Aw, so near but so far. It would be hard for me to ever leave Phoenix without having had a day to explore Taliesin West, by Frank Lloyd Wright. And if you like shopping, Scottsdale is very L.A.-ish. So, it's a shame you had to spend so much time at the hotel.

(From the frozen norths of Canada, here: jeans wick cold, unless you're wearing something under them like pantyhose, leggins, leotards or long underwear. Cold calls for layers, or woollens, or microfibres, or padded quilting, but not denim. Also, most people who aren't from the tropics or semi-tropics are quite comfortable with varying amounts of bare skin at temperatures above +1º C, usually starting at +7ºC, especially if there's no wind, or they are quite active, or they're indoors for most of the day.)

I would love to see your photos, especially of Kamakura. If it moved you that much, it must've been an incredible place. (No Kyoto on your wishlist?)