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Comprehensive checklist before traveling to Japan
Book hotels
Book early before the hotels are fully booked
Japan offers a range of accommodations, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels. Popular platforms like Expedia and Agoda often have a wide selection, but also consider local sites like Rakuten Travel. In big cities, staying near a major train station like Tokyo's Shinjuku or Kyoto's Kyoto Station can save you a lot of commuting time. Remember that Japan's peak tourist seasons, such as cherry blossom season, can lead to booked-out accommodations, so reserve early.
>> Visit Agoda's official website
>> Visit Expedia's official website
Book flights
Compare and purchase flight tickets
When planning your trip to Japan, it's advisable to start by researching flights several months in advance. Airlines often release promotional fares, especially during off-peak seasons. Use comparison sites like Skyscanner or KAYAK to get a sense of the price range. Be flexible with your travel dates if possible; flying mid-week might be cheaper than on weekends.
>> Visit Skyscanner's official website
>> Visit KAYAK's official website
Order Japan Rail Passes for each family member
Purchase your Japan Rail Pass before departure
The Japan Rail (JR) Pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains, making it a cost-effective option for tourists. However, it's only available to foreign tourists and must be purchased *before* you arrive in Japan. Determine the areas you plan to visit; if you're traveling extensively, a nationwide pass is beneficial, but if you're only exploring a specific region, consider regional JR passes. Children under 12 get a discounted pass, so ensure you order the correct type for each family member.
>>Visit Japan Rail Pass's website
Plan your attire for Japan
Check the weather at your destination on this site
Japanese weather varies significantly by season. In summer, it's hot and humid, so breathable clothes are essential. Winters, especially in the north, can be cold, requiring warm attire. If visiting during the rainy season (June to early July), pack a good umbrella and waterproof shoes. While Japan is generally casual, certain places like temples, shrines, or upscale restaurants may require modest and neat dressing.
Reserve a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card
SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi is required
Beyond clothes, consider packing essentials like a universal power adapter (Japan uses Type A and B sockets), portable Wi-Fi or SIM card for internet access, and any necessary medications (with a copy of the prescription).
Which is better: a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi?
When traveling in Japan, one essential to consider is securing internet access, especially given that many locations still don't offer free Wi-Fi. To ensure you can use your smartphone throughout your trip, you'll typically have three options: (1) a SIM card, (2) pocket Wi-Fi, or (3) the roaming service provided by your mobile company. Roaming services can be quite expensive, so we often recommend using a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi. While SIM cards tend to be more affordable than pocket Wi-Fi, they can be trickier to set up. Pocket Wi-Fi, on the other hand, can be shared among several users, making it a favorable choice for families or groups.
▼SIM card
Advantages:
Relatively affordable.
Disadvantages:
Can be time-consuming to set up initially.
May have strict data limits.
▼Pocket Wi-Fi
Advantages:
Offers substantial data allowances.
A single device can be shared among multiple users.
Easily usable with PCs as well.
Disadvantages:
Typically more expensive.
Japan's representative services
Sakura Mobile's website
▼SIM card
>>Visit Sakura Mobile's official website
>>Visit mobal's official website
▼pocket Wi-Fi
>>Visit Sakura Mobile's official website
>>Visit NINJA WiFi's official website
>>Visit Wi-Fi RENTAL Store's official website
Book local tours as needed
Pre-book your tour and have a great trip!
Local tours offer deep insights into Japan's culture and heritage. Websites like Viator or GetYourGuide offer a variety of tours, from traditional tea ceremonies to modern pop culture tours in Akihabara. Consider unique experiences like staying with monks on Mt. Koya or taking a cooking class to learn authentic Japanese dishes.
>>Visit Viator's official website
>>Visit GetYourGuide's official website
Purchase advance tickets for popular attractions
Make a reservation to avoid crowds
Attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, or the Studio Ghibli Museum often have long ticket queues. Buy tickets online in advance to save time. Some attractions also have timed entry, so check the specific time slots available and plan accordingly.
▼Tokyo Disney Resort
>>Visit Tokyo Disney Resort official website
>>Visit Viator's Tokyo Disneyland page
>>Visit Viator's Tokyo DisneySea page
>>Visit GetYourGuide's Tokyo Disneyland page
>>Visit GetYourGuide's Tokyo DisneySea page
▼Universal Studios Japan
>>Visit USJ official website
>>Visit Viator's USJ page
>>Visit GetYourGuide's USJ page
Buy travel insurance
insurance concept, health, life and travel insurance
It is important to be prepared for emergencies
While Japan is a safe country, travel insurance is crucial for unforeseen events like health emergencies, travel disruptions, or lost baggage. Ensure your policy covers medical expenses in Japan, as healthcare, though excellent, can be expensive.
Here we introduce online travel insurance services that are popular worldwide.
World Nomads: An online travel insurance service widely endorsed by travelers worldwide. They offer plans that cover adventurous activities and high-risk sports.
>>Visit World Nomads' official website
AIG Travel Guard: An insurance service available to travelers all over the world. They offer a wide range of options, including cancellation protection and emergency medical insurance.
>>Visit AIG Travel Guard's official website
Share your itinerary with emergency contacts
Organize your reservation information
Keep a digital and printed copy of your detailed itinerary, including hotel addresses, train schedules, and booked tours. Share this with a trusted family member or friend not traveling with you.
