UPDATE
So according to the experts, it looks like the Cherry Blossoms will be blooming a little earlier this year. Thankfully I think I would still manage to see the tail end of the cycle if I were to visit from the fist week of April. Plus if I REALLY need to see it, I can always accommodate by scheduling my exploration of northern Japan during the 2nd week of the trip. Some more info regarding the forecast for those at all interested:
https://n-kishou.com/corp/news-contents/sakura/news2018.html?lang=en
As for challenging myself to get myself in better shape, I wouldn't call it "proper" but I have gotten into a routine! It definitely helps that at my workplace one of the elevators has practically broken down at the moment, which sometimes forces me to walk up and down stairs if I need to get somewhere in a timely manner. I should probably start eating a little better as well....but I also plan on pigging out a bit when I go to Japan, cutting out food now might be counterproductive. I will say that parts of me are starting to get a little toned! Definitely not bragging since I still have a gut that won't go away. Still a work in progress, but it's a good start.
With the potential of missing some of the cherry blossom season, not being in "peak shape" for traveling around, and the amount of planning involved with only a month and a few weeks left, I was really on the fence about going on this trip for 2018.....that is until I found tickets for $860 (Canadian). It's too much of a deal for me to ignore, so it looks like I'm going!
Now it's the headache of coming up with an itinerary and booking hotels. It's a little overwhelming as I won't have a big city to explore/relax in as a fallback plan if plans fall through, but I'm sure I can figure things out. But in the meantime, I'm definitely still open to ideas and suggestions! Any landmarks, sites, and even foods you recommend outside of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka I'm happy to hear them!