Any advice for a first time solo (female) traveller to Japan? Pros/cons?

Where are you staying?

Haven't planned much yet, but will be flying into Osaka and will go to Kyoto and Tokyo most likely

I saw this recently if you are interested in a women only hostel.
https://tokyocheapo.com/accommodation/grapehouse-koenji/...
TOKYOCHEAPO.COM
GrapeHouse Koenji | Tokyo Cheapo

Thank you!!!

Japan is super safe.
They are also a very conservative country, so don't wear anything that will show cleavage, or too much skin. (You'll notice how the women dress there). Trust me, they will treat you a tad bit differently.
Trains are super easy to use. There are women only carts at certain times of the day, but don't let anyone scare you into thinking "you'll get groped".
It didn't happen to me once.
Try to learn the language, it's quite easy to pick up. They will appreciate it.
If you have any tattoos, try to cover them up a little.
No need for bathing suits as most onsens, require you to go in nude. They believe bathing suite are unsanitary. But don't worry, it's gender separated.
Don't eat and walk at the same time (not even water). There are designated spots you can stand out of the way of foot traffic, usually by their vending machines.
I'd say just do your usual research, their customs and traditions, to be sure you aren't disrespecting anyone. And obviously, just be street/travel smart.

Thanks so much Crystal! With the hot weather in the summer, what would you recommend for clothing? Would shorts be okay?

Ly shorts are fine, as long as it's not just under you butt cheeks. Have them a little bit longer, so if you were to bend over, you cheeks still won't be falling out. Pair with a muscle tank (covering cleavage) and you'll be fine.
I wore a flowy skirt that was couple inches above my knee with a tshirt, and I blended right in

Sorry Crystal, I'm going disagree with some of your advice.
I didn't cover my tattoos and had no issues, aside from being grabbed by a friendly lady at the train station who was quite fascinated by one of them, but if you have visible tattoos you are banned from all public pools (even at hotels) and onsens. There is a history to this you can look up if you want to understand it.
As far as dress, here is a pic I snapped at Disney Sea, and as you can see - there is no issue with short shorts. The groups wearing matching outfits were everywhere! It was interesting.
My advice is do not miss Kyoto. It's amazing!

Kerry Rempel Avery those are the shorts I am referring to. As you can see they are long enough that their but cheek is about to peek out.
I got into an onsen with my tattoo, mind you it was in the country and at night.
Also, tattoos are more frowned upon on Asians, as they do link it to Yakuzas.
They are interested in Caucasians, that's probably why, it's was a little more lenient.
It is however to be more safe than sorry. More prepared than not.
Just telling her from my experience. I was wearing a tank top with a cardigan, and my cleavage was just barely showing, my first day there, how I was treated compared to the following days after. Also, being an Asian female with visible tattoos and experienced solo traveller.
Also that's more touristy area, where you could be mixing it up with Chinese tourists lol but I was being more generalized and preparing her for how it's like in the city where she be running into locals.
It's not to discredit your own experience, but just better to not have to run into any complications

Crystal Fair enough. That makes sense. I'm glad I read about the tattoo ban before I went. It is a great country to visit!

Kerry Rempel Avery it's a must revisit lol

I'd agree, Japan is super safe. One of the safest places I've ever travelled. I lived there 30 years ago and went back for a visit this past November. We left a baby stroller at a train station while we took a Bus up into the mountains for site seeing and it was still there 5 hours later.
English is fairly present now. Asakusa is a groovy part of Tokyo with local ryokans that's aren't expensive but basic accommodations

Having lived there for 3 years and hired foreigners to work there, the main risks you have are single men following you later at night. Do the things you'd do at home if walking late at night in YEG - well lite, popular routes, have your phone handy, stop into stores, restaurants if feeling unsafe. There are often police stations at train stations so just tell them - in big cities, English will likely be understood. But to be clear, managing about 60 Canadian young women teaching English across the county, I had about 3 incidents in 2 years

Added you to another group that can help too

Thanks love!!!!

You need to try Ichiran Ramen and Ueobei or genki sushi. Also try out an onsen(you cant have any tatoos for this). Be prepared to get squished on the train during peak hours. If you are looking to shop, Shibuya and Harajuku had some cool shops. I think everyone else above covered the more key points. Japan will be a great trip, hope you enjoy it!
Edit: also they have some bomb 7-11 food. And check out Coco ichiran, its Japan curry place

Carla Jana, If you won't mind me asking which group? I'm heading to Japan in Oct as well

Me too please