1. Watch some videos on things to do or not to do in Japan. Basic etiquette.
2. Get google maps. Understanding trains and schedules is so much easier than when I was a missionary.
3. Google translate and the camera should help.
4. Watch videos of what to do in certain locations. So many things to do in some places it’s hard to fit it all in. But you also don’t want to miss out on something you know you wanted to do. Get an itinerary. If you need help, hit me up. I have been to a good chunk of things from Sendai to Hiroshima and know of some things in other areas.
5. Learn some basic phrases. This is a great video. The guy is a fantastic teacher but most of his vids are definitely for medium level speakers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=rNMhjpc4dB93nW9u&v=g4ZRoptV5p8&feature=youtu.be

6. There are a lot of very polite and helpful people who will bend over backwards to help you, and really want to practice English. But there are also really jerky people who will ignore you. Most won’t. But many are shy and you have to take the initiative.