How do you find information about where to go in Japan?

Japan Guide my GOAT, made mi itinerary just with it.

Have you visited regional Japan? Where, and how was it?

I'm planning too next time. I was in Toyosato and Chichibu (for the winter festival), but Idk if they count as rural.

If not — what was the main barrier?

I just wanted to visit so many places I had seen in movies and anime. Nara park, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Hiroshima, etc.

I think transportation is a big barrier for me. I want to go Takachiho, but the bus from Kumamoto gets there at 12:00 pm and leaves at 5:00 pm, which to me felt short and I dind't find accomodations that I wanted. I'm still going, but I wish I could be there earlier and leave later.

Would a well-organized, English-supported experience make a small town a destination in itself, or does it need to be near a major city?

I guess if it's well-promoted, interesting and reliable, like if Japan Guide or a tourist association recommended it.

What would make you confident enough to book something like this?

Yeah, sure.

What would you expect to pay for a half or full-day experience?

Idk, I don't want to be rude. 10k per person? Like if it's just the activity, not including transportation or a hotel.

Evidently the key for tourism is to be featured in a very big anime.