Check out the eSIM options (if your phone handles it). I got screwed up in Costa Rica, thinking I wasn’t looking anything up, or messaging, but got a whopping bill because my phone found a connection to upload my photos to the cloud.
I think GigSky is one such.
Either a local SIM or rely on wifi, depending on need. E.g. I bought local SIMs in South Africa, Thailand and Mexico because I hired cars in these places & wanted to be able to call in case of emergency. In Japan, I made do with wifi. With both options, I find it useful to download maps before leaving so I can use them offline if needed.
Thanks for this suggestion @Gnik. It’s exactly what I’m after. Ordered one online this morning.
I contemplated the bigger 55cm but this slightly smaller one seems more flexible, accepted as carry-on by most airlines. American Tourister is not a brand I was previously aware of. I had done some looking before but mostly the more well-known brands. Sure I won’t be disappointed.
I’m a huge fan of Travelpro Maxlite or Walkabout. Don’t know if available in Aus- I usually get from Amazon when im in US.
@Soulnet just wondering if you’re back from Japan. Am very keen to see any of your itineraries if the offer is still good? If not that’s ok.
American Tourister is a Samsonite brand. It’s sold as a more affordable brand than Samsonite.
Still good. Still in Japan! Week and a bit to go.
If you want some research in the mean time look up Ryokans and the etiquette of taking a bath at a hot spring. If you do go to Mt Fuji doing an overnighter like this is highly recommended.
I have had a bit of a read about them…have to get over worrying about body shape 
.
Overnight at Fuji sounds good. We’re open to all suggestions. 
Enjoy your remaining time there.
Thank you!
I still remember the first time and my embarassment. It does pay to learn the rulles before you enter the place; pity they ar enever in English though !!
Most places have an English board with rules these days.
No one is looking, when I was looking 
We’ve stayed here a couple of times.
Fuji Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko. You want dinner included. The dinners here are awesome and the hot spring is lovely with an indoor and outdoor section.
I notice that they say guests with tattoos may not be able to enter public bathing. Two of our party have tattoos. Is that a widespread rule?
It seems to be though I’ve never seen it enforced. You can get patches to temporarily cover tatts. Something like a big band aid.
To me it seems more for Yakuza full back style tatts.
If you do go out of the major cities into the regional, more places do offer private hot spring baths which then doesn’t have that rule. They do cost extra to hire though and you book once you are at the hotel / onsen.
Sometimes I wish I could be a private tour guide for foreigners here in Tokyo 
I’m sure you’d be well utilised and appreciated. Maybe an aim for when you move there??
Just finished reading a few blogs etc on tattoos- worth knowing for sure.
So what ages are travelling?
Late forties to mid sixties.
(All young at heart)
That makes it easier.
Here’s a day off the top of my head.
Ochanomizu station (chou sobu local line).
Lemon stationery store (100 year old store).
Hijiri bashi bridge (famous photo spot).
Confusious temple (one of a few in Asia but this one is really black in colour).
Kanda Mjoyin temple (and general buildings around, good souvenirs if wanted).
Main street Akihabara (or turn right one street earlier for more local than tourist things to see).
Restaurant Platinum Fish (Cafe situation between two train lines. Was a former train station) or cure maid cafe (if you want good service with your meal or coffee. Is not the dancing loud type). If you prefer beer there is a pub in the same venue near the bridge on the corner.
Akihabara Radio Kaiken (if weekend can skip).
Yodobashi (Huge department store like Myer used to be in Melbourne but without the clothes).
Akiba UDX building for dinner with multiple options (and view of busy train lines). If you spend too long in Yodobashi the 9th floor also has many good restaurants.
Akihabara station to take you back to wherever you are staying.