Catherine - Savvy Family TravelBetween train reservations, attraction lotteries, cultural etiquette, packing decisions, and figuring out how you’ll stay connected, there are dozens of little details that can make or break your experience. This is what makes many visitors feel overwhelmed by the planning process so I made a list of the things to focus on that will actually make a difference.
This Japan trip checklist covers everything I recommend sorting out before departure, from transportation and accommodations to smartphone apps, packing lists, Disney planning, and family travel tips.
The difference between a smooth Japan vacation and a stressful one often comes down to a bit of thoughtful preparation.
Japan Trip Checklist for Expert Planning
Japan Trip Checklist
Before diving into packing, make sure the big-ticket Japan trip checklist items are handled first.
Flights and Transportation
- Book international flights
- Book any domestic flights if visiting multiple regions
- Reserve Shinkansen tickets if traveling during peak periods
- Book accommodations for every city
- Complete Visit Japan Web immigration forms
- Obtain QR codes for each traveler from Visit Japan Web – that’s when you know you’re done.
- Arrange airport transfers. We recommend the airport limousine or a private transfer.
Completing Visit Japan Web before departure saved considerable time upon arrival. Having the QR code ready for each family member made customs much smoother too.
If you’re traveling with young kids, look for the immigration family lane.
Accommodation Checklist
When booking hotels in Japan, some special amenities to look out for are: laundry facilities, family room configurations, distance to train stations, pool operating dates (many only open during summer), whether pool/onsen admission costs extra, luggage forwarding availability, and breakfast options.
If you have laundry sensitivities or allergies, contact accommodations in advance to ask whether you can use your own detergent. Some hotel laundry machines automatically dispense detergent, while others allow guests to add their own.
Essential Travel Documents
Before Leaving Home
- Passport valid for your travel dates
- Travel insurance policy or use travel protection from a premium credit card
- Hotel confirmations
- Flight confirmations
- Shinkansen reservations
- Attraction tickets (see below for key attractions that sell out)
- International Driver’s Permit (if renting a car)
- Emergency contact information
Medication Checks
Japan has strict medication regulations, and some medications that are commonly available overseas may not be permitted. Before traveling:
- Verify all prescription medications are allowed
- Check over-the-counter medications
- Pack medications in original containers
If you’re traveling with children, I strongly recommend bringing children’s fever reducers from home. Many visitors are surprised to discover familiar versions aren’t readily available over the counter in Japan. Here’s what is in our medicine bag.
Smartphone Apps to Download Before Your Japan Trip
Your phone will become one of your most valuable travel tools so be sure to invest in an e-sim to stay connected abroad.
- Airalo: Install and activate your eSIM before departure. Having data immediately upon landing eliminates a lot of stress. Airalo’s coverage is fantastic in Japan.
- SmartEX is essential for booking and accessing Shinkansen tickets. Reserve oversized luggage seats if you’re traveling with larger suitcases.
- Download offline maps: Apple Maps and Google Maps are incredibly accurate in Japan.
- Learn how transit directions work. Note: Even if you don’t need accessibility accommodations, the wheelchair-accessible routing option helps locate elevators when traveling with strollers or luggage.
- Familiarize yourself with station layouts
- Google Translate: Download Japanese offline language pack. The camera translation feature is incredibly useful for reading menus, food labels, signs, and instructions.
- Visit Japan Web to access your immigration QR codes (screenshots are also crucial)
- Tokyo Disney Resort App
- Tabelog for restaurant recommendations
- Stamp Quest became unexpectedly fun for our kids. Japan has train station stamps, attraction stamps, and commemorative stamps everywhere.
- Ecbo Cloak (luggage storage)
Payment Preparation
Credit Cards and Cash
Japan accepts cards far more frequently than it once did, but cash is still important.
- Notify your bank (many banks no longer require this, but it’s important to check.)
- Bring a physical credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Bring a debit card that reimburses ATM fees. We personally like the Charles Schwab Investor Checking account because it reimburses ATM fees and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Withdrawing Cash in Japan
The easiest place to withdraw money is usually at 7-Eleven ATMs or Japan Post ATMs.
When given the option, always choose to process transactions in local currency (Japanese Yen) rather than letting the ATM perform the conversion.
Set Up a Digital Suica Card
One of the best pieces of travel advice for Japan is to setup your digital Suica for easy reloads throughout your trip. You don’t need a separate Suica app, you just need to add it to your wallet.
For iPhone users only:
- Open Wallet
- Tap “+”
- Select Transit Card > Japan > Suica
Your Suica card can be used for:
- Trains
- Subways
- Buses
- Convenience stores
- Vending machines
- Lockers
Attractions You Need to Book in Advance
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is assuming attractions can be booked at walk up. Many of Japan’s most popular experiences sell out weeks or months ahead.
Tokyo
- Tokyo DisneySea
- Tokyo Disneyland
- Ghibli Museum
- PokePark Pokémon Theme Park
- Shibuya Sky (especially sunset slots)
- Toyosu Tuna Auction
Kyoto
- Nintendo Museum Lottery
- Kabuki Theater
- Saihoji Moss Temple
- Sagano Scenic Railway
- Aoniyoshi Sightseeing Train
- Tea Ceremony
- Maiko Dinner Experience
Osaka
- Universal Studios Japan
- Pokémon Cafe
Multiple Cities
- TeamLab
- Sumo Shows
- Sumo Tournaments
- Animal Cafes
- Craft Workshops
- Private Onsens
- Guided Tours
- Professional Baseball Games
- High-End Restaurants
- Kirby Cafe
- Final Fantasy Eorzea Cafe
Craft Workshops Make the Best Souvenirs
Instead of bringing home another magnet or keychain, consider making your own souvenir.
Some of our favorite options include:
- Kintsugi workshops
- Chopstick making
- Japanese paper making
- Daruma painting
- Wax food workshop
Getting Around Japan
Shinkansen Tips
If you’re carrying luggage larger than a carry-on:
- Reserve oversized luggage seating
Many travelers don’t realize oversized luggage requires special reservations.
The easiest option is securing seats in the first or last row of the train car, which includes adjacent luggage storage. Book early because these seats sell quickly.
Best Seats for Mount Fuji Views
If traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto or Tokyo and Osaka:
- Reserve Seats D and E (same for both directions)
Weather permitting, these offer the best Mount Fuji views from the Shinkansen.
Airport Transportation
Research transportation before arrival.
Options include:
- Airport Limousine Bus
- Train
- Taxi
- Private transfer
Knowing exactly how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel makes arrival day much less stressful.
What to Pack for Japan
Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight layers
- Rain jacket
- Compact umbrella
- Comfortable day bag
Technology
- Smartphone with e-sim data connection
- Charging cables
- Portable power bank
Good news for American travelers: U.S. electronics generally do not require power adapters in Japan.
Family Travel Essentials
Traveling with kids? Here are some additional items to consider:
- Baby carrier (preferred) or stroller
- 3-4 days of diapers to hold you over until you can purchase more
- Some familiar snacks
- Instant print camera – The instant print camera was surprisingly effective for keeping our kids engaged during sightseeing
- Entertainment for flights
- Fever reducers
- Sunscreen and Bug spray (summer)
- Itch cream (summer)
Special Considerations for Families
Check Age Requirements
Always verify age minimums before booking:
- Tea ceremonies
- Workshops
- Cultural experiences
- Guided tours
Many experiences that seem family-friendly still have age restrictions.
TeamLab Tip
Book the earliest morning entry. Crowds are significantly lower in the first 30 minutes and photos are much easier.
Private Onsen vs Public Bath
Families often enjoy private onsens more than public baths. Some benefits of reserving a private onsen are:
- No gender separation
- More privacy
- Less concern about children talking
- Easier experience for first-time visitors
- Tattoos allowed
Cultural Preparation
Learn Basic Japanese
You do not need to become conversational. A few phrases go a long way.
Making even a small effort is always appreciated.
Gift Giving
Meeting friends in Japan or hiring guides? Bring a gift.
Edible gifts are especially common and appreciated as well as Trader Joe’s merchandise has recently become very collectable for Japanese people.
Goshuin Stamp Collection
If you plan to collect temple and shrine stamps:
- Purchase a goshuin book
While Traveling in Japan
Restrooms
Google Maps can help locate the nearest public toilets, but train stations, department stores, gaming centers, and convenience stores are often reliable options.
Plan for Later Mornings
In Japan, many cafes don’t open until 10 a.m. so I found myself at konbinis for my morning coffees.
Additionally, smaller businesses may not open until 11 a.m.
Mondays and Tuesdays
Always verify attraction schedules. Museums, gardens, temples, and smaller businesses often close one or two days each week.
Disney Planning Checklist
Disney deserves its own section because it works differently than many visitors expect.
Before Your Visit
- Purchase tickets in advance
- Download the Tokyo Disney Resort App
- Link tickets in the app
- Learn Premier Access options. We share our Disney strategy here.
- Research attraction priorities
Important Disney Tip
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea do not have ticket booths. You cannot simply show up and buy tickets at the gate.
Many U.S. credit cards also struggle to process transactions directly through Disney’s website. Many travelers find purchasing Disney tickets on Klook and then importing tickets into the Disney app easier.
Entertainment for the Flight
Long-haul flights are much easier with preparation.
- Download movies, TV shows, podcasts, music
- Pack books that you can leave behind
- Pack chargers (Look into new regulations for Japan domestic flights regarding power banks.)
Printable Japan Trip Checklist
For a 3 page, printable version of the must dos before your vacation, download our printable Japan trip checklist, here.
Final Thoughts Before Your Trip
The travelers who have the smoothest experiences are usually the ones who handle the details before departure: downloading the right apps, reserving popular attractions, setting up their Suica card, planning transportation, and understanding a few cultural expectations.
But it is also crucial to leave room for spontaneity if you want to fall in love with Japan. Book the experiences that require reservations, but don’t over-schedule. Aim for only one pre-booked commitment per day.
Save this article to Pinterest for future trip planning:
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys. My tireless husband provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and an expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
Based in: Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links on which (at no additional cost to you) I may earn a small commission. I promise to use any kickback to explore more of our incredible world. Read full privacy policy here.