Many enthusiastic travelers journey to Japan, and something goes wrong. This article will cover some things you should do before you step foot in Japan.
1. Book Flights
You could use a comparison website like Skyscanner to search and compare the cheapest prices.
Another option which a lot of people overlook is to book your flight direct with an airline.
See that point bonus on your travel credit card to make your purchase through your financial institution travel card? Don’t use that portal.
Sometimes it can be better to purchase your flight directly with the airline. Perhaps transfer your points to a travel partner to make the purchase.
Check out my guide to the best airlines to fly to Japan with from the United States.
2. Enable Your Debit/Credit Cards for Overseas Transactions
If you don’t, your bank may freeze your card since they think you are fraudulent.
Also, be mindful of foreign transaction fees!
3. Bring a Mastercard or Visa card
Japanese vendors generally accept Mastercard or Visa. American Express is what you won’t find taken as often – like in many other international locales. The status quo is changing a little. But, Amex remains relatively scarce in Japan compared to its competitors.
If you are in a major city like Tokyo, Kyoto, or even Osaka, you may be okay most of the time. Otherwise, outside those areas is a wasteland for acceptance of American Express. Check out our review of Amex and Chase travel credit cards.
4. Get Travel Insurance
Travel carries a certain degree of risk, the most significant uncertainty. Find a third party to get your travel insurance from to cover that risk.
Benefits for a plan can include:
• Cancel for any reason coverage
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Travel medical plan
• Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay
• And more…
5. Get a Pocket WiFi Device
Although there is lots of free public WiFi available, if you are going to be travelling or out sightseeing a lot and want to stay connected a Pocket WiFi really is recommended.
Pocket WiFi is a portable wireless modem, aka a mobile hotspot, that lets you connect your wifi-enabled devices to the internet.
Just like your WiFi at home, you will be connected to the internet – as long as you are nearby, within 20 meters at most.
6. Take Cash
Japan is still a cash-centric country so its best to get some Yen before arriving. However, this is changing as more vendors use credit cards.
7. Learn Japanese
Knowing a bit of Japanese will only help your ability to enjoy your time in Japan. You don’t need to be an expert for a smoother travel experience in Japan! A few phrases will go a long way to helping you along during your travels.
Here are a couple Japanese phrases:
1. Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello
2. Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you
3. Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me
4. Itadakimasu (いただきます) – An expression of gratitude for the meal you’re about to eat
5. Ima Nanji Desu ka? (今何時ですか) – What time is it now?
View more Japanese phrases to learn before visiting Japan.
8. Download Apps to Make Reservations
Do you like nice experiences? Oh, do you now? You are going to need a reservation for that.
If you want to go to a restaurant a bit fancier than KFC or McDonalds, then you will need to plan in advance.
Everyone likes nice things. In Japan, you are going to have to make a reservation. Fortunately, there are apps for that. You must use these apps to plan months to get in. Otherwise, you won’t be seated if you try to strut into that high-end restaurant.
In short, spontaneous outings are out of the question if you are a fly-by-the-seat-of-pants type. So pick up that phone, go to that website, and place a reservation.
Whether it is a hotel, sports event, a visit to a maid cafe, or an excursion to Disney World – pick up that phone, go to that website, and place a reservation.
9. SIM Cards
Get a SIM card before you even get on a flight to Japan. You can connect to all of your email, social media, and other services you need. Some companies to consider for your Sim card are:
• Mobal
• GTN Mobile
• IIJ Mio
• Japan Wireless
Sim cards are good for short-term stays in Japan, or even long-term stays. Data comes with plans and good speeds, and you even can get a Japanese phone number from some vendors.
10. Be the Envy of Japanese People with The JR Pass
The JR Pass is an unlimited trip for train rides. The pass includes local trains and nationally within Japan.
If you want to travel around Japan a lot – particularly outside Tokyo – then this card is a must for the cost savings alone. Native Japanese wish they could have the JR Pass for the cost of tourists, but it is not available.
The pass is only available for foreign tourists. Passes are available for one, two, or three weeks. You can get one for first class cars (green cars) or regular train cars (ordinary cars).
The Japan Rail Pass is for use on:
• JR trains on the nationwide network of Japan Railways, including the famed shinkansen.
• JR Ferry to Miyajima
• Local JR buses – not many are available.
• Tokyo Monorail to and from Haneda Airport
You receive free seat reservations and discounts at JR-affiliated hotels. You can buy the JR Pass before arriving in Japan for up to 20% off.
Prices for the standard pass are:
• 7 days for $230 USD
• 14 days for $360 USD
• 21 days for $450 USD
Prices for a green pass (first class):
• 7 days for $296 USD
• 14 days for $478 USD
• 21 days $620 USD
You can get a Japan Rail pass here: https://www.jrailpass.com/prices
11. Have the Right Visa to Get into Japan
Make sure the proper visa to get into Tokyo. Many countries permit stays of up to 90 days visa-free or with a visa. Bring your passport and identification. Check Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before applying for a visa or traveling to Japan. You don’t want to get into a paperwork snafu before you even get on the plane to Japan! View more on my Japan visa guide.
12. Medicines and Prescription Drugs
Know the laws in Japan before you even think about bringing prescription drugs and medicine into Japan. Even common medications in Europe or the United States can be illegal in Japan. It will not matter if you have a prescription. You risk the police will arrest you.
Check with all relevant health agencies in Japan before you go to ensure you are not breaking any laws by taking your prescribed medication with you. For example, as a general rule, all stimulants are prohibited. Plan ahead!
Start Planning Your Trip
Prep is the key to a successful trip to Japan. There is a tired saying: those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Follow the tips in this article to have a higher likelihood of an enjoyable stay in Japan.
