Having a checklist for Japan travel ensures everything is in order for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
You need to take care of several things before your trip to Japan.
Get your passport and visa.
Perhaps book theme park tickets.
Also, arrange travel insurance.
Getting ready for Japan means thinking about both the essential items and fun experiences.
You’ll want to sort out practical things like your Japan Rail Pass, Suica or Pasmo card for local transport, and mobile data options.
Starting your planning early will help you make the most of your time in this amazing country.
Getting Your Japan Travel Visa
Many people can visit Japan without a visa through the visa waiver programme.
You need to check with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out if you need one.
Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Japan.
Most people keep at least 6 months of validity just to be safe.
If you need a visa:
- Start the process early at your local Japanese Embassy
- Wait for approval before booking flights
- Make sure your passport is valid first
- Plan for several weeks of processing time
Visa-free travel requirements:
- Valid passport
- One blank page for stamps
- Proof of onward travel
- Tourist stays up to 90 days
The new Japan eVISA system makes applying easier for many travellers.
You’ll need a recent passport photo with a plain background and clear copies of your passport details page.
Your Passport Requirements
Your passport needs at least six months of validity from when you land in Japan.
The immigration officers might not let you enter the country if your passport expires too soon.
Important passport tips:
- Check your expiry date right away
- Get a new passport if needed before booking flights
Keep your passport handy for:
- Visa applications
- Japan Rail Pass booking
- Museum/park tickets
Check Your Travel Insurance Plans
Travel insurance is an essential part of your Japan trip planning.
Start looking for a policy early, especially if you have any pre-existing health issues or are pregnant.
It’s smart to get cover sorted before booking your flights.
Key Things to Look For:
- Medical coverage
- Trip cancellation
- Lost luggage protection
- Emergency travel home
- Natural disaster coverage
Getting the right travel insurance means peace of mind while exploring Japan.
Take time to read the fine print and check what each policy covers.
Some low-cost plans may miss key features.
For example, they might not cover medical evacuation or electronics.
Remember to keep your policy details handy during your trip.
Save both digital and paper copies of all insurance documents.
Plan Your Holiday in Japan
Creating your perfect Japan trip needs a mix of thought and fun planning.
Here’s what you need to sort out.
Pick Your Travel Time:
Your trip dates will shape your whole experience.
Think about when you can take time off work and what you’d like to see.
The weather and crowds change a lot through the year in Japan.
Set Your Length of Stay:
Most people need at least 10-14 days to see Japan’s main spots.
A shorter trip means you’ll need to pick fewer places to visit.
A longer trip lets you travel at a slower pace and explore more areas.
Work Out Your Budget:
Make a list of your must-see spots and match them to your money.
Include these costs:
- Flights and transport
- Hotels and rooms
- Food and drink
- Entry fees
- Shopping money
Book Your Trip Bits:
Start booking these things once you’ve got your plan:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Train passes
- Tours you want to take
Write down all your bookings in one place.
Keep copies of everything on your phone and on paper.
Double-check all your dates match up nicely.
Book Your Flights and Tours
Start planning your Japan adventure by booking your flights and tours 6-12 months before your trip.
You can book closer to your travel dates, but booking early gives you the best options.
If you want to join a package tour, secure your spot first.
Wait for the tour confirmation before you book any flights.
Flight Booking Tips:
- Use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals then book on the airline site.
- Check passenger names twice
- Verify all dates and times
- Review airports carefully
Pay special attention to connecting flights in Tokyo.
Narita and Haneda airports are 80km apart.
You’ll need extra time to travel between them if your flights use different airports.
Essential Flight Details to Check:
- Departure and arrival times
- Connection times between flights
- Which Tokyo airport you’ll use (if it is Tokyo)
- Transport options between airports
- Total journey time
Before You Click “Book”:
- Double-check all passenger names
- Confirm flight dates match your plans
- Verify airport codes
- Check baggage allowances
- Save booking confirmations
Remember to keep all your booking details handy.
Take screenshots and email them to yourself as backups.
Book Your Japanese Lodging Early
Book your Japanese accommodation right after sorting your flights.
Early booking often means better prices, and you can choose rooms with free cancellation to keep your options open.
Popular places like ryokans fill up fast, especially during busy times like cherry blossom season.
Many Japanese hotels only open bookings 3-6 months ahead, so set a reminder to check.
Top booking tips:
- Book well ahead for family rooms
- Look for places near train stations
- Choose free cancellation where possible
- Keep your booking details handy for immigration
Where to stay:
- Ryokans: Traditional Japanese inns with tatami floors
- Hotels: Western-style rooms with modern amenities
- Guest houses: Budget-friendly shared spaces
Make sure to write down your accommodation address.
You’ll need it when you arrive at Japanese immigration.
Managing Money in Japan
Getting cash in Japan requires planning.
You can only withdraw money from international ATMs at 7-11 shops and post offices.
Regular ATMs won’t accept non-Japanese cards.
Before You Leave:
- Tell your bank about your trip
- Get some Japanese yen for arrival costs
- Look into multi-currency cards like Wise
- Check your bank’s overseas fees
Credit and debit cards work well for shopping and dining in Japan.
Many places accept contactless payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay too.
Important ATM Tips:
- Look for 7-11 shops (open 24/7)
- Post office ATMs close at night
- Bring backup cards just in case
- Keep some cash handy for smaller shops
Multi-currency cards are brilliant for Japan.
You can load them with yen before your trip to lock in exchange rates.
Set up your account two months early to ensure everything’s ready.
Money Safety Tips:
- Split cash between different pockets
- Keep a card separate from your wallet
- Take photos of your cards (front and back)
- Save bank emergency numbers
Japan is very safe, but it’s smart to be careful with your money.
Many smaller shops and local restaurants only take cash, so always carry some yen with you.
Check Your Vaccinations Before Japan
Book an appointment with your GP/doctor to check if you need any jabs or boosters before travelling to Japan.
Some vaccines need several doses spread across many weeks, so plan this well ahead of your departure date.
Recommended steps:
- Visit your doctor 6-8 weeks before travel
- Bring your vaccine record card
- Ask about flu jabs if travelling in winter
Plan Your Travel Two Months Out
Your pre-trip planning starts to ramp up at this stage.
Create a list of must-do experiences in Japan and start booking them.
Popular attractions and restaurants fill up quickly, so make your bookings now to avoid missing out.
Start booking these items:
- Temple visits
- Famous restaurant bookings
- Tourist attractions
- Themed cafes
- Guided tours
Prescription Medicines for Your Japan Trip
Getting your medicines sorted before your Japanese holiday needs careful planning.
Make sure you get your prescriptions refilled well before you leave.
Japan enforces strict rules about bringing medicines and medical equipment into the country.
To stay on the safe side, start checking the rules at least a month before your trip.
Amount limits:
- Prescription medicines: Up to 1 month’s supply
- Over-the-counter medicines: Up to 2 months’ supply
If you need to bring more than these amounts or need to bring special medical equipment, you’ll need to get approval first.
Check with your local Japanese Embassy about the forms you’ll need.
Then, start this process early to avoid any issues at customs.
Plan Your Theme Park Visits
Book Your Studio Ghibli Theme Park Entry
The newest theme park in Nagoya fills up fast!
You can book tickets through their official website for international guests.
Right now, you can only visit the Grand Warehouse area during set times.
Book as soon as dates open to avoid missing out.
Sort Your Tokyo Disney Bookings
Tips for Disney tickets:
- Book through the official website
- Pick single-park or park-hopper passes
- Print your tickets before arrival
- Save money with multi-day passes
Japan has two Disney parks to visit.
Get Your Sumo Tournament Seats
Get ready for an amazing show!
Tickets go on sale one month before each tournament.
You’ll want to:
- Book through official sumo websites
- Choose between box or arena seats
- Pick morning or full-day sessions
- Book early for the best spots
Get Your Rail Pass for Japan Travel
A Japan Rail Pass can save you money on train trips across the country.
You can use it for fast bullet trains, local trains, and some ferries too.
Types of Rail Passes:
- 7-day pass
- 14-day pass
- 21-day pass
Important timing tip: Order your pass at least 14 business days before your trip starts.
You can buy your pass in two ways:
- Through the official Japan Rail website
- From approved overseas sellers
Your pass lets you book seats on trains ahead of time.
This is really handy for popular routes where trains might get full.
Just remember to check which trains accept the pass before you travel.
Money-saving tip: Plan your big journeys close together to get the most value from your pass.
Legal Documents for Driving in Japan
You must carry two important documents if you want to drive a vehicle or street kart in Japan:
Essential Documents:
- Your standard driving licence
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
Make sure you get your IDP before travelling. Without these documents, you cannot drive any vehicles in Japan.
Pack Your Japan Travel Items
Plan ahead by checking your Japan gear.
You’ll need these essentials:
Must-Have Items:
- Comfy walking trainers
- Packing cubes to sort clothes
- Coin purse for lots of cash transactions
- Hand sanitiser and tissues
- Travel adaptor
Get your items sorted early so they arrive before your trip.
Smart packing makes your Japan adventure much smoother.
Final Preparations Before Your Holiday
Planning ahead helps reduce stress in the last few days before your trip to Japan.
Getting tasks done two weeks before your travels gives you more time to spend with loved ones.
Essential Tasks to Complete:
- Pack your suitcase and check it twice
- Sort out your travel documents
- Check your travel insurance coverage
- Notify your bank of overseas travel
- Double-check flight and hotel bookings
- Make copies of important documents
Your final weekend at home should be about relaxing and spending time with family.
Ticking off these tasks early means you can focus on making memories instead of rushing about.
Register for Visit Japan Web
You need to register for Visit Japan Web before your trip.
This handy online service makes entry into Japan much smoother and quicker.
Simply fill in all your details online ahead of time.
You’ll breeze through quarantine, immigration and customs when you land.
This saves loads of time at the airport.
Tip: Complete your registration at least 6 hours before your flight.
Mobile Data Planning for Your Japan Trip
You need to sort out your mobile data before going to Japan.
International roaming from your home provider can cost a lot of money.
You have three main choices:
eSIM Plans
- Download straight to your phone
- Keep your regular number active
- Works with newer phones only
Local SIM Cards
- Replace your regular SIM
- Cheaper than roaming
- Need an unlocked phone
Pocket Wi-Fi
- Small portable device
- Connect multiple gadgets
- Perfect for groups
- Daily rental fees apply
Book your chosen option at least two weeks before you leave.
This gives you time to test everything and sort out any problems.
Double-Check Your Flight Information
Keep an eye on your flight details right up until departure day.
Airlines often update their schedules, and you’ll want to stay informed about any changes.
Essential Flight Checks:
- Departure and arrival times
- Terminal numbers
- Baggage allowance
- Seat assignments
- Check-in requirements
Top Tip: Sign up for text or email alerts from your airline to get instant updates about your flights.
Consider using a travel planning app to manage your bookings in one place. These apps can:
- Store all your travel details
- Send flight alerts
- Track schedule changes
- Show airport maps
- Monitor delays
Remember to note how early you need to arrive at the airport.
International flights often require check-in at least 3 hours before departure.
Planning Your Airport Journey To and From Home
Getting to and from the airport needs careful planning.
Book your transport well ahead of time and arrive at least three hours early for international flights.
Check-in, security and passport control can take much longer these days.
Transport Options:
- Family or friends dropping you off
- Public transport (trains, buses)
- Airport parking and self-drive
- Private or shared shuttle services
- Taxi or ride-share services
Make sure to look up all the costs and times for each choice.
Write down your chosen method and keep all booking details handy.
Top Tips:
- Pick a backup transport choice in case your first plan fails
- Save your transport booking details on your mobile
- Add extra time for traffic and weather delays
- Think twice about driving home after a long flight
- Book return transport ahead – you’ll be tired after your trip
Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
Tokyo has two main airports that serve international flights.
Narita Airport sits 70km east of central Tokyo, while Haneda Airport is closer at 19km south of the city centre.
Osaka’s main gateway is Kansai Airport.
The distance from these airports to city centres can be tricky to navigate, especially after a long flight.
Private transfers offer the most stress-free option to reach your hotel.
Airport Distances to City Centres:
- Narita → Tokyo: 70km
- Haneda → Tokyo: 19km
- Kansai → Osaka: 50km
- Centrair → Nagoya: 35km
A pre-booked private car service gives you peace of mind.
Your driver will wait at the arrivals area after you clear customs and immigration.
They’ll help with your luggage and take you straight to your accommodation.
Most transfer companies let you book for groups of up to 20 people.
Your driver will usually message you the evening before your arrival to confirm details.
You can easily update them about any flight delays.
Benefits of Private Transfers:
- Door-to-door service
- No need to navigate public transport
- Help with luggage
- Fixed price with no surprises
- Available 24/7
- Perfect for late arrivals
- Great for families or groups
Transport Options from Major Airports:
| Airport → City | Best Options |
|---|
| Narita (NRT) → Tokyo | Private transfer, train, bus |
| Haneda (HND) → Tokyo | Private transfer, train |
| Kansai (KIX) → Osaka | Private transfer, train |
| Kansai (KIX) → Kyoto | Private transfer, bus |
| Centrair (NGO) → Nagoya | Private transfer, train, bus |
Though public transport is available from all airports, the routes can be complex.
Train and bus services might be limited late at night.
A private transfer removes this stress and starts your trip on the right note.
Remember to book your airport transfer well before your trip.
This ensures availability and gives you one less thing to worry about when you land.
Check Government Travel Advice for Japan
Always check your nation’s official travel guidance before visiting Japan.
Sign up for travel alerts to get updates about safety and rules.
Where to find travel advice:
- 🇬🇧 UK Foreign Office
- 🇦🇺 Australian Smart Traveller
- 🇨🇦 Canadian Travel Advice
- 🇺🇸 US State Department
These guides tell you about safe areas, local laws, and travel tips.
If your country isn’t listed, search “[your country] Japan travel advice” online.
Load Essential Travel Apps Before Your Japan Trip
Load useful travel apps onto your phone to make your Japan adventure smoother.
You’ll want apps for train routes, maps, translation, and messaging.
These tools will help you navigate Japan’s transport system and tackle language barriers.
Get Connected with Pocket Wi-Fi
Book a pocket wi-fi device before you leave for Japan.
Get Pocket Wifi
You can pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
This portable internet lets you use your travel apps anywhere in Japan.
Most rental companies offer reasonable daily rates.
One Week Before You Leave
Pack these items for your Japan trip:
- Travel Documents
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Rail pass
- ✓ Booking details
- Essential Items
- ✓ Medicine
- ✓ Comfy shoes
- ✓ Portable charger
Make sure you check the weather forecast and pack suitable clothes.
Book a Mount Fuji Day Trip
Check your local weather forecast to pick the best day for clear views of Mount Fuji.
Many tours leave from Shinjuku Station at 6:45 AM, taking about 2.5 hours to reach the 5th station.
Popular tour stops include:
- Mount Fuji 5th Station (2,300 metres high)
- Oshino Hakkai village
- Shiraito Falls
- Local shrines
Travel tip: Winter months often have clearer skies for better mountain views.
Tours fill up quickly during peak seasons, so book early to secure your spot.
Getting Ready for Your Japanese Adventure
These travel tips will help you prepare for your trip to Japan.
Pack your bags and make a note of all the items on the checklist.
Be ready for small surprises during your travels – they add charm to the experience!
Stay calm when plans change a bit.
Japan offers brilliant sights and wonderful memories waiting to be made.
Handy Travel Tips:
- Double-check your packing list
- Keep a flexible mindset
- Embrace unexpected moments
- Stay positive throughout your journey
