Id check Greentoe because you can name your price with authorized dealers. Ive seen the Sony Alpha a7 III 24.2MP Full-Frame Mirrorless go for under 1100 there lately. Another option is the Sony Second Focus outlet on eBay for certified refurbished units. You could pick up a Sony Alpha a6700 26.0MP APS-C Mirrorless for well under your 1200 budget. Its a decent choice given the 4K60p capabilities... just check the shutter counts.

Unfortunately, retail prices just arent dropping like I expected this season. I checked the usual spots and deals are pretty mediocre tbh. If you want to stay under budget, maybe look at a used Sony Alpha a7C 24.2MP Digital Camera on MPB since they actually rate their gear properly. Quick question though—what lenses do you already have, or are you starting from scratch for this trip?

Quick reply while I have a sec. @Reply #1 - good point about the outlet stores, but honestly, I'm always a bit wary of eBay when I have a big trip coming up. In my experience, you want a rock-solid warranty. Over the years, I've found these spots way more reliable:

• MPB is my top pick. They take photos of the actual unit you're buying so there are no surprises. You can snag a Sony Alpha a7C Mirrorless Full-Frame Digital Camera for right around $1,100. It's basically a compact full-frame, perfect for those long walks in Kyoto.
• KEH Camera. Their grading is incredibly strict. An 'Excellent Plus' Sony Alpha a6600 Mirrorless Camera Body will leave you plenty of cash for lenses.
• Check B&H's used section. It's safer than their open box stuff because they actually bench test it before listing. Japan is amazing for photos, so dont risk a dud!

Building on the earlier suggestion, honestly its just ridiculous how expensive this hobby has gotten lately. I have been shooting for over fifteen years and I remember when you could get a flagship body without taking out a second mortgage. Now even the budget mirrorless options are pushing well past a grand and for what? A slightly better sensor and some autofocus that half the time people dont even know how to use properly? It drives me crazy. Sony used to be the underdog disrupting the market with actual value but now they just feel like they are coasting on their name while hiking prices every single cycle. I was looking at the Sony Alpha 7R V Full-frame Mirrorless the other day and just felt exhausted by the sticker shock. Its such a scam how they treat loyal users. Nikon and Canon are just as bad now too, just feels like everyone is trying to squeeze every last cent out of us before a trip. Its exhausting trying to find a deal that isnt actually just the MSRP from two years ago... things just arent what they used to be in the gear world. Saw this thread earlier and just had to vent because it really is a mess out there right now.

Just saw this thread and omg Japan is gonna be so amazing! I am totally jealous!! ^ This. Also, have you looked into smaller authorized shops like Focus Camera or maybe even some local spots? I am not 100% sure but I think I heard that they sometimes have special call-in pricing that they cant list online. I am still kinda new to all this so dont quote me on that but it might be worth a shot! Since you want something reliable for your trip, I really think sticking with an authorized dealer is the way to go for the warranty. Just a quick question tho... what exactly are you planning to shoot while you are there? Like are you doing mostly street photography or more nature and shrines? That would totally help narrow things down!