Here is a little little list to check off before travelling, or even while beginning to plan your trip, to Japan.
I really hopes this Japan Pre-Travel Checklist of mine helps new and frequent travellers.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
If you like pre-travel checklists like this – I think that you will also love my blog post where I tell you exactly what to pack in your suitcase for a trip to Japan.
Please note that all seats on Nozomi Bullet Trains will operate as reserved seat only carriages for the Obon holidays from August 9 – August 18, 2024. Please reserve seats ahead of time – either at the station or via Japan Bullet Train or SmartEx.
There is also another site where you can reserve bullet train tickets online and they have a fully English speaking customer service desk – the site is called Japan Bullet Train. You book everything online (choose your times and you can put in a request for the exact seats you would like) and they send you a QR code to be scanned at the Midori No Madoguchi machine at the station in exchange for a ticket! Please note that this service does have a 2000 yen processing fee so please purchase all your tickets in one transaction to save you some cash. You can use this Japan Bullet Train site to book as little as 3-5 hours in advance (ie. you could even book in the morning for a bullet train ride in the evening.)
ロ Have I packed the “good” socks ? (so that when I’m asked to take off my shoes a little toe isn’t poking through?)
ロ For the same reasons, have I packed easy on and off shoes? (even many restaurants, shrines and temples require shoes off so lots of laces and buckles will quickly become a pain.)
ロ What are the current rules for masks – especially when it comes to children?
ロ If you are allergic to certain types of washing powder/laundry liquids – Please make sure to bring from home but ALSO please email your accommodation to ask if it is possible to put your own washing detergent into the machine while doing laundry in Japan. Many hotel laundries have inbuilt liquid/powder so you will need to check. I know that Section L hotels allow you to put your own in the machine as well as some airbnbs but you will need to email and check every place you stay. I speak about it more here in my “Japan with severe allergies” post.
ロ If travelling with a baby, do I have a baby carrier packed? Do I have a stroller packed?
ロ Have I applied for the Toyosu Fish Market auction lottery? (NB: I don’t recommend doing this with children. It is a bit uneventful for kids and requires waking up before 5am.)
ロ If I have tattoos, have I used the tattoo-friendly Japan website to check the onsen, public bath, swimming pool rules of the areas I’m visiting?
ロ Have I downloaded the Japan Travel app (the free version is just fine) for interactive railway maps, Japan Rail Pass optimized routes, offline search options?
ロ Have I checked that my medication is actually allowed in Japan? ( Japan is VERY strict about prescription and over the counter medications so it’s best to check.). For example, last i checked some prohibited medicines include US bought tylenol cold, nyquil, actifed, sudafed, advil cold & synis,vicks inhaler… The list changes all the time so it’s best to check which medication is allowed – for very specific questions it’s best to contact your closest Japanese consulate in your home country or the Japanese Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare website.)
ロ Have I measured my feet in centimetres if I plan to buy shoes so I know my size? Also, if I’m travelling with children do I know their height and weight in kgs and cms? ( This is useful when buying children’s clothing and also helpful if looking to ride amusement park rides at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea.)
*Please note that the new section of TOKYO DISNEYSEA ( Tangled and Frozen and Peter Pan section called “Fantasy Springs” opened on June 6th. If you decide to visit in June it can go one of two ways
1) If you are a hard core Disney fan and don’t mind waiting hours and hours – you could be one of the first people to enter this new section
2) The other areas of Tokyo Disneysea MAY be (no guarantee) less busy at this time before the focus with crowds will be on the new section so it could be a win-win if you deliberately avoid that new section
*Either way – tickets will be hard to get for this time (especially as annual passport holders will be all dying to go) so please remember to book early!
I have written about visiting Tokyo Disneysea’s Fantasy Springs here.
See here for where to buy Tokyo Disneyland tickets.
ロ If I require shoes larger than 28cms, have I bought enough of my own to last the trip? ( It is possible to buy slightly bigger shoes but they are not found everywhere so it’s best to be prepared.)
ロ If travelling with a baby or toddler, have I packed any items to help me baby-proof my Japanese accommodation?
ロ Have I sorted travel insurance?
ロ Have I sorted booked an animal cafe (such as a pig cafe )?
ロ Have I booked Sumo tickets?
ロ Perhaps you’d like to take your kids to a Ninja Cafe in Harajuku? I wrote this article for Japan Travel Planning that you may find useful.
ロ Do I want to download the PokemonGo app?
Clearly, this isn’t a must but if your kids are in to hunting for Pokemon, then … you’re literally going to be in the home of the Pokemon !!!!
Make sure you have your PokemonGo app ready to go ! Sometimes when using it in a new country you will need to reset the app before it will work (tip: there are lots and lots of Pokemon to find in Sunshine City Ikebukuro.)
ロ Do I want to visit The Making of Harry Potter Studio in Tokyo?
ロ Have I sorted transportation to and from the airport in Japan? It is possible to organise for an English speaking driver for sightseeing OR transfers- and I recommend this company TokudAw as they only use legally registered vehicles and drivers and also can provide child and baby car seats AND they can also accommodate wheelchair users. This company offer a full service transfer (providing child seats, pre-meetings with clients online so that they can match their needs and the kind of holiday they are after.) I’ve also been so impressed how helpful they have been with helping my family problem solve regarding best times to travel and what my family needs. I love that they are also only use legally registered drivers and vehicles. Prices match the other legally registered companies offering similar services BUT with a much higher end service and with options such as baby and child-seats, customizable itineraries for tours, assistance with special needs and dietary requirements, language support etc. I highly recommend. If a beautiful service like this outside of your budget, I recommend looking into the Airport Limousine Bus service to and from airports and taxis for getting around (public transport is, of course, the most cost effective way to see Japan.)
ロ Have I downloaded Google Translate to help with reading food and beauty product labels, menus and any rules or instructions in Japanese? ( If you’d like some shortcut food label tips, you may like this information on Japanese convenience stores. See here for information on travelling in Japan with severe food allergies.)
ロ Have I checked that cultural sites and smaller businesses are open if I intend to sight-see on a Monday or Tuesday? ( it’s best to check, and check again if heading out the day after a national holiday too.)
ロ. If I have my heart set on seeing Mt Fuji, have I researched different locations to get the best view ( and potentially best photo)?
ロ If catching up with friends in Japan, have I planned a gift for them? (Gifts are customary and are usually edible – it’s best to have a bag or a box of sweets – all served within the box as a single serving/portion if possible.)
ロ Have I got a portable/pocket wifi option, a sim card or package with my phone provider? (Free wifi isn’t always available.)
ロ Have I got a power bank for back up charging my phone? (Companies like Japan Wireless will provide you with a rechargeable power bank when you rent portable wifi OR you can buy a battery operated power bank for around 2000 yen at any convenience store in Japan. This is especially handy for long travel days or a day away from your accommodation like a day at Tokyo Disneyland (also note: there is zero free wifi at Tokyo Disneyland.) I have a discount link for 25% off for a Japan Wireless purchase – it’s an affiliate link for me where I receive a small kick back at no additional cost to you.)
ロ Have I planned for some possible later starts while in Japan ? ( Many sightseeing spots and even some coffee shops don’t open until 10 or 11AM)
ロ Have I downloaded the Ecbo app to help work out where in Japan I can store my luggage?
ロ Have I told my bank I will be overseas so my cards don’t freeze? Have I worked out the most affordable way to withdraw cash while in Japan? (Japan is moving to more and more electronic payments but you will still need cash way more than you think.)
ロ Have I brought with me a physical credit card for Japan?
Yes, you do need a physical card in Japan (this is something that my American readers seem to struggle with most.) Tapping or using apple pay is fine for some major branded shops and malls in big cities but not for smaller shops and definitely not for in the countryside. Please make sure you have a physical card AND cash.
ロ Is my suitcase Japan-ready? ( Most locals in Japan travel with a hard case suitcase on 4 wheels. This doesn’t mean you have to – but it sure does make life much easier when rolling through big stations etc. See here for my recommendations when it comes to what kind of suitcases/luggage is best for a trip to Japan. Also, backpacks on a train – well , especially when you are wearing them- can be seen as bad manners. Also, did you know that you can easily and affordably courier your luggage between cities while you travel within Japan?)
ロ Where will I buy an extra light bag if I over-shop a bit while I’m there? Don Quixote can be found in most Japanese cities, is open 24 hours a day and is very reasonably priced.
ロ Have I packed the international electrical adapters? This is what a Japanese power point looks like. ( Also, worth noting that Japan uses 100V so thinks like hairdryers from overseas may barely blow a puff of warm air at a time.)
ロ Have I packed my favourite types of toiletries such as deodorant, tampons, toothpaste – as many international brands are not readily available?
ロ Have I got a plan for how to communicate best in the instance that I don’t seem to be understood well at one point? ( Hint: these are the communication tips for Japan travel that have worked for me in the past if you’d like some ideas… If you’d prefer to go more hard core and are thinking about learning conversational Japanese – this is what I would do, personally, if I was starting from scratch again. Please note: if you are simply travelling in Japan I don’t believe you need to be at a conversational level to get by.)
ロ Have I downloaded a hiking app ? There is an English support app called YAMAP for hiking routes and downloadable maps.
ロ Have I organised my international drivers permit before leaving my home country ? This is required if you will be hiring a rental car OR if you will be driving one of the Mario Carts while in Japan. Click here to book a rental car from Tokyo via Klook now.
ロ Have I booked a tea ceremony experience?
ロ Have I thought about what kinds of Japanese souvenirs I’d like to bring home for family or friends? ( If you have children to buy for, these are my regular Japanese souvenir go-to gifts for kids.)
ロ. If I’m trying to remain quite healthy and wanting to find healthy snacks easily in Japan, do I know what my convenience store options are? ( Hint : here are snacks to easily grab on the go and here are some sit down Tokyo restaurant options which are piled high with vegetables. )
ロ. If I only have one day for Tokyo Disney, which park, Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea, is best for me? ( Note: they are both amazing in their own ways… so it depends which types or rides, vibes, characters you like most, ages and heights of those attending.. I wrote this with a list of what you can find at each Tokyo Disney park in order to help make the best decision possible.)
Please note that it is NOT possible to buy tickets for Tokyo Disneyland or Disneysea at the gate. This is why their crowd prediction calendars are so accurate.
See here for where to buy Tokyo Disneyland tickets.
ロ. If I go to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea, would I like to stay at one of the Tokyo Disneyland hotels? ( Tokyo Disney Resort is only 30-4o mins from the centre of Tokyo but I know many people who like to stay at an official hotel anyway. We have stayed at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel before and I wrote about it here. If you’d like to stay next to/ near Tokyo Disneyland at a more affordable price, these are some of my other hotel recommendations.
ロ Have I downloaded the Tokyo Disney Resort app?
ロ Have I made a plan for if I ( or my children ) get really sick while I’m in Japan?
ロ Do I know what to do if there is an earthquake while I’m in Japan?
ロ Have I downloaded the Safety Tips app? The Safety Tips app will keep you in the know if there are any earthquakes or tsunami warnings during your stay.
ロ. If it’s my first time on a long haul flight with children, have I packed accordingly? Got enough “treats” to keep them entertained?
ロ. Even while in Tokyo, do I want to still make sure I get to see more traditional gardens and cultural spots?
ロ. Will I need to access nappy / diaper changing facilities while in Japan? Will I need to access rooms for breastfeeding or heating up baby food? (If this is the case, I recommend downloading the MamaPapaBaby app. )
ロ. And where can I buy baby food in Japan?
ロ. If crowded trains freak me out, have I planned most of my train travel outside of 7am-10am and 4:30pm-8pm on weekdays? (It’s a bit different for bullet trains as you can book seats etc but the big stations will still be busy with foot traffic.)
ロ What time of year is best for me to travel to Japan? I have written a blog post on the advantages of travelling to Japan during certain seasons.
ロ. Have I booked Kimono rental for the family? If you are looking for Kimono rental in Kyoto for families, I can recommend Okamoto Kimono Rental.
If you like pre-travel checklists like this – I think that you will also love my blog post where I tell you exactly what to pack in your suitcase for a trip to Japan.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
