Any tips to make communication less stressful for a first-traveller?

Hi!

I am an Australian traveller who has just landed into Tokyo this morning for an 18 day trip.

I decided 6 months ago I didn't do enough socially, and I had to get out there. I work full-time, so my first step was to get 3 weeks off and go to an unfamiliar country. So I chose Japan!

I'm travelling Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima-Tokyo in that order.

I got pretty stressed this morning just due to how bad communication is going to be. I tried my best but the anxiety of getting it wrong / embarrasment has taken a toll on today.

I'm wondering, has anyone else had the same issue as me, and if so, what's worked best for you? I tried Google Translate, which worked a bit. But it's still the face-face communication that I dread.

I also booked a few Klook tours so I can at least chat to some people.

Any recommendations are appreciated!