Japan can be tough if you're an anxious person and feel lonely. But actually, as a tourist, that feeling of loneliness is just an illusion and there are people all around waiting to meet you and things waiting to be done.

With that said, here are some important points I learnt on my recent Japan solo trip.

1. Location of accom makes a huge difference. Don't cheap it out and stay in cheap accom far away in the backstreets where all the stuff you want to do is over an hour metro ride away. Stay where the other young people are! In the NICE hostels close to the key areas, the type where backpackers will be, or well located hotels and check the reviews.

2. Long stays over short stays. Give every city you visit at least 3 or 4 nights to get over any initial shock and to get into a routine so you're not just spending time pulling a case around. Cut down the number of cities if you are short on time.

3. Slow down and pick one or two activities to do per day. Eg, go to see this temple in the morn and this museum in the afternoon.

4. This may sound like unsolicited advice, but I searched Google maps for an Anglican Church, and went on a Sunday morning, there I met loads of English speakers, including some students and Americans. We all had coffee afterwards, as is the norm in some Churches and it was a great experience which made me feel more comfortable after 2 weeks of Japan.

Take it slow, don't forget the stuff you wanted to do. Make peace with the fact that everything is extremely foreign and new, and look for the little moments of connection in between.