Maybe it’s a good way to end this thread before it turns into my blog that nobody cares about. 
If there is interest, I will make short updates on my progress at major milestones in terms of learning time.
Finally, a few pictures.
(I couldn’t upload the original pictures because the resolution is not allowed in the forum. That’s why I had to reduce the size with screenshots so forgive the quality.)
Wow!! These photos are beautiful 
It looks like you had a wonderful time, I hope you got chance to use all the Japanese you’ve been learning 
Please keep posting about your progress!
It was so much fun, and the people were so friendly. But I didn’t have to use much Japanese because, at the hotel or attractions, they almost immediately switched to English when they saw me. Maybe for the better, since I’m just at the beginning, haha.
But I tried to use all the standard phrases like hai onegaishimasu, sumimasen, arigatō gozaimasu, genkin de or Suica de. I was very proud of myself when I once asked a waitress, “Doko desu ka?” when I was looking for something, or when I said “Gochisōsama deshita” after a meal.
I know it’s not much, but I tried. It’s also a completely different experience watching beginner videos versus talking to a native speaker. Sometimes it’s hard to understand because they speak so fast or wear a mask. I just tried to pick out a few keywords. But by the time my brain processed what they were saying, most of them had already switched to English to help me out.
Right now Im planning my next trip with focus on Kyoto and Osaka. I need to go back, also prefect for solo traveller.
Ah I’m so glad you had a nice time 
Good job using some phrases! ^^ it must have been fun to use some of what you’ve been practicing! I totally get it being hard to understand native speakers who are speaking fast, I had a similar experience when I tried to speak German in Germany 
its super difficult right?
I’ll look forward to hearing about your next trip!
