pass and go crazy... But I suppose if that's not an option, and you've never been to Japan- Tokyo could definintly keep you pre-occupied for 10 days.