All-in-One Japan Trip Guide

For many people traveling to Japan for the first time, the biggest worry is “not being prepared enough and getting flustered after arrival.” But as long as you arrange the key points in advance, the whole trip will be much smoother.
This guide organizes everything you need from Documents & Procedures → Itinerary Planning → Transportation & Accommodation → Communication & Payment → Packing Essentials, to help you travel with peace of mind.

I. Documents & Procedures

•    Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
•    Visa: Travelers from mainland China usually need a tourist visa, generally submitted through designated travel agencies. A single-entry visa is valid for entry within 3 months; each stay is usually 15 or 30 days (decided by the embassy/consulate). Holders of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or other passports should confirm if visa exemption applies.
•    Visit Japan Web: Fill out entry information and customs declaration online in advance to generate a QR code for faster clearance upon arrival.
•    Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended — covers medical care, flight delays, lost belongings, and other unexpected events.

II. Itinerary Planning

Classic Destinations
•    Spring Cherry Blossoms: Tokyo (Ueno Park, Meguro River), Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera, Maruyama Park), Osaka (Osaka Castle Park). Blooming season is usually late March to early April, but varies slightly each year.
•    Summer Fireworks/Islands: Okinawa (island resorts), Kamakura (Shonan Coast), Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine’s “floating torii”). July–August is peak fireworks season, though schedules may change in recent years — always check official websites.
•    Autumn Foliage: Kyoto (Eikando, Nanzen-ji), Nara (Todaiji, Mt. Wakakusa), Nikko (Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls). For 2025, forecasts suggest leaves will peak about a week later than usual.
•    Winter Skiing & Hot Springs: Hokkaido (Niseko, Furano), Nagano (Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen), Aomori (Sukayu Onsen). Year-end, New Year holidays, and Lunar New Year are peak times — book accommodation and transport early.
Popular Tickets
Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and teamLab often require advance online booking. Some days have limited entry — the earlier you buy, the better.

Restaurant Reservations
Popular Michelin-starred and seasonal restaurants can be very hard to book during peak seasons. Reserve 1–2 months in advance and prepare backup choices.
Travel Tips
•    To avoid heavy crowds, consider less mainstream spots like Karuizawa (autumn leaves, summer retreat), Kanazawa (Kenrokuen, 21st Century Museum), or Takayama (historic streets and snowy scenery).
•    Golden Week (late April–early May) and Obon (mid-August) are especially busy. Plan ahead.

III. Transportation Preparation

Arrival Airports
•    Tokyo: Narita, Haneda
•    Osaka: Kansai International
Be sure to confirm your arrival airport in advance and choose the best transport into the city.
Airport Express Options
•    Narita Airport → Skyliner (to Ueno), N’EX (Narita Express: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Yokohama).
•    Haneda Airport → Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail to central Tokyo.
•    Kansai Airport → “Haruka” Limited Express connects to Kyoto/Osaka; Kansai Rapid is a cheaper option.
JR Pass
•    Best for long-distance, multi-region travel. If your trip only covers a few cities, buying individual shinkansen tickets or regional passes is more economical.
Regional Passes
•    Tokyo Wide Pass: Covers Karuizawa, Nikko, Mt. Fuji, and nearby areas.
•    Kansai Wide Pass: Convenient for Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji.
•    City subway one-day passes (Tokyo Metro, Kyoto Bus + Subway, Osaka Metro, etc.): great for short trips.
IC Cards
•    Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA: Usable across most major cities, valid on trains, buses, and even convenience stores.
•    Welcome Suica (tourist-only): Valid for 28 days, no deposit. Mobile Suica version also available for smartphones.
Navigation Apps
•    Google Maps and Jorudan (乗換案内) are common route planners, showing real-time fares and schedules.

Travel Tips
•    Taxis are expensive — use mainly for late nights or when carrying lots of luggage.
•    Rideshare apps (Uber, DiDi) exist in big cities, but public transport is usually better. (※ GoTaxi info will be added once confirmed.)
•    Check whether passes really save money based on your itinerary — don’t overbuy.

IV. Accommodation

Booking Timing
•    Peak seasons: cherry blossom (Mar–Apr), autumn leaves (Nov–Dec), year-end holidays, and major events (e.g., Osaka Expo 2025). Prices rise significantly. Book 2–3 months early, or even earlier for popular cities.
•    For Kyoto autumn leaves or Tokyo cherry blossoms, start looking up to 6 months ahead.
Recommended Areas
•    Tokyo: Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno (convenient transport), Asakusa, Ginza (great for sightseeing/shopping).
•    Osaka: Namba, Umeda (food, shopping, transport hubs), Shin-Osaka (convenient for shinkansen).
•    Kyoto: Shijo Kawaramachi, Gion (historic charm), Kyoto Station (easy transfers).
Accommodation Types
•    Capsule hotels: Cheap, good for solo or short stays.
•    Business hotels: Compact but well-equipped and good value.
•    Airbnb / Guesthouses: Best for families or groups, often with kitchens.
•    Ryokan (Japanese inns): Tatami, kaiseki meals, hot springs — usually higher priced.
•    Hostels: Budget-friendly, social atmosphere.
Travel Tips
•    Check-in is usually from 3–4 PM, but luggage storage is available earlier.
•    Contactless/self check-in (via kiosk or mobile) is becoming common.
•    If city hotels are full during peak season, consider staying in nearby towns and commuting in — cheaper and a chance to experience different areas.

V. Communication & Payment

Internet
•    eSIM: Instant use upon arrival, no SIM swapping. Perfect for short-term travelers. Check if your phone supports eSIM beforehand (some mainland China models don’t).
•    Pocket WiFi: Good for groups sharing data, but requires carrying and charging.
•    Physical SIM card: Available at airports, convenience stores, or pre-ordered online. Reliable but requires swapping.
Payment Methods
•    Credit cards: VISA, Mastercard, JCB widely accepted in cities and chain stores. Some small shops still don’t take cards. American Express less common.
•    Cash: Still necessary for local shops, shrines, markets. Carry some at all times.
•    Mobile payment:
o    Japan local: PayPay, LINE Pay (mostly for residents).
o    For Chinese tourists: Alipay, WeChat Pay are widely available in convenience stores, drugstores, and department stores.
o    Apple Pay / Google Pay: Can be used if linked to an international credit card.
Travel Tips
•    Exchange some yen before departure for initial expenses.
•    ATMs at 7-Eleven, Lawson, etc., support UnionPay and foreign cards.
•    Japan is pushing digital payments in 2024–25, but cash is still essential in rural/traditional shops.

6. Packing Checklist

Essentials
Passport, visa, tickets, cash, credit cards, power bank, adapter (Japan uses Type A two-prong). Bring 1–2 extra bank cards as backup.
Electricity
Japan’s voltage is 100V. Most electronics (phones, laptops) are fine, but high-power appliances (hair dryers, kettles) may not work. Use hotel appliances or travel versions.
Clothing
•    Winter: Down jacket, non-slip shoes, hat, gloves (especially for Hokkaido/Tohoku).
•    Summer: Light breathable clothes, sunscreen, sunhat, swimwear. July–Aug is hot and humid — bring deodorant wipes and a mini fan.
•    Spring/Autumn: Light jackets, knitwear, easy layering for temperature changes.
Medicines
Cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, pain relievers. ⚠️ Medicines containing pseudoephedrine (some cold meds) are banned for entry.
Shopping & Souvenirs
•    Make a shopping list in advance to avoid impulse buys.
•    For electronics/cosmetics, check voltage and warranty.
•    Most malls offer tax-free shopping with passport; some now use “electronic tax-free” (no sealed bag).
Travel Tips
•    Japanese hotels often only provide toothbrush and slippers, not combs or skincare — pack accordingly.
•    Convenience stores sell basics, so no need to overpack.
•    Leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs and purchases.

Conclusion

A smooth trip starts with solid preparation. Cover these six areas — documents, itinerary, transportation, accommodation, communication, and packing — and you’ll feel much more at ease while traveling.
If you’d like the latest cherry blossom/foliage forecasts or travel deals, feel free to join our Japan Travel Group. Inside, you’ll find real-time info sharing and helpful members ready to answer questions.
📌 Scan the QR code below to join and connect with other travelers planning their Japan trip:
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Wishing everyone an unforgettable journey in Japan!