Japan Travel Checklist: 13 Things to Prepare Before Your Actual Trip
Planning a trip to Japan soon, but overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information that you don’t even know where to begin? Fret not! We made this Japan travel checklist to help you get started on the essentials.
Yay, finally traveling to Japan! Sounds exciting, right?
But planning before the actual trip can be quite exhausting, too. We know. We’ve been there. In fact, on our 10-day Japan trip, we thought we got everything covered. But nah, let’s just say we missed several things and had to scramble and adjust along the way.
So now, we’re making this Japan travel checklist to spare yourself from the headache.
Essential things to prepare before your Japan trip
Japan travel documents
1. Passport
You can’t travel overseas without your passport, of course! Make sure it is still valid for at least 6 months before your trip.
2. Japan visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be required to get a visa before you can enter Japan. For Filipino travelers like us, you may refer to our Japan visa guide.
3. Arrival/Departure Forms
Sign up and fill out these digital forms before your flight:
- Japan: Visit Japan Web (1 to 2 days before travel to Japan)
- Philippines: eTravel (3 days before flight to/from the Philippines)
⚠️ Note: These digital forms are FREE, so beware of those who ask for payment.
4. Flights
Book your Japan flights only after your visa is approved. See Kiwi.com or Trip.com to compare flight fares.
5. Accommodation
Choose hotels with a free cancelation policy in case you change your mind. We usually book via Agoda, Booking.com, Klook, Trip.com, and Expedia.
For more Japan hotel recos, we compiled these lists of the best hotels in Japan:
Tokyo:
- Affordable Tokyo hotels
- Best Tokyo hotels for families
- Best Tokyo hotels with onsens
- Best Tokyo Airbnbs
- Best Tokyo hostels
- Best Tokyo capsule hotels
- Best Shinjuku hotels
- Best Shibuya hotels
- Best Ueno hotels
- Best Asakusa hotels
- Best hotels near Tokyo Disneyland
- Best hotels near Haneda Airport
- Best hotels near Narita Airport
Mt. Fuji:
Osaka:
- Best Osaka hotels
- Best Osaka hotels for families
- Affordable Osaka hotels
- Best capsule hotels in Osaka
- Best Osaka hotels near Dotonbori
- Best hotels near Universal Studios Japan
- Best hotels near Kansai Airport
Kyoto:
Nagoya:
6. Itinerary & tours
Making a Japan itinerary could be overwhelming, especially for first-time travelers. Which destinations to visit first? Which tourist spots to include?
Here’s our 10-day Japan spring itinerary, where we traveled across Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo to give you an initial idea.
You may also add these popular tours to your Japan itinerary:
- Mt. Fuji Day Tour (300K+ booked)
- Kyoto Arashiyama Fushimi Inari & Nara Deer Tour (100K+ booked)
- Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour from Nagoya (50K+ booked)
Japan travel essentials
8. Internet
Secure your connection before arriving in Japan. You can choose from a Japan SIM, eSIM, or pocket WiFi.
Read our Japan SIM Card, eSIM, and pocket WiFi guide to help you decide better.
9. Transportation
Japan has an efficient (yet complicated!) transport system. We suggest that you get all these transportation essentials for more convenience:
Transport Cards
See some major transport cards for various areas in Japan:
- Tokyo → green Suica; Welcome Suica (for tourists); PASMO Card
- Kansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hyōgo, Wakayama, Shiga, Mie)→ ICOCA Card
- Nagoya → Manaca; TOICA
- Hokkaido → Kitaca
Do note that the Suica card may be used in most areas of Japan.
Read our Suica Card guide, Welcome Suica guide, and ICOCA Card guide to learn more.
Airport Transfers
Book your Japan airport transfers ahead, especially if you’re traveling as a family or group.
You may read our Haneda Airport transfer guide, Narita Airport transfer guide, and Kansai Airport transfer guide if you’re arriving at these airports in Japan.
Shinkansen
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is definitely not cheap, but it’s an experience worth ticking off your Japan bucket list.
Read our Shinkansen guide for more details on the fares and where to buy tickets.
💡Tip: If you plan to travel across different prefectures in Japan, we suggest that you get a JR Pass, which already includes unlimited rides on the Shinkansen.
JR Pass
The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass, specifically enables tourists to enjoy unlimited rides on JR trains, buses, and ferries across Japan.
You may refer to our JR Pass guide to find out more on how to maximize this tourist pass in Japan.
10. Travel apps
Download these apps for your Japan exploration:
Navigation:
- Google Maps (Google Play | App Store)
Transportation:
- Train Routes / Passes: Japan Travel by NAVITIME (Google Play | App Store)
- Transport & Payment:
- Suica Mobile (Google Play | App Store)
- Welcome Suica Mobile (App Store only)
Language / Communication:
- Google Translate (Google Play | App Store)
Weather:
More things to prepare for your Japan trip
11. Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it’s best to be prepared in case of unforeseen circumstances and medical emergencies during your trip. We usually get Klook Protect for our international trips.
12. Outfit for the season
Pack your clothes according to Japan’s season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring (Mar-May)
Weather: Moderately cold with spring blooms or cherry blossoms (below 2°C to 24°C)
What to wear: Inner outfit with a sweatshirt, a light trench coat or a jacket; comfy rubber shoes, sneakers, or ankle boots. See some of our spring outfit ideas for pegs.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Weather: Hot and humid, with June and July still part of the rainy season (16°C to 30°C)
What to wear: Loose, comfy outfits, like simple shirts, shorts, or flowy pants, as the summer heat can be unforgiving in Japan; bring mini fans or hand fans and water to hydrate
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Weather: Cool, fresh breeze with red, orange, yellow autumn foliage (7°C to mid 27°C)
What to wear: Same as spring outfits; Inner outfit with a hoodie, light jacket or parka; ankle boots or rubber shoes
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Weather: Extremely cold with winter winds and snow (-6°C to 20°C)
What to wear: Layer up to keep you warm; wear thermals with puffer jackets or windbreakers; boots with thermal socks; earmuffs; scarves
13. Immigration
Finally, after compiling all docs and packing all essentials and clothes, you have to prepare for when you pass through the immigration counter.
We’ve heard horror stories about travelers getting offloaded in the Philippines. We’re sharing our own Philippine immigration experience so you know what to expect when it’s your turn.
That’s basically it! We hope our Japan travel checklist helps you have a smooth trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Have fun in Japan!
Did we miss any of your Japan travel essentials? Let us know on our socials: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, or TikTok.