Hey guys,

Massive post from a first-time solo traveller. I'm planning a trip to Japan in late March or April for 2-3 weeks since it'll be cherry blossom season soon. I've thrown together a list of places I'd be interested in checking out, please comment on anything I'm missing on the list or if something's not worth the trouble. I can explain the reasons I've picked out specific places. I'm looking for activities rather than just seeing things so I'd love suggestions for stuff like rock climbing, bicycling, etc. except water sports.

Language

I don't speak Japanese, what common words and phrases should I be familiar with? Any apps other than Google Translate and Lens that are useful? I'm thinking at least hello, excuse me, sorry my Japanese isn't good, what can I get without meat and where is the bathroom. Would you recommend a quick Duolingo or Rosetta Stone course? In my experience I learn languages much better in a classroom environment

Food

I'm a vegetarian and I'm aware that this likely complicates life for me in Japan but I'd appreciate any directions from vegetarians who have travelled in Japan on finding stuff to eat or carry. I like cooking so I might be able to handle making simple meals if I have a kitchen. I'd be interested in short cooking lessons in Japanese cuisine but I can't think of anything not involving meat except tea. I've read about vending machines for the craziest variety of food or drinks, do these accept payment other than cash?

Accomodation

I'd like to try a ryokan once but otherwise I'm probably going for stuff like hostels or business hotel rooms. Any specific ryokan that I should visit? Is couchsurfing.com or Airbnb a good bet for finding a place as well?

Phone

Lasts 1.5 days with my low-ish usage and I'm packing a 10000mAh powerbank in case it gets low. Any phone carriers you'd recommend for the trip?

Money

I should have a credit card with me and some cash. Are there any widely accepted preloaded cards I can use instead of the ATMs and my card instead if it saves on transaction charges? How much cash should I carry on me in cities and in more remote locations?

Getting around

I plan on getting a rail pass. What are some ways of getting around in the cities? Is the rail system good enough for intra-city travel that I needn't look for options? Is there something like a bike share or rent program I might be able to find for smaller distances? Are Ubers easy to find and are they cheaper than taxis?

Luggage

I am normally a heavy packer because I pack multiple outfits and especially shoes to match. It seems that packing light is recommended for travelling in trains especially as they might not have the room to stow a larger suitcase. Should I go for a rucksack or a medium-sized roller suitcase? I'd like enough room for around 10 shirts/T-shirts, 3 pairs of shorts, a pair of jeans, 2 pairs of shoes + boots, a jacket, and socks + underwear for the entire trip. I don't plan on buying a lot of stuff while I'm there but I'd like to leave room for Japanese Kit-Kats or art pieces.

Laundry

Are laundromats easily accessible in larger cities for washing and drying? This would help reduce the number of clothes I'm carrying on me especially in a rucksack.

Here are the places or activities I'm interested in:

Tokyo

• Shibuya Crossing
• Yoyogi Park
• Meiji Shrine
• Imperial Palace
• Rainbow Bridge
• Tokyo Tower
• Disneyland?

Nikko

• Kanmangafuchi Abyss
• Toshogu Shrine

Hakone

• Mount Fuji view
• Lake Ashinoko
• Hot spring

Osaka

• Dotonbori
• Amerikamura

Amanohashidate

• Amanohashidate Sandbar

Kyoto

• Fushimi Inari shrine
• Kinkakuji

Arashiyama

• Explore on bike

Himeji

• Himeji Castle

Mount Koya

Hokkaido

• Mount Hakodate

Otaru

• Canal area
• Nikka Whiskey Distillery?

Daisetsuzan

Shiretoko

• Five lakes

Akan Mashu National Park

Kamikochi

Kenrokuen

Nagano Alpine Route?

Nagasaki

• Peace Park

• Mount Inasa

Yakushima

• Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

• Jomonsugi

Kirishima (need to check volcanic activity closures)

Akihabara?

• I'm not really into anime or manga to check it out just for that but if it's something I should see as an experience, I'm down for it

It isn't in any particular order yet. I'd like recommendations on places to visit that I missed or something that can be skipped and create a schedule based on that/

Some other stuff I'm interested in:

Cherry Blossoms

This is a big reason for me planning this trip now so I'd like to get the most I can out of it. This link shows that my travel dates would line up better for the northern regions. Any recommendations on places that fit my schedule for the best views?

Music

I love music and bandsintown doesn't really show anything I'd like for my dates but suggestions for any popular music locations or events I should look into are welcome

Cat/Dog cafe

I'm a dog person through and through but I've never really heard of dog cafes so I'd like to check out cat cafes instead. Any particular ones I can go to around the places I've mentioned?

Pottery

Someplace I can see demonstrations and maybe pick up some souvenirs

Golden Week

This seems like an interesting event to watch but it's also a very busy tourist season. Is this worth planning to stay in Tokyo for (or any other city)?

Shopping districts/centers

Something unique that would be fun to just walk through

Again, I'm all ears for suggestions. modifications and advice. Thanks!