Get passport
Buy Ticket (kayak, price alert, etc)
Book Hotel (cheap is fine, hostel is fine, japan is generally good)
Pack Bag (only one bag, carry on is best, you need far less then you think you do)
While waiting for your flight learn some basic Japanese, Use Tinder, or Hello Talk to make some contacts where your going.
Arrange Cell Phone data (google fi, Arelo, etc), Get a International Drivers License ($20 at AAA), Travel Insurance (international sos is good), install google translate and google lens, practice translation. Learn how to use Chrome built in translation of websites (restaurant ordering through japanese QR code menus.... its really helpful)
Money you will need $20-$50 (above hotel fees) a day walking around money, plus access to emergency funds (Schwab investor checking has a great international atm card)
Fly, once your on the plane keep japan time, don't sleep unless its night in japan.
Arrive in Japan, wait in Customs, they will stamp your shiny new passport, and you will be in Japan. Use public transportation, or hire a taxi (uber works) to go to hotel.
Enjoy!
Rent a Car, Visit museums, Find new friends to explore with, invite people to dinner!
Eat food at the convenience stores, or go out and explore, meet people, have a great adventure.
..... time passes ......
Pack up your stuff, and fly back..... plan your next trip and post a journal entry about it.
Visit !japan@lemmy.globe.pub