Most Japan trips go smoothly. But a single slip — a runaway data bill, a delayed bag, a sprained ankle in Kyoto — can derail a vacation. This checklist distills the ten things we never skip.
1. Connectivity: eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi?
In 2026, the answer is clear: eSIM wins unless you're on a really old phone or sharing data with a group.
| Option | 5-day price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | $10–$17 | Instant activation, no deposit | Older phones unsupported |
| Physical SIM | $11–$20 | Any phone | SIM swap, risk of losing home SIM |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | $20–$33 | Shareable, unlimited | Needs charging, deposit, return |
Japan eSIM · unlimited data (5 days)
QR code in minutes. Multiple carriers — pick the one with best coverage for your region.
Get eSIM →2. Travel insurance: not optional
Japanese medical bills are eye-watering: ER visit from ¥30,000, inpatient from ¥50,000/day. A $10 policy can prevent a $5,000 mistake.
Trip-delay coverage is equally useful — claim if your flight is delayed 4+ hours.
- Medical: ≥ $100k coverage
- Trip delay: 4+ hours
- Baggage delay: 6+ hours
- Credit-card built-in insurance usually isn't enough
3. Luggage: 25-inch or 29-inch?
If you plan to shop: fly in with a 25", fly home with a 29" (nest one inside the other). Japan's transit system isn't generous to oversized bags.
Expandable hardside luggage
Look for double TSA locks, spinner wheels, expandable zip. Under 10 lbs / 4.5 kg is ideal.
Shop luggage →4. Cash vs card vs Suica
Target ratio: 40% cash / 40% credit card / 20% Suica-Pasmo.
- Chain stores, department stores, hotels: card fine
- Shrines, mom-and-pop ramen, outdoor markets: cash only
- Konbini, metro, vending machines: Suica is fastest
For cash, the best rates are at Seven Bank ATMs inside 7-Elevens.
5. Five apps to install before you fly
- Google Maps — download Tokyo/Osaka offline
- Navitime Transit — more accurate than Google for trains
- Visit Japan Web — digital immigration
- Tabelog — Japan's trusted restaurant reviews
- LINE — some reservations are LINE-only
6. Where to sleep
Three filters: ≤ 5 min from a station / has elevator / free cancellation. Tokyo: Shinjuku, Ueno or Tokyo Station. Osaka: Namba or Umeda. Kyoto: Kyoto Station or Kawaramachi.
Live hotel prices across Japan
500+ options in 30 seconds, most with free cancellation.
Search hotels →7. 72-hour pre-flight checklist
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Visit Japan Web filled + screenshot the QR
- Print hotel, flight, insurance confirmations
- Activate your card for international use
- Cache offline translation packs
8. Common mistakes
Mistake: Forgetting plug notes.
Fix: Japanese plugs are Type A (two flat pins) at 100V. High-wattage gear like hair dryers may underperform, but most hotels supply one.
Mistake: Missing tax-free rules.
Fix: Threshold is ¥5,000 per store per day. Bring your passport; process tax-free at checkout.
9. Peak seasons to avoid
- Golden Week: late April – early May
- Obon: mid-August
- Cherry blossom peak: late March – early April
- Koyo peak: mid-to-late November
- New Year: 12/29 – 1/3
10. One last rule: slow down
Japan's magic lives in the small stuff — the convenience-store onigiri, the train window farmland, the nod from an izakaya owner. Leave gaps in the schedule. You'll remember more.