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Travelling to Japan — First Visit Checklist

Medium 15 items · 2 hours
testuser's avatar
testuser Published 1 month ago
Travel

This checklist helps first-time visitors to Japan prepare practical steps for transport, connectivity, etiquette, and seasonal planning. It covers IC cards, JR Pass decisions, pocket WiFi/SIM options, cash prep, onsen rules, and packing tips to make your trip smoother.

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  1. Research travel dates for cherry blossom or autumn foliage — Check typical bloom/fall peak windows and crowd levels; book accordingly.
  2. Decide if a JR Pass suits your itinerary — Compare long-distance train fares across your planned routes to estimate savings.
  3. Purchase JR Pass voucher before arrival if it saves money — Buy an authorized pass online and keep the exchange voucher safe for activation in Japan.
  4. Activate JR Pass at a JR exchange office after arrival — Bring passport and exchange order; choose your activation date and get seat reservations if needed.
  5. Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) at the airport or station — Use for trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, and some taxis.
  6. Top up IC card with 2,000–5,000 yen initial balance — Reload at ticket machines or convenience stores to cover immediate fares and purchases.
  7. Decide between pocket WiFi, eSIM, or local SIM — Consider data needs, number of devices, and pickup or delivery convenience.
  8. Reserve or order pocket WiFi or SIM before departure — Arrange airport pickup or hotel delivery to avoid connectivity gaps on arrival.
  9. Withdraw cash from compatible ATMs and carry small bills/coins — Use 7-Eleven or post office ATMs; many shops and rural areas are cash-first.
  10. Install and pre-download translation and offline map apps — Download offline language packs and map areas (Google Translate, Maps, and local transit apps).
  11. Learn basic etiquette: bowing, queuing, and no phone calls on trains — Avoid eating while walking; follow local norms to show respect in public spaces.
  12. Learn onsen rules: wash before entering, manage towels, and check tattoo policies — Many baths restrict visible tattoos; always rinse and follow posted etiquette rules.
  13. Pack seasonal clothing and layers for cherry blossom or autumn weather — Bring layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for variable temps.
  14. Carry a portable charger and a Japan plug adapter — Bring a USB power bank and a Type A adapter; Japan uses 100V electrical outlets.
  15. Keep digital and paper copies of passport, reservations, and insurance info — Store scans in the cloud and carry a separate paper copy in case of emergencies.
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