Travel checklist

Follow my tips to turn your future trip to Japan into the most enjoyable experience

Every day, I receive numerous messages from you (and I appreciate that!) inquiring about your upcoming trip to Japan. To make things easier for you, I've compiled a list that you can download and print for your convenience. I hope that your future trip to Japan becomes even more comfortable with the help of these tips.

When is it best to travel?

Keep in mind that avoiding big holidays is advisable to steer clear of crowds when planning a trip to Japan. The following times are considered less favorable for visiting Japan:

Golden Week: From late April to early May, a period of consecutive national holidays, leading to crowded attractions and higher accommodation costs.
Obon Week: In mid-August, many Japanese travel to their hometowns, resulting in crowded transportation and accommodations.
New Year's: Late December to early January, with numerous businesses and attractions closed and limited transportation options.
Rainy Season (Tsuyu): From June to early July, frequent rainfall and high humidity can affect outdoor plans.
Peak Typhoon Season: August to September, when typhoons can disrupt travel and bring heavy rainfall.

Remember, Japan offers unique experiences year-round, so plan your visit based on your preferences and interests.

Pre-Trip Preparation

Download the Japan Travel app for railway maps and offline navigation.
Look into pre-purchasing a Japan Rail Pass or other rail passes for tourists.
Get Mobile Suica on your smartphone to make travelling via public transportation/paying in convenient stores etc convenient. Travelers, both local and overseas, can conveniently utilize Mobile Suica as long as they possess a compatible smartphone equipped with the required features. To find out how to set up Mobile Suica check this website.

Please be aware: Due to a global shortage of semiconductors, Japan is currently experiencing a shortage of PASMO and Suica cards. Starting from June 2023, the sale of "unregistered" physical Suica and PASMO cards has been temporarily halted. Additionally, as of August 2, 2023, the sale of "registered" physical Suica and PASMO cards will also be temporarily suspended. While these suspensions are in effect, it will not be possible to purchase Suica and PASMO cards within Japan.In light of this situation, travelers visiting Japan during the PASMO and Suica shortage are advised to familiarize themselves with how to use Mobile Suica or Mobile PASMO as an alternative.
Make sure to download offline maps Maps.me
Download the Japan Transit Planner (Norikae Annai) by Jorudan app. With this multilingual app, you can easily access information about nearby stations and chart out the most efficient route for a hassle-free journey.
Book in advance tickets for popular attractions like the Studio Ghibli Museum.

Before Departure

Sort out transportation to and from the airport. Book your taxi online here or use Uber taxi.
Download translation apps for reading food labels. Download “Food Checker” app, a Japanese-to-English translation tool tailored for food labeling from here. By simply scanning the barcode on a package, the "Food Checker" app swiftly translates the content into English. Within seconds, a comprehensive list of ingredients appears on your smartphone, providing you with instant clarity.
Arrange for mobile data (SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi).
Get cheap SIM card here.
Get cheap pocket Wi-Fi here
Download the Ecbo app for luggage storage. It serves as an alternative to a coin locker, providing you with the option to securely store your travel luggage and belongings within an available space located in a store near a train station all over Japan.
Notify your bank of your travel plans and consider cash withdrawal options.
Book in advance tickets for popular attractions like the Studio Ghibli Museum.
Ensure your luggage is suitable for Japanese travel, prepare one large suitcase and one day bag to hold essentials like travel documents, meds, toiletries, your phone and a change of clothes.

Optimize your travel experience by utilizing Japan's efficient overnight luggage shipping services known as "takkyubin". Simply provide your hotel's name at the airport or hotel, and the staff will handle paperwork and payment. Typically, your bag will reach your hotel the next day, allowing you to travel with only a day bag containing essentials.Takkyubin fees depend on weight, distance, and bag size. As a rough estimate, sending a regular suitcase from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around ¥2,000 (approximately less than US$20). For more information, you can read this article. Please note that if you plan to use a shinkansen (bullet train), be aware that starting from May 20, 2020, JR Tokai, JR West, and JR Kyushu introduced a pre-reservation service for seats with space for oversized luggage. Failing to make an advance reservation incurs an additional ¥1,000 fee. For more information, you can refer to the linked article.

Packing

Travel Documents: Passport, visa, flight tickets, accommodation reservations, travel insurance, and any required ID.
Pack for the weather in each region, not just by season. For further information on weather conditions in Japan, feel free to visit this website.
Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for warm and humid weather.
Hand sanitizing wipes and a handkerchief for public restrooms.
Power bank for backup phone charging.

By the way, if you find yourself in need of a power bank while on your trip, there's a convenient solution available. Simply head to a convenience store and make use of the ChargeSPOT service. For the initial hour, the cost is 150 yen (excluding tax). Subsequently, from the rental commencement to a span of 7 days (168 hours), the daily fee remains at 150 yen (excluding tax). To access the service, just install the ChargeSPOT app, which is available for free. This system is incredibly user-friendly. For instance, you can easily borrow a ChargeSPOT in Hokkaido and conveniently return it in Okinawa without any hassle. Moreover, each unit includes cables compatible with three major connectors (iOS, MicroUSB, and USB Type-C), enabling you to charge not only your personal devices but also portable Wi-Fi units and various other electronic gadgets. You can download it here.
Reusable Water Bottle: Japan has plenty of clean water fountains where you can refill. Download My Mizu - japan's pioneering water refill app, designed to provide you with access to free refill points, enabling you to conveniently replenish your bottle while on the move.
Medication - do not foget to confirm that your medications are allowed in Japan. It is best to contact your closest Japanese consulate in your home country or the Japanese Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare website.
Pack easy-to-remove shoes due to shoe-off policies at various places (specially shrines/temples and some restaurants). Additionally, given the extensive amount of walking you'll likely do, opt for the most comfortable shoes you own. Perconaly I really love Hoka shoes.
Rain Gear: If visiting during the rainy season, a compact umbrella and waterproof jacket will come in handy.

During Your Trip

Be aware of local customs, such as not eating or speaking loud on the train, not wearing backpacks on trains (once again, please consider using the shipping system rather than lugging your large suitcase around with you. The prevalence of staircases everywhere can turn your travel experience into a challenge. To avoid this potential hassle, opt for the convenience of the shipping system to lighten your load and ensure a smoother journey.)
Know what to do in case of an earthquake. You can download Yurekuru Call app to get earthquake early warnings through push notifications.
Aim to visit lesser-known spots to escape crowds and help tp overcombat tourism. I spent more than 6 years collecting different less touritic spots all over Japan for you on instagram. Feel free to join my lovely community here.
Plan train travel to avoid peak hours. Make sure to schedule your train travel outside of the peak hours between 7am to 10am and 4:30pm to 8pm on weekdays. This practice applies differently to bullet trains, as you have the option to book seats.
Don't eat or drink on public transit (except Shinkansen).
Offer your seat to those in need.
Be sure to be prepared to carry your own trash throughout your time in Japan. The country places a strong emphasis on responsible waste disposal, and you'll often find limited public trash bins, especially in public spaces and streets.
Check onsen policies regarding tattoos. Check tattoo-friendly options for onsen and public baths using the official website of the ryokan you booked. You can also use this site to find some tattoo-friendly places all over Japan.
Avoid leaving chopsticks sticking out of food.

This comprehensive checklist covers various aspects of your trip, helping you stay well-prepared and informed during your visit to Japan. Safe travels!

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