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*Last updated on May 29, 2023.

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 favorite hotel stays in Japan have been at AC Hotel Ginza Tokyo by Marriott, Park Hotel Tokyo, Conrad Tokyo, Grand Hyatt Tokyo and Park Hyatt Tokyo. 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).

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.

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.

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 a no-brainer. You can freely ride all the JR trains and even the bullet trains (with a few exceptions) and you'll save tons of money on transportation.

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.

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.

You can also check out Japan Guide, A Geek in Japan, Two Wandering Soles, and Lust 'Till Dawn for more tips and inspiration.

RELATED: Explore Hidden Gems Near Narita Airport

6. Plan Out Your Trips with Hyperdia and Google Maps

Hyperdia is a great website we use to plan out our itineraries. It gives you detailed information on what trains to take at what time to get to your destination. Google Maps is great as well and best to use for navigation while you're in Japan.

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 some of the 7-Eleven convenience store ATMs accept debit cards for cash withdrawal. 

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! We especially load on Japanese goods at the Daiso store since everything is priced at 100 yen (~$1 USD).

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. 

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

RELATED: What To Eat at Kappa Sushi If You Don’t Like Sushi

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. And remember to bring that face mask as well. We recommend Pacsafe’s Protective & Reusable Silver Ion Face Mask which has a 5-layer shield.

COVID MEASURES

Japan is now fully open to visitors. Masks aren’t mandatory, but many of the Japanese population are still wearing masks indoors. They have started to ease up on wearing masks outdoors unless it’s in a crowded area.

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.

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!

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