Travel checklist

Get to know Japanese cultural nuances. Skim a responsible travel guide as it gives you quick tips on how to fit in, avoid slip-ups, and travel in a way that’s kinder to locals and the environment. Japanese society places a huge value on harmony, politeness, and following shared rules, so even small gestures — like staying quiet on trains, bowing, queuing neatly, or taking off your shoes indoors — go a long way. Unlike in many countries where tourists can slide by without much thought, these customs are part of daily life, and locals truly appreciate when visitors make the effort, often rewarding you with warmer smiles and more authentic connections.

Book popular attractions in advance. Tickets for the Studio Ghibli Museum, teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM, and other famous sites often sell out quickly. For the Ghibli Museum in particular, tickets must be purchased in advance — there are no on-site sales.

Take care of internet beforehand. Choose method that works the best for you — SIM cards are cheap and convenient for solo travelers, pocket Wi-Fi is great for groups or multiple devices, and eSIMs like Airalo let you set up your phone before arrival, avoid extra devices, and often save money. Book or download your option in advance to start using it immediately upon landing.

Get travel insurance. Most trips go smoothly, but insurance gives peace of mind for unexpected situations — like minor medical issues, lost luggage, or rare events such as natural disasters — so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Sort out your money. Notify your bank of your travel plans and bring a card that works internationally. Japan is becoming more cashless, but many small shops and restaurants still prefer yen, so it’s wise to carry some. The easiest way is withdrawing from 7-Eleven, Lawson, or Japan Post ATMs, which usually offer better rates than airport exchanges. If exchanging cash, get only a little at the airport and save larger exchanges for city counters, where rates are more favorable.

Download navigation apps. Japan Travel by NAVITIME and MAPS.ME work well for offline use, while Japan Transit Planner (Norikae Annai) by Jorudan helps you find stations and plan efficient routes in multiple languages.

Consider rail passes to save on travel. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is the best-known option, giving unlimited rides on JR trains — including most shinkansen—for 7, 14, or 21 days across the whole country. It’s a great deal if you plan to cover long distances between cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. However, if your trip is focused on one area, regional passes can be a more cost-effective choice:

• JR Tokyo Wide Pass — Great for day trips around Tokyo (Nikko, Karuizawa, Mt. Fuji area).
• JR West Kansai Area Pass — Covers Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji.
• JR Hokuriku Area Pass — Perfect for Kanazawa, Toyama, and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
• JR Kyushu Rail Pass — Choose Northern, Southern, or All Kyushu depending on your route.
• JR All Shikoku Rail Pass — Explore all four prefectures of Shikoku island.

Regional passes usually last 2−5 days and often cost much less than the nationwide pass. To check which option makes sense for your itinerary, you can use fare calculators like Japan Travel by NAVITIME or the JRPass Fare Calculator. Remember, it’s cheaper and safer to buy your rail pass before you arrive.

Get Mobile Suica or PASMO on your smartphone. These digital IC cards make public transportation, convenience store purchases, and other daily transactions seamless. Digital cards are especially handy since you can top up and manage them on your phone, avoid losing a physical card, and even integrate them with Apple Wallet for tap-and-go ease. Check this [official guide] for Suica setup instructions.

Alternatively, you can purchase Welcome Suica online before your trip and have it ready for immediate use upon arrival — no need to wait in line at the airport (which are often long). It’s a hassle-free way to start exploring Japan right away, especially for first-time visitors.

Plan your airport transfers. It’s usually cheaper and more convenient to book
train tickets, buses, or private transfers online in advance — especially for Narita and Kansai airports. The most popular taxi apps are GO, DiDi, and Uber, but I personally recommend trains as they are fast, reliable, and often the best balance of price and comfort.

Use takkyubin for luggage delivery. Just give your hotel’s name at the airport or hotel, and the staff will handle the paperwork and payment. Your bag usually arrives the next day, letting you explore the city freely with only a light day bag. Traveling without heavy luggage feels so much more liberating.

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.

Try Ecbo Cloak for luggage storage. It’s a convenient alternative to coin lockers, letting you leave bags at shops, cafés, or station counters. With advance booking, space for larger items, and insurance coverage, it makes exploring baggage-free much easier.

Suitable clothing. Weather can shift quickly, so layers help you adjust. Consider both the season and region — Japan’s climate varies widely. Choose light, breathable fabrics for humid summers, and bring layers, a raincoat and/or umbrella, or warm items (like gloves and thermals) for cooler seasons. For detailed weather info, check [this website].

Easy-to-remove shoes. Many places in Japan have shoe-off policies (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. Personally, I really love Hoka shoes.

💡Insider tip. Japan has fantastic fashion for every style and budget. Consider keeping your travel wardrobe minimal to leave room in your luggage for any shopping finds along the way.

Summer essentials. To prepare for Japan’s hot and humid summers pack sunscreen and a hat. A portable fan or cooling towel can also make sightseeing much more comfortable — and the good news is, you can easily pick up any of these items once you’re in Japan.

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.

Hand sanitizing wipes and a handkerchief. Public restrooms in Japan are generally clean and convenient, but many smaller facilities often don’t provide paper towels or hand dryers.

Power bank for backup phone charging, especially because you’ll use maps, translation apps, and transport apps frequently.

💡Insider tip. 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 (Lightning, USB Type-C, and MicroUSB), enabling you to charge not only your personal devices but also portable Wi-Fi units and various other electronic gadgets.

Power adapters. Japan uses type A plugs (100V, 50/60Hz), so a small adapter may be necessary for some devices.

Medication. Make sure your meds are allowed in Japan by checking with your nearest Japanese consulate or the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website. Keep them in original packaging and bring enough for your whole trip, since most prescriptions require a local doctor’s note.

Toiletries. While Japan has plenty of stores and convenience shops, not all international brands or specific products (like certain skincare, haircare, or feminine hygiene items) are available. Bring the essentials you rely on to avoid surprises, especially if you have sensitive skin or specific preferences.

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese. English is less common outside major cities and tourist areas, but staying polite, speaking slowly, and using simple words or gestures goes a long way. Locals are usually kind and appreciate when you make an effort — even if it's just a smile or arigatou.

Stay connected with LINE. In Japan, the most widely used messaging app is LINE — it’s how locals chat, share photos, and even make payments. While you can still get by with email or other apps, downloading LINE makes it easier to connect with new friends, join group chats for events or tours, and experience communication the way locals do.

Understand food labels. A great option is Payke app, which translates labels into multiple languages, shows product rankings, and sometimes even offers coupons —many travelers call it a lifesaver while shopping in Japan, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

Be prepared in case of earthquakes. Japan is seismically active, so it’s smart to know basic safety steps. You can download the Yurekuru Call app to receive early earthquake warnings via push notifications, giving you extra time to stay safe.

Avoid the crowds. Aim to visit lesser-known spots to escape crowds and help to overcombat tourism. I spent more than 6 years collecting different less touritic spots all over Japan. Feel free to join my Instagram community here.

Travel outside peak hours. It’s preferrable 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.

Mind your manners on public transport. Trains and buses are quiet and orderly — set your phone to silent, keep your voice low, take off your backpack, and avoid eating on local trains (though eating is fine on shinkansen and long-distance routes). Be respectful of priority seats, and note that many trains have women-only cars during rush hour.

Dispose of trash properly. Be prepared to carry your own waste while exploring Japan, as public trash bins are often limited, especially on streets and in public spaces. The country places a strong emphasis on responsible waste disposal, so plan ahead — you’ll usually find garbage containers at convenience stores, train stations, or parks.

Check onsen policies regarding tattoos. Many traditional onsen and public baths in Japan restrict visible tattoos. Before visiting, check the official website of your ryokan or use online resources to find tattoo-friendly onsen across the country, so you can enjoy a relaxing soak without surprises.

Engage with locals. Even small interactions — like a smile, bow, or short phrase—can lead to meaningful connections, warm hospitality, and great recommendations.

💡Insider tip. For truly unique memories, try cultural workshops with local artists and masters. From calligraphy to miniature garden-making, you’ll take home not just a handmade souvenir but also an unforgettable experience. Explore more on the Wabunka website or on my blog.