First Time in Japan? The Complete Checklist Before You Go
Planning your first trip to Japan is exciting — and a little overwhelming. This is the complete checklist we wish every first-timer had: the handful of things to sort before you fly, and the few to handle on arrival, so nothing trips you up.
Sort these before you fly
1. Documents & entry
Check your passport has 6+ months validity. Many nationalities get visa-free short stays — confirm yours. Save time at the airport by completing Visit Japan Web for immigration and customs QR codes before you land.
2. Money: cash still matters
Japan is more card-friendly every year, but cash is still king at small restaurants, shrines, and rural spots. Plan to carry some yen, and know that 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign cards — and while you’re there, the konbini is worth a stop in its own right.
3. Get connected with an eSIM
Maps, translation, and train times all need data. An eSIM activates the moment you land — no airport queue. See our pick in the best eSIM for Japan guide.
Be online before you leave the airport
Instant QR setup on a major Japanese network. Plans from a weekend to a month.
4. Set up transport
Add a Suica card to your phone for tap-to-ride trains and convenience-store payments. Visiting multiple cities? Decide on rail with our JR Pass guide before you buy anything.
5. Book your first nights
You don’t need every night locked in, but book at least your arrival city. Tokyo and Kyoto fill up fast in spring and autumn.
Lock in your first stay
Compare flexible, free-cancellation hotels in your arrival city so plans can still change.
6. Plan a loose itinerary
Have a rough day-by-day, not a rigid schedule. Our 5-day Tokyo itinerary and 3-day Kyoto itinerary slot together into a perfect first-trip “Golden Route”.
Quick reference: before vs on arrival
| Before you fly | On arrival |
|---|---|
| Visit Japan Web, eSIM, mobile Suica | Top up your Suica with data |
| Book arrival-city hotel | Grab some yen at a 7-Eleven ATM |
| Rough itinerary + rail decision | Pick up any pocket items you forgot |
What to pack (the Japan-specific bits)
- Comfortable walking shoes — you’ll walk far more than you expect, often slip-on for temples.
- A small coin purse — Japan’s coins add up fast.
- Travel adapter — Japan uses Type A plugs and 100V.
- A foldable bag — for the shopping you will do.
Don’t tip (it’s not expected), keep your voice low on trains, and don’t eat while walking. Trying an onsen? Read our onsen etiquette guide first so you can relax with confidence.
Apps to download
- Google Maps — excellent for Japan’s trains, including platforms and exits.
- A translation app — camera translation is a lifesaver for menus.
- Your IC card & airline apps — set up before you go.
Thinking about shopping?
Japan is a paradise for quality goods, and tourists can shop tax-free above a minimum spend. If a Japanese rice cooker or kitchen knife is on your wish list, read our guide to the best rice cookers first — there’s a voltage trap that catches a lot of first-time buyers.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the one thing first-timers forget?
Data on arrival. Sort an eSIM before you fly so maps and translation work the second you land.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No. Signs are widely bilingual and a translation app covers the rest. A few polite words (arigatō, sumimasen) go a long way.
How much cash should I bring?
Enough for a few days of small purchases; top up at 7-Eleven ATMs as you go. Cards cover most hotels and bigger restaurants.
Is Japan good for solo first-timers?
Excellent — it’s safe, clean, and easy to navigate. This checklist plus our city itineraries will have you ready.
