Japan Travel: Ultimate Guide to Packing & Preparation

Japan travel is an adventure you’ll want to be fully prepared for. This guide is your comprehensive checklist to ensure your Japan travel experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, covering everything from essential documents to packing tips.

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Japan Travel Essential Documents and Preparations

Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Japan and has one empty page.
Visa: While many nationalities can enter Japan visa-free for short stays, check the latest requirements for your country on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the most updated information on whether you need a visa for Japan.
Flights: The question always comes up of which airport should I fly to. Tokyo has two major airports, Haneda(HND) and Narita (NRT).
- Haneda is closer to downtown (Shibuya crossing), so this is my preference is to avoid extra travel traffic, and Narita has more international flight options.
- I have also always flown to Haneda due to lower fares from my U.S. Destination. My suggestion is to use Google Flights and Skyscanner to start your search to see which is the most cost-effective for you, or based on your itinerary, which one makes sense. Then book directly through the airline or where you get the most points.
Accommodations: Secure your accommodations in advance to get the best deals and options; however, make sure you have a 24-hour cancellation policy in case your plans change. I honestly usually only book my first couple of night stays and book on demand from there, however, I know that stresses most people out, and you do lose options. Consider staying in a mix of hotels, traditional ryokans, and capsule hotels for a diverse experience. Another tip is to make sure you look at the size of the hotel room, as many are very small. I recommend using Booking.com to find the perfect place.
Japan Rail Pass: This pass can save you a significant amount on transportation, and it is so easy to get around. Don’t wait in line to purchase this in an airport after a long flight, you can buy it online directly from JR or from Klook or at stations when you are ready to use it. Most people explore Tokyo for a few days first, so use your IC card for local transportation, as explained below.
Credit Cards, Cash, and IC Card: Mastercard and Visa are accepted all around Japan, and American Express is hit and miss. ATMs are plentiful in cities to get Yen in Japan. Get an IC Card(Suica or PASMO) for local transport and small purchases (these can be used across Japan and both work the same). If you have an iPhone or Apple Watch, you can add an IC card to your wallet. See the steps from Apple here. If not, you can purchase a card version at the airport. This is so convenient as you can use your phone or card to purchase most transportation (buses, trains, subways, taxis) as well as many shops, vending machines, and restaurants.
WiFi / eSim Card / Pocket Wifi: Stay connected with an eSim card for high-speed internet access at the best cost. Airalo has been my choice when traveling in Japan, but also heard of pocket wifi – 4G WiFi and Unlimited Data and Powerbank from Klook, which you pick up and drop off easily at the airport, is wonderful.

Japan Travel. Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Japan. — Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Japan. Photo ©JJ. Trailwalker 2024

Insurance for Japan Travel

Invest in comprehensive travel insurance covering at the minimum medical coverage for your Japan travel. It also might be wise to get trip cancellation and loss of luggage and valuables depending on what your credit card provides. This is so inexpensive for what you get, I recommend comparing World Nomads and SafetyWing for Japan travel.

Packing Essentials for Japan Travel

Clothes: It will matter what time of year you are going, so do your research on the weather month-by-month. Pack light and include versatile layers that can be mixed and matched. Include a waterproof jacket, shoes that slip on and off easily, and comfortable walking shoes. Remember, space is at a premium in Japan, especially on trains. If you can make it all in a carry-on roller bag and a backpack, that is ideal. I have done it with a checked roller bag due to traveling in ski season, and it worked, just a little more effort.
Luggage Forwarding: If you don’t want to worry about traveling with luggage on public transportation, you can use the “Hands-Free Travel” services. These include temporary luggage storage at stations or same-day luggage delivery from the airport to your hotel or from hotel to hotel. Check out the details at Yamato.Transport. This is super reliable and reasonably priced.
Toiletries: While many accommodations provide basic toiletries, bring specific brands or items you can’t live without. Keep travel-sized containers to save space. Be sure to review what medicines you can bring for personal use to Japan.
Electronics: Bring a universal adaptor for the Japan style plus sockets. As in the U.S., electrical outlets in Japan are type A (two flat plugs).
Small Gifts From Home: Tipping is not customary or expected in Japan except for a few special circumstances, however, you can thank and appreciate guides or people you meet with a gift from your home region.
- Only time to tip in Japan
  - Tipping Geishas and at Ryokans
    - Put money in an envelope, about $20 (3,000 Yen) handed to Geisha with both hands with a slight bow
    - High-End Ryokans if you have attendants, $7 (1,000 Yen) per person – leave in an envelope on the bed at checkout.
  - Tipping Tour Guides – I would ask if it is accepted and have a couple of envelopes with cash to give if appropriate.

Flight Items for Japan Travel

My number one recommendation for long-haul flights is over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones. I love my AirPods, but over-the-ear headphones are so much more comfortable and quieter, especially when resting or sleeping.
Wear comfortable clothes and, I know friends who swear by compression socks.
Plan to download books (Kindles are awesome if you are a reader) or podcasts ahead of time.
Bring your favorite travel snacks.
A water bottle to stay hydrated.
I am not much into travel pillows or blankets as they take up precious space so I use the ones airlines provide or the airplane headrest adjustment to curl around your head works perfectly.

Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers

Rest assured you can travel around Japan without knowing the language. In big cities, most Japanese speak English or know a little bit, and there are English signs in most toured areas. However, the trip becomes a little more enriching when you can communicate with the locals in their language, even if it’s only a few phrases. It helps show your respect and appreciation for the local culture. Here are some of the phrases that will help you:

Hello: Konnichiwa
Good morning: Ohayou gozaimasu
Good evening: Konbanwa
Thank you: Arigatou or Arigatou gozaimasu (more formal)
Yes: Hai
No: Iie
Excuse me or I’m sorry: Sumimasen
I don’t understand: Wakarimasen
Do you speak English?: Eigo o hanasemasu ka
How much is this?: Kore wa ikura desu ka?
Where is the bathroom?: Otearai wa doko desu ka?
Goodbye: Sayounara or Jaa ne (casual)

I recommend using Google Translate which can help you communicate during your travels. If you have an iPhone you can also use Apple Translate, I do have an iPhone but still prefer Google Translate as of now.

FAQ

Q: What is one thing you wish you had known before your first trip to Japan?
A: Purchasing a Suico/ PASMO e-card, makes everything so much simpler from paying for transportation, vending machines, convenience stores, most restaurants, and shops.

Q: Is it better to fly into Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT)?
A: This depends on your travel plans as both are excellent airports. Haneda is must closer to downtown Tokyo but Narita offers more international flights.

Q: Is a Japan Rail Pass worth it?
A: If you’re planning to travel between cities, a JR Pass can offer significant savings and convenience.

Q: How widely are credit cards accepted in Japan?
A: Major hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants in cities accept credit cards. However, always carry some yen just in case.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Japan?
A: Travel insurance is not mandatory for visitors to Japan, it is recommended to cover unforeseen medical expenses. Most health insurance plans in the U.S. do not provide insurance coverage in other countries.

Q: What’s the best way to stay connected?
A: An eSIM card is the most convenient option for most travelers, offering wide coverage and high-speed internet. Pocket wifi can be another option, that is fast and multiple people can use.

I hope this guide helps to make your preparations for Japan as thorough and straightforward as possible. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable and hassle-free adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Ready to visit Japan? Below are some resources to help plan your trip!