Hi. My advices; it never hurts to be too polite. If you are not sure, use honorifics. But if you are a foreigner like yourself, people you talk to should not be offended if you make mistakes as most know Japanese is a difficult language to learn for foreigners. So don't worry too much. There are a few things that are considered normal be considered impolite. e.g. blowing nose to tissue paper loudly. Touching people is uncommon practice unless they are very intimate (although shaking hands are becoming a norm, meeting someone for the first time). Making friends in cafes or clubs are not very common, like in the western world. But then again, a few European friends who visit Japan tell me that when they go to one of these places, many Japanese approach them, mostly to practice English. My point is, don't be surprised that some Japanese people in these places are not there to make friends but just to be there or to meet people they already know, although of course this is not always the case. If you make eye contacts, chances are good that the person wants to get to know you, even in a shy society like Japan. I hope you enjoy your stay in Japan!

For your question, it depends on your ability to speak Japanese. 95% of Japanese people do not have confidence in speaking English. If you can speak Japaanese, it is advisable for you to call a Japanese friend his or her family name plus "san", as Japanese does. "san" means Mr or Ms. For manking friends, the best idea is through introduction. Japanese people are a little shy from associatiing with strangers. Probably, it is best to make first non-japanese friends who understand Japan and have Japanese friends and ask them to introduce you his or her Japanese friends.

Hi Project808, I just read your question and let me try to answer them. I don't know whether how much ur speaking skill is. So in my opinion, if u talki with someone who are older than you, you should to use honorifics that is better to prevent them getting feel bad attitude from you. And you should do while you first meet with someone as well. But you shouldn't use honorifics all time. Especially, in case of someone who are younger than you or as old as you. But the most important thing is not speaking. it's your good attitude against someone, you know. It is very common thing even though we live at each nations. so nobody getting negative impression from you while you have possitive attitude. Don' be worry. And sorry for my cheap English description.