First Trip to Japan: Planning Checklist

Last reviewed: October 27, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel in once you're there, but a little preparation goes a long way. Work through this list roughly in order, starting a few months before departure.

3–6 months before

• Check your passport is valid for your whole stay and check whether you need a visa — see our visa & entry guide.
• Decide when to go. Cherry blossom (late March–early April) and autumn colour (November) are beautiful but busy and expensive. Golden Week (around 29 April–5 May), Obon (mid-August) and New Year are Japan's own peak holidays. Use our seasonal calendar.
• Sketch a route. For a first trip of 10–14 days, Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka (with day trips) is the classic. See our itineraries.
• Book accommodation early for peak seasons, especially Kyoto.
• Buy travel insurance that covers medical costs — treatment for visitors can be expensive.

1–2 months before

• Decide on rail passes. Run your route through our JR Pass value helper. Since the 2023 price increase, many short itineraries are cheaper with individual tickets.
• Book timed-entry attractions: Ghibli Museum, Ghibli Park, teamLab, Shibuya Sky at sunset, Universal Studios Japan, popular restaurants.
• Plan connectivity: eSIM, physical SIM or pocket wifi — see our connectivity guide.
• Check medication rules. Some common medicines (including certain stimulant-containing ADHD and cold medicines) are restricted in Japan. Check the Ministry of Health guidance and carry prescriptions.

The week before

• Register on Visit Japan Web to generate QR codes for immigration and customs.
• Tell your bank you're travelling and make sure your card works abroad; bring a backup card.
• Download offline maps, a translation app and your rail apps.
• Pack a coin purse — you'll collect a lot of coins. See our packing list.

On arrival

• Withdraw some yen from a 7-Eleven, Japan Post or airport ATM.
• Get an IC card (or add one to your phone) for trains — see our IC card guide.
• If you bought a JR Pass, activate it at a ticket office or reserved-seat machine on the day you want it to start.

Common first-timer mistakes

• Over-packing the itinerary — Japanese cities are big and transfers take time.
• Carrying large suitcases on rush-hour trains. Use luggage forwarding (takkyubin) instead — see our luggage forwarding explainer.
• Assuming everywhere takes cards. Many small restaurants, temples and rural shops are still cash-only.
• Arriving at famous sights at midday. Go early or late.