Free Checklist
Japan trip checklist
Everything you need to prepare for Japan — from passport checks to day-1 logistics. Use this page, or get the printable PDF version sent to your inbox.
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Pre-trip essentials
- ✓Check passport validity — Japan only requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay (no 6-month rule)
- ✓Check visa requirements for your nationality (most Western countries get 90-day visa-free entry)
- ✓Book flights and note JR Pass purchase deadlines (must buy before arrival in many cases)
- ✓Arrange travel insurance — include trip cancellation and medical cover
- ✓Make digital copies of passport, travel insurance, and hotel confirmations
- ✓Check if your bank cards work overseas and notify your bank of travel dates
- ✓Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) for your cities
- ✓Download Google Translate and cache the Japanese offline pack
Money & payments
- ✓Order or set up a Wise card or similar low-fee travel card
- ✓Add Suica to Apple Wallet / Google Wallet before you fly (optional but very useful)
- ✓Identify nearest 7-Eleven to your accommodation for first ATM run
- ✓Plan to withdraw ¥30,000–50,000 on arrival to cover first few days
- ✓Bring small emergency amount of USD or EUR as backup
- ✓Set up a VPN if using banking apps on public Wi-Fi
Transport
- ✓Decide whether JR Pass is worth it for your route (use the Rail Pass Calculator)
- ✓Buy JR Pass in advance if needed — significantly cheaper before arrival
- ✓Plan your airport transfer: Narita Express, Limousine Bus, or local rail
- ✓Research IC card top-up options at your arrival airport
- ✓Download Hyperdia or Google Maps for transit routing
- ✓Book Shinkansen reserved seats for busy travel days (Golden Week, holidays)
Phone & data
- ✓Choose eSIM vs pocket Wi-Fi for your group (use the eSIM Comparison Tool)
- ✓Purchase eSIM in advance — activate only on arrival in Japan
- ✓Download your eSIM provider's app for management
- ✓Save hotel addresses in Japanese characters (for taxis and asking locals)
- ✓Add emergency contact numbers: Japan emergency 110 (police) / 119 (ambulance)
- ✓Download Suica app if using mobile IC card
Packing
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 15,000–25,000 steps per day
- ✓IC card holder or phone with NFC for transit
- ✓Universal power adapter (Japan uses Type A plugs, same as US — no adapter needed for US travelers)
- ✓Cash wallet — many Japanese wallets have dedicated coin pouches
- ✓Portable battery pack — long sightseeing days drain phones
- ✓Small day bag or packable tote for day trips
- ✓Light rain jacket or compact umbrella — pick one up at a 100-yen shop on arrival
- ✓Modest cover-up for temple visits if travelling in summer
- ✓Any prescription medication with documentation (some medications banned in Japan)
Day 1 in Japan
- ✓Activate eSIM or pick up pocket Wi-Fi at the airport
- ✓Get Suica / Pasmo IC card at the station if not using mobile version
- ✓Withdraw yen from 7-Eleven ATM (look for them at or near the airport)
- ✓Check in at accommodation and leave heavy luggage (takkyubin/luggage forwarding available)
- ✓Locate nearest convenience store (FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, Lawson) — your best friend in Japan
- ✓Download any remaining offline content (maps, translate) on airport/hotel Wi-Fi
- ✓Check the day's temple/attraction hours — many are 9am–5pm
- ✓Do not tip at restaurants, taxis, or hotels
Planning tools referenced above
Rail Pass Calculator
Check if the JR Pass pays off for your route
Open tool →eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi
Quiz to choose the right data option for your group
Open tool →Budget Estimator
Build a realistic daily cost estimate in yen and USD
Open tool →Take it with you
Get the printable PDF version
Formatted for printing or saving to your phone. All 6 sections, one page.