Planning on taking a trip to Japan to see the Cherry Blossoms in March! Terrified of going because of language barriers and transportation. Anybody been there and have any good spots to check out or have any helpful tips to get around?

We just got back from Japan, you won't have any problems with the language barrier. Public transportation is easy and will have English in most places. The ticket machines are hit or miss, but after you figure out how they work you will be able to use them in Japanese "mode". People are friendly and will help you if you look lost, even if they know they can't help you they will still try lol.
Feel free to message me if you want any tips. We were able to do Japan on a budget and had an amazing time.

Ditto what Ryan said. I only know a few sushi names and had no problems with the language issue. Train is the way to get around for sure.

I hope you don't mind me asking but how much did you budget for the trip?

That's hard to calculate as we traveled around the world for 6 months. But to give you an idea of what it cost us I can break down some of the basics:
airbnb in Tokyo: $40/night
airbnb in Osaka: $35/night
airbnb in Kyoto: $40/night
This was lower due to being off season. I would maybe double that if you travel in high season, but there are good deals to be found. Feel free to use my airbnb code for $45 in travel credit www.airbnb.ca/c/ryanj1626
Travel between Tokyo and Kyoto via bullet train $380 for 4 of us. (There is a budget option we used, not advertised. It takes an extra hour but a lot cheaper). To get this deal, go to JR Tours in Tokyo. They will set you up! They are located at a few of the train stations. I can't remember which ones so a quick google search should help you there.
Food was roughly $8-15/person, cheaper for kids if they shared or had smaller meals. Local beer is cheap! If you stick with conveyor belt sushi, you can eat quite cheaply! We went often and only spent about 3000 yen for the 4 of us including drinks. If you have an airbnb you can go to any 7-11 and grab great meals for cheap and heat them up.
We also did the onsens every other day and found some cheaper options that locals go to for about 600 yen/person, cheaper for kids.
Transportation is cheap if you take the subways. They go everywhere and you could set your watch to the schedule because they are always on time. I would budget about 1500 yen for a round trip for 4 people.
Japan is expensive, but if you do it right you can travel on a budget.

I hit enter too quick. There is so much to see and do for sightseeing. From visiting temples, to doing ninja training! Make sure you visit the Akihabara district! Its crazy fun. Also, feel free to check out our youtube channel, we vlog our travels and you can get some cool ideas for Japan.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_X4jnJf3f9qe0PefLXGnQ

Also, look into getting a portable wi-fi device. It was way better and a ton cheaper then getting a special plan with Telus. Just look online, many options. I went with Japan-wireless.com. They have great service and will ship it to an Airport post office or to your hotel. I went with the airport so I had it right away.

If you stay in an airbnb, most offer portable wifi. Something to consider as well!

We went last September, no issues with language, most places had pictures you can point at. Google translate app on your phone is helpful too. We stayed in airbnb's the whole time. Some I didn't even book til after we had arrived in Japan. Recommend places which provide pocket WiFi. If you're going to travel a lot in a week and think you might use the bullet trains, then look into a Japan rail pass

We were there last March into the first week of April and it was too early for the cherry blossoms. Apparently it was a little chillier and they were late blooming last year.

I had a fellow who lived over there for years give me a few pointers before I went and what he told me was:
the word that would help me the most was Sumimasen. It can be used for a lot of different things other than just excuse me. It can mean sorry also.
I agree with everyone else. You don’t need to know how to speak the language to communicate. They will assume you don’t speak the language. Pointing worked for me.
We were told not to ask for directions though. They will always give you the answer, even if they don’t know, as to not offend or be rude.
Don’t ever leave your chopsticks in the bowl. It’s a sign of death. Place them beside the dish when you are finished.
There aren’t garbage cans to be seen in Japan. It is very clean. Prepare to pack your garbage around unless in a business where they will dispose of it for you.
Tipping is unheard of in Japan. It’s considered an insult. You don’t tip for anything, even cab rides.
We toured all around Japan in 3 weeks with a guided class trip and did a lot of castles and shrines and stuff, rode the bullet trains and took planes and busses and rode the subways. My favourite part of all of it was Nara. There’s a deer park there and the worlds largest Buddha statue inside.

We have also been there last March and also think it was way too cold (especially for DisneySea visit) and almost no cherry blossom was there yet

Victoria we went to Disneyland and Disneyland Sea too.

How come we didn’t see you guys? Seems like we have been there at the same time

There is a bit of a language barrier but plenty of signs in English.
I went there alone in 2013 and got by just fine:)
Osaka is a fantastic city. Osaka Castle is good to see. Check out the Dotonbori district. It's a very popular spot with plenty of good places to eat.

Reanne Lemoine some good tips. Thanks everyone!

Been to Japan more than 40 times over the years. The language should not be a issue. Be respectful of the culture and people and many people will be willing to help you. Nothing to be afraid of. Take it as a adventure. Make sure you get a Japan Rail pass for easy and inexpensive travel. If you want more help ask. I will try to help.

Do you have your flight booked yet? My daughter was supposed to go and now cannot. She has a credit with the airline she might sell you at a good price if your interested. Feel free to pm me:)

Forgot to mention the rail pass is cheapest and easiest to buy outside of Japan. Until recently one could only buy it outside of Japan. There is so much to see in Japan other than Cherry blossoms. They are nice but there is so much more both in the big cities and the countryside as well. Depending on the time you are going in March you may miss them so try not to be too disappointed. There is so much more to see. What are you interested in?