I totally get that overwhelmed feeling. When I first started out, I bought a super cheap tripod from a big box store and my camera almost tipped over on a windy day. I was so stressed! I eventually settled on the SmallRig AP-01 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod and I have been incredibly happy with it. It fits right into the side pocket of my backpack which was a huge deal for me when I was traveling. Carbon fiber isnt just a fancy name. It really does dampen vibrations better and stays warm to the touch when it is cold out. But since you are on a budget, aluminum is honestly fine too. It is a bit heavier which actually helps keep the thing planted when you are doing those long exposures. If you want to save some cash, the Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB Aluminum Travel Tripod works well and folds up really small. Here are a few things that helped me figure it out:

• The screw thing is standard! Almost every camera uses a 1/4-inch thread on the bottom so itll fit.
• Look for Arca-Swiss compatible heads. Most modern tripods come with a plate that stays on your camera so you can pop it on and off in seconds.
• Dont worry about the Peak Design one yet. It is nice, but it is definitely a luxury item for when you have more cash to burn. I took mine to the coast last year and even with the sea breeze, my shots stayed sharp. Just make sure you hang your backpack from the center hook if it gets really windy... that adds weight and keeps everything steady. Japan is gonna be amazing for photos!

Regarding what #1 said about "I totally get that overwhelmed feeling. When I..." - honestly same!! It is such an amazing feeling getting that first real camera. Quick clarification: are you shooting at eye-level or do you mind a shorter, more compact setup? Check out the Ulanzi Zero Y Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod. It is fantastic, fits right in a backpack, and much cheaper than Peak Design. Quick tip: hang your gear bag from the center hook for stability when its windy!

Checking in a bit late but honestly, after years of testing different gear, I've realized you dont always need to pay the carbon fiber tax. Aluminum tripods are slightly heavier but that weight actually helps keep the camera steady when the wind picks up near those Kyoto shrines. I used a Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB Aluminum Travel Tripod for a similar trip and it was rock solid without costing a fortune. It folds down small enough for most daypacks. Most modern gear uses the Arca-Swiss plate system now, so it will fit your Sony a7C II perfectly without needing extra parts. Your camera has a standard screw hole so pretty much any real tripod works. Quick tip: keep the center column down during long exposures. Extending it makes the whole thing top-heavy and prone to vibration. TL;DR: Aluminum is a better value for your budget. Look for Arca-Swiss compatibility so you wont have issues with the camera mount.

Agreeing with Geneva here—the extra weight of aluminum can be your friend when you're doing long exposures. In my experience, people get too caught up in the carbon fiber hype but forget that a bit of mass actually stops micro-jitters from wind. Tbh for a first tripod you want reliability over fancy materials. I've used the Sirui T-005S Aluminum Travel Tripod with B-00 Ball Head for years as a backup and it holds up great. It folds down to about 12 inches so itll definitely fit in a backpack without a problem. About that screw thing you asked... dont worry. Pretty much every modern camera like your a7C II uses a standard 1/4-20 mount. The tripod will come with a plate that stays on your camera. Most of these use what's called the Arca-Swiss system. Its basically a universal slide-in mount so if you ever buy a different tripod or a special camera strap later, they usually all work together. Just make sure the plate is tight so the camera doesnt wiggle during those Kyoto shrine shots... nothing worse than a blurry photo because the plate was loose.