[AnChan0198]

Japan isn't really a backpacking country unlike say Australia and Thailand, which is why you'd have to look very hard finding youth hostels. When this is said though, it's just as easy (if not even more so) than Thailand getting around. What ever you do get a JR Railpass before you go, it lets you pretty much travel unlimited by train. If not, you'll ruin your buget trying to get around. If you hang around the cities you'll probably meet other foreigners, especially places like Tokyo's Ropongi night life district, to get close to natives I'd say is a bit harder. Your best option might be at Izukaya's (traditional and not that expensive) bars. If you go into the countryside it's a different story and many natives might be too intimidated to even make conversation, learn a few Japanese phrases and be polite is the only way foreward. Hope you'll have a nice time