Japan Travel Preparation

16 items · Travel · Medium difficulty · 1 hour

Essential pre-departure tasks for a smooth trip to Japan.

• Check passport validity and visa requirements

  Ensure 6+ months validity and confirm visa needs for your nationality.

• Buy travel insurance and save policy details

  Include medical, trip delay, and baggage coverage; save policy and claim number.

• Reserve key tickets and restaurant bookings

  Prebook popular attractions, tea ceremonies, and specialty restaurants.

• Arrange pocket WiFi or eSIM and note pickup/delivery

  Compare data limits and airport pickup vs hotel delivery options.

• Withdraw and carry some Japanese yen

  Keep cash for taxis, small shops, and rural areas; ATMs at 7-Eleven/post offices accept foreign cards.

• Get an IC card (Suica or PASMO)

  Use for trains, buses, vending machines, and convenience stores.

• Top up IC card with starter balance (2–3k yen)

  Add enough for first few days to avoid ticket lines.

• Purchase JR Pass voucher before travel (if using)

  Buy from an authorized seller before arrival; keep e-voucher or paper exchange order.

• Activate JR Pass at a Japan exchange office

  Activate on your first travel day within the validity window; bring passport and voucher.

• Reserve Shinkansen seats at a JR ticket office

  Book reserved seats after activation for peak travel days and long trips.

• Learn essential Japanese phrases

  Practice greetings, thank you, ordering, asking for help, and numbers.

• Read onsen and public-bath etiquette

  Learn washing rules, towel use, and tattoo policies before visiting an onsen.

• Pack indoor socks/slippers and easy-to-remove shoes

  Many homes, ryokan, and some restaurants require shoe removal.

• Download offline maps and transit apps

  Save routes and timetables (Google Maps, HyperDia, or Navitime) for offline use.

• Arrange luggage forwarding (takkyubin) for long transfers

  Ship bags between hotels or to/from the airport to travel light between cities.

• Bring a power plug adapter and portable battery

  Japan uses Type A plugs (100V); carry a charger for long transit days.

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