Most excellent questions, my dear! Since I constantly fly to Tokyo for work, I’ve picked up quite a few travel tips. First off, don’t feel intimidated by going to Japan alone — even if you don’t know the language. The stories about friendliness and cleanliness are true. If you’re sticking to major cities and tourist areas, you won’t run into problems getting around. (Photos in this post by Qhoto.)

† Entry visa: Do you need one? Most likely not, but it’s a good idea to check. Same goes with immunizations (I got an optional Hepatitis A shot to be safe).
† Plane tickets: Japan is great all year round, but I try to avoid holidays if possible (since flights are cheaper in the off-season). Spring is crunch time because of sakura season and the Japanese school holiday. From North America, I try to book a direct flight (usually Japan Airlines), but I don’t mind stopping in San Francisco.
† Hotel: TokyoTopia has one of the best guides to cheap hotels. Try to stay in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, or somewhere the Yamanote (green) subway line. Sakura Hotel has several locations and some of the best deals around; book early, as rooms fill up fast.
† Money: Don’t forget to call your credit card company before you leave, to let them know you’ll be in Japan (or they might freeze your account due to unusual activity!) I exchange money into yen before I fly to Japan; most places accept major credit cards, but it’s a good idea to have a stash of cash on hand.

(Top left: Ruki of The Gazette cosplay!)
† Getting from the airport to the hotel: I usually take a ¥3000 Limousine Bus from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station West Exit, or wherever I’m headed. You can buy a ticket at the counter as soon as you leave the baggage claim (the staff speaks English; to schedule a return trip, call +81-3-3665-7220). Then, you may have to take a taxi from the drop-off to your final destination. Tip: write down the hotel’s address in Japanese and show it to your driver, to avoid any communication breakdown!
† Sightseeing: TokyoTopia has subway maps, neighborhood guides, and everything else you need to get around. Street and subway signs are in English as well as Japanese. Most people don’t speak English, so I’d suggest carrying a basic phrasebook (such as this one) and learning helpful phrases, such as “sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka” (“excuse me, the station is where”… That way, the person can at least point in the correct direction).
† Don’t forget to study my Gothic Lolita Punk Shopping Guide, which includes photos and descriptions of the key stores in Harajuku and Shinjuku! Also peruse my Goth Cyber Club Guide, which includes address, directions, maps and links.

As for cultural attitudes, shinpai shinaide — worry not! Nobody will confront you or make you feel uncomfortable about the way you dress. And there won’t be random checks; if you’re obviously a foreigner, the police and authorities won’t give you a second glance. Of course, in any city, it’s best to not stir things up, but Japan is one of the least likely places you’ll encounter trouble for wearing “unusual” clothes.

I always encourage my friends to travel to Japan, even if they don’t know much about the language or culture — and every single time, they return gushing about the experience. So go! Please feel free to write to me if you have a Reader Question; you can be as off-topic as you please. Do you have any tips or questions about travelling to Japan? Let me know in the comments.

Speaking of open attitudes towards lifestyles… there’s an article in Japan Today about the Hibari-tei drag maid cafe where Yukiro works!

As I announced on my Twitter, I’m getting a haircut/color in early January — any suggestions? Visual Kei and Gothloli styles are always welcome… send me links and photos.