Questions for those who've been to Japan.

I could've sworn I remember a Japan thread here somewhere, but I thought it would be best to make another thread as I remember the other one being about recommendations in Japan, not general questions about the country itself. Plus I don't like hijacking other people's threads.

I like anime, I like japanese women, but I'm not a japanophile by any means. I don't know how to explain it, but when I look at pictures in Japan I almost feel like I've been there subconsciously. It's very weird, but I'm always breathless looking at pictures. It's just somewhere I always wanted to visit. Yes, I love anime, yes I love japanese women, but it really has nothing to do with that. I'm interested in a lot of the country. From Kyoto to Tokyo to Osaka.

Anyway, here's the deal. I was talking with my friend about traveling there in a year or so. I usually hate traveling, but I'd like to travel there. I've heard great things about Japan. For those that have been there I have some questions:

1. Is it as cool as people say it is to visit?
2. How long would you recommend staying? My max travel time is usually 2 weeks since I hate to travel. Is that long enough to experience everything? When did you get sick of it, if at all, when you've been there?
3. What was your favorite city to visit?
4. Can you get by without knowing any japanese or is it very hard?
5. Is it a place best going with specific things to visit or to just go and experience it on your own accord?

Thanks if anyone can enlighten me!

Jam it back in, in the dark.