10 Simple Steps to Prepare for Your Trip to Japan
/This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
*Last updated on March 10, 2025.
Preparing for any trip can be overwhelming, especially if you are traveling overseas for a long period of time. We have traveled to Japan countless number of times, so we've become pros at getting ready for our trip. Here are 10 simple steps to prepare for your trip to Japan:
1. Book Your Flight Online Or With a Travel Agent
Booking your flight online can easily be done with Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak and more. If you feel overwhelmed with booking online, our favorite travel agency, IACE Travel, will be able to help you out.
We have used IACE Travel several times for our travels to Japan for nearly 20 years and we trust them completely. They are meticulous with everything and the customer service is superb. IACE will help you search for the best itinerary and prices for Japan.
2. Book Your Accommodations
We typically stay with our parents or in hotels, but there are plenty of other options such as Airbnb, capsule hotels and ryokans. Make sure to book 2-3 months ahead to get the best deal. If you want to stay in a ryokan, book a little earlier.
Our recent favorite hotel stays in Japan have been at Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, and AC Hotel Ginza Tokyo by Marriott. Tokyo is enormous and depending on your specific itinerary, we always suggest choosing accommodations that are the most convenient and accessible for the particular activities and sights you have planned.
If you are visitng Osaka, we’ve stayed at S-Presso Central Hotel and Mimaru Osaka Namba Station Hotel, which were both fantastic for larger groups. We love using Booking.com to book our hotels since it’s user-friendly and most of the hotels have FREE cancellation (usually up to 48 to 72 hours).
Nice spacious room at AC Hotel Ginza Tokyo by Marriott
3. Rent a Pocket WiFi Device or Take One With You
Renting a Pocket WiFi device in Japan is super easy. All you have to do is order one online ahead of time and pick it up at the airport. If you’re unable to pick it up at the airport, you can also have it sent to the hotel or home address you are staying at.
We also own a couple of WiFi hotspot devices, like Travel WiFi and Skyroam, but the Pocket WiFi is far cheaper and easier to use in Japan.
If your phone is unlocked, you can also consider an eSIM. This is a great option if you don’t want to carry a device and you can set everything up from the comfort of your home before your departure.
They are getting better about providing more free WiFi locations, but there are still times we need WiFi to navigate as we get lost often. Japan is the most confusing place to find specific locations so having Google Maps with you at all times is a huge time-saver.
Pocket WiFi Rental Booth at Narita Airport Japan
RELATED: TravelWifi Review
4. Reserve a Japan Rail Pass or Purchase the Suica Card
If you are going to travel all over Japan, getting the Japan Rail Pass is can save you money depending on how much traveling you will be doing around the country. With this pass, you can freely ride all the JR trains and even the bullet trains (with a few exceptions). The cost for the pass increased significantly in 2023, so we highly suggest researching your travel costs before purchasing the pass.
If you are not going to use the bullet trains and are just staying within the Tokyo area, a Japan Rail Pass will not be necessary. You can purchase the Suica card instead once you arrive in Japan. It’s a prepaid smart card that gives you access to ride the metro, trains, buses, and monorail.
The Japanese train system is superb (Candy traveling with her Away Suitcase and Pacsafe Anti-Theft Backpack)
5. Read Blogs for Tips and Inspiration
We have a whole section dedicated to all of our Japan posts. We are sure you will find something inspiring in the list including 8 Mistakes To Avoid in Japan and The Cutest Character-Themed Cafes.
Our first visit to Asakusa
Heading towards the Narita Temple
6. Plan Out Your Trips with Google Maps
Google Maps is an excellent resource and has consistently been our preferred choice of navigation while we’re exploring Japan. The app's comprehensive features allow for seamless navigation through the intricate streets and complex train routes, making it incredibly easy for us to find our way around.
Streets of Tokyo
7. Take Cash With You
Japan isn't as credit card friendly as other countries. You can use your credit card at department stores and restaurants, but most little shops only take cash. Make sure you take some cash with you so you can enjoy good food at the mom and pop restaurants.
We exchange our money at the Narita airport or many of the 7-Eleven convenience store ATMs accept debit cards for cash withdrawal.
Japanese Yen
8. Pack an Extra Bag
We don't bring much with us when traveling to Japan but when we leave, we have so many things to take home. Japan has the coolest things and you will want to take home everything. If you love Daiso, you’ll really get a kick out of Seria. Seria is the second largest 100 yen shop, but what sets them apart from Daiso? Our little sister likes to say that Seria is more “classy” compared to Daiso.
Another store that we make a point to visit on every trip is Matsumoto Kiyoshi, a well-known drug store, where we always find an excellent selection for our skincare and makeup fix.
Mega Donki in Shibuya
Make sure you pack an extra bag so you can take home those Japanese goodies with you. Get a packable travel bag as it doesn't take up too much room in your suitcase, but can fit a lot on your way back home. If you find yourself in search of more than just a simple packable bag, Don Quijote offers a wide selection of suitcases at discounted rates.
Crystal Loves shopping for Anime Gashapon
9. Learn Basic Japanese
Most Japanese know a little English, but it’s good to know the basics. Here are some simple phrases to start with:
Sumimasen = Excuse me
Arigatou = Thanks
Hai = Yes
Konnichiwa = Hello
Onegaishimasu = Please
Sites like Google Translate and DeepL have come a long way in recent years, and nowadays, they are much better at accurately translating conversations with greater ease and efficiency. We’ve never used a translating device, but we’ve heard that they are very useful as well. Buyer’s Guide 2025 rates Anfier ($70) as the best language translation device for it’s ease of use and build quality. It’s an offline voice translator with great reviews.
10. Prepare For Your Long Flight
If you are traveling from America, it's going to be a long flight, so you’ll want to be prepared. Make sure to pack smart and practical things like some healthy snacks. If you're not a fan of airplane food, we like to bring Cup Noodles with us and just ask for hot water from the flight attendant. It'll also be good to bring a neck pillow, a jacket or cardigan, and eye mask for comfort.
From Atlanta, the flight to Japan will be over 13 hours
VISIT JAPAN WEB
We recommend completing the immigration and customs procedures online at VISIT JAPAN WEB prior to your departure. Girl at World has a great how-to guide. This will save you so much time to do it beforehand.
That's it! 10 simple steps. Enjoy your trip and let us know if there were any tips we missed that could be helpful to others. Happy Travels!
