yeah I would love to go to Japan too. That’s why I am trying to save money so I can go in the next year or two. I would like to stay for a couple of weeks at least and that will probably be costly.
Some site(sorry I can’t remember where) I read about another learning tool. You should watch an episode of anime with the subtitles on. Then immediately after that watch the same episode but block out the subtitles. This will improve your listening skills and you would be surprised at how much you do pick up. I used a folded piece of paper across the subtitle area. And like Edward Norton said you are learning while doing something fun.

Stay motivated!! lol