If you ever get hungry, you can always go to any 7-eleven / convenience type store in Japan and get somewhat decent food. It's really not like the US -- they just don't tolerate really bad or unsafe food there. Spend 8-12 bucks and you can get a good meal almost anywhere, with a possibility of a great meal if you're lucky. You don't need to rely on Fodor's or Lonely Planet for food recommendations: you really can't go wrong in Japan. Hit up a bunch of ramen places and savor the different styles, broths, and noodles -- you'll see that it's really just good hearty basic food that everyone loves, not the trendy street food rage of the Bay Area.

Now for taking your son to a Keirin race -- well be prepared to be a little shocked -- it's really not about bike racing for most of the spectators. It's about gambling. Don't expect any of the politeness and reserve that you might normally associate with Japanese society.