Thanks for everyones help so far!
Alot of the obvious things have come up a few times which i expected, but definitely good to note as it really shows some of the things which i would be quite stupid not to think of including.
Though there has definitely been a few things i didn't think of also, and a few more ideas have been conjured in the process.
I really liked what melonpan was saying about the contrast between old and new, and putting them together!
Everyone has given me much to think about. This is certainly not a project near completion, it's still in the planning stages, so if anyone has any other ideas along this theme of representing/capturing a bit of Japan i would be more than happy to hear them. I'm still not entirely decided on what form this should all take. Whether it should be a series of pieces, illustrations for a fictitious book about Japan, or even just one large mural like piece.
Thanks once again for the help, it is much appreciated