Japan- Terrified of planning once in a lifetime trip!

[Americanlaw]

We’ve recovered from all sorts of awful things and DH wants us to take DS, 17, to Japan as a once in a lifetime trip this summer. It’s probably too late to plan already, I don’t know.
We’ve had very few holidays (think week in Devon) .I am totally frozen with fear at how to even start planning.
has anyone been, can anyone recommend- even down to the level of detail of stay here, eat here ? DH has no budget, just says we are going to push the boat out - but I suspect it would be more budget with a few posh nights.
please be gentle! I am finding it difficult to plan anything at the moment, thank you very much.

Really interesting - I'd love to go to Japan

Inside Japan?

They are the company we used for our Japan trip and they did self guide... they book all flights and accommodation, Shinkansen trains, get you IC card

Etc.

But Japan in the summer will be VERY HUMID, intolerable heat.

Better to go in spring or autumn. X

Some stuff
(Ghibli museum, Universal Studios etc) very hard to book from UK

As others have said, best to plan your trip for another time like April 2026. Don't bother with a tour. It's super safe and easy. Japanese people are very kindly for the most part so will help you at train stations etc. if needed. Best to take the time to do research based on what you all like doing.

Thank you so much everyone. Sorry not to reply sooner, we have had a lot to deal with.
namechanged I met a lady who is from Japan on Saturday, and she said the same- not even the Japanese like summer and it’s really unpleasant. It’s a shame as it’s when our son will be off before starting uni.

now looking for somewhere exciting but not quite so madly hot.

when I was there we were part of a group tour. It took the pressure off planning but we also had time to do our own thing.

best holiday I have been on.

Yes, I think it would be nice to do a tour. In the past backpacking was ok, because it was just me and I had time. But it’s no longer a copy of lonely planet and a travelers Chequers!