This is a simplified checklist for travelling to Japan. You can check my My Japan Travel Checklist for more details.
My simplified checklist for travelling to Japan:
- Itinerary
- Travel Documents
- Passport
- Visa
- Reservations
- Airfare
- Hotel
- Attractions
- Japan Rail Pass
- Cash
- Baggage
- Travel gear
Itinerary
Create a plan of your places to stay and when you are switching hotels. This will give you an idea on how much will be spend before and during the trip.
Travel Documents
A valid Passport that will not expire within 180 after your entry date; A Visa if you are not in the list of visa-free countries; An International Driver Permit if you are renting a car; and probably will need to provide some documents for health requirements (vaccination/test certificates).
Air fare and Reservations
Pay for your flight. Reserve your hotel rooms. Reserve you rental car if traveling to remote areas where there is no train or bus service.
Japan Rail Pass
Japan Rail has a nationwide and regional passes as well. The nationwide Japan Rail Pass is convenient only if you cross between regions. Like traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo. While regional passes are for customers staying only in one region or when moving by airplane. If using mailed option, pay for your voucher with plenty of time to receive it before travelling. JR now has a webpage here where you can reserve it as well. It can be bought after arrival, but for an extra fee.
After the 70% increase in October 2023. The nationwide pass is basically for customers relying heavily on using Shinkansen between major cities. A round trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima plus a few trips along the route barely meets the cost of a 7-day pass. Please calculate your train expenses before deciding to reserve a pass. Google Maps is a good tool for retrieve the fares for a quick estimate.
Cash
Bring cash for at least for the first two or three days. You will have time to look out for a bank ATM. Avoid the currency exchange kiosks if possible.
7-eleven ATMs are becoming popular as of late 2023 as they are reported have low fees. I will need to check it out by myself.
You will need cash to recharge your IC card and for transit fares that do not accept cards. Also, some restaurants and attractions are cash only. The convenience stores and vending machines usually accept payment with cash or IC.
As of 2024. Suica, the Tokyo IC card, is not available. You can still get the 30 days “Welcome to Japan” Suica card at the JR customer desk at the airport. Another option is to use the Mobile Suica or Pasmo IC card if you have an iPhone or Android phone.
Baggage
Plan on a medium to small sized baggage and backpack. Trains usually do not have space for large/bulky items. Also, consider on the clothes for the weather of the places on your plan. If you are staying more than 5 or 6 days plan on using coin washing machines. Some hotels are now offering on-site and in-room washing machines.
Travel Gear
Even if you are not a Social Media influencer you still need some basics like:
- Slim backpack. Trains can become crowded and bulky backpacks are not a good thing to carry on a rush hour train.
- Hand soap and handkerchief. Bathrooms in some temples do not offer soap and towel.
- A battery bank to keep your phone or camera charged.
I have a page with my Travel Gear that you can check.
You can also check my other page named Japan Travel Checklist that is more detailed.
