Tips and tricks? Well if you're a native of the USA you'll definately need to brush up on the Metric System. Also brush up on laws, holidays, currency exchange, and also culture which I see you've mentioned. But do not just leave it at finishing that college class and then go there. This will be a culture shock for you once you get there if you've lived in the USA and learned about Japan even. Also make sure you know that when someone calls you a "gaijen" sounds like guy-gen, that it's definately not a compliment and get out of that situation. I commend you that you are so committed to being a part of that country and culture, but know that it will take you a while to integrate into the fabric of that society.