Checklist for traveling to Japan

Even I can forget what I need to do before going to Japan. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind.

(Last updated October 6, 2024.)

Things to bring

• Your passport
• Your International Driving Permit (IDP) for driving on the go karts (if applicable)
• Your APEC Business Travel Card (if applicable)
• Yen, if you have any already
• A coin wallet. If you don’t already have one, buy one! They are very useful in Japan.
• A debit card that you can use to withdraw yen at a foreign-compatible ATM in Japan
• One American Express card
• Either one Visa card or one Mastercard
• North American power plugs without the third “ground” plug
• Over-the-counter dosages of acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, and/or aspirin
• Medications that are suitable alternatives to banned medications, such as Vyvanse and gabapentin (if applicable)
• A bag for storing the trash you accumulate each day when you are outside
  • Japan does not have many public trash cans anymore. It is important to carry your own trash so you may dispose of it at your hotel room when you return home.

Things not to bring

• Weapons of any kind
• Marijuana
• Medications considered narcotics, such as Adderall
• Over-the-counter medications in the United States that are banned or are Rx-only in Japan, such as pseudophedrine
  • More info on what OTC medications may not be taken into Japan: https://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/faq/faq.htm
• Controlled psychotropic medications, such as Xanax, unless you are bringing less than 30 days’ supply and declare it to customs officers
• Narcotics with absolutely no therapeutic benefits, such as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphemine, etc.

Things to do before boarding your plane

• Fill out your customs form on Visit Japan Web ahead of time (https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp)
• If you are a member of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, make sure your passport number is added to your profile
• If you have an unlocked phone that supports eSIMs, get an eSIM through Ubigi.
  • For Japan specifically, Ubigi is better than competitors like Nomad because it is provided directly by NTT Docomo, a major domestic cell carrier in Japan. This means you’ll have minimal latency, as the data won’t be routed through a third country.
  • Download the Ubigi app to get started.
• Buy an IC card on your iPhone/Apple Watch (Suica or ICOCA recommended) and load at least 3,000 yen onto it
  • That should be enough to get you from the airport to your hotel. If you don’t spend it all, you can use it at a convenience store (i.e. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson).
• Look at how often you’ll be using Japan Railways-operated trains, then do one of the following:
  • Buy a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) at their official website: https://japanrailpass.net/en/
  • Book your Shinkansen tickets ahead of time if possible on SmartEX: https://smart-ex.jp/en/index.php
• Download the “Japan Wi-Fi autoconnect” app by NTT Broadband Platform (NTTBP). This will let you autoconnect to a surprisingly high number of Wi-Fi hotspots around the country, especially in Tokyo, where there’s literally Wi-Fi eminating from many former telephone booths on the streets. By using this app, you won’t have to go through an email confirmation code process ever again! Simply sign into the app and be autoconnected to many Wi-Fi networks around the country.

Things to do immediately after arriving in Japan

• If you don’t already have it, buy medical insurance ASAP. This can only be done when you are physically located in Japan.
  • Private medical insurance recommended by the Japanese government: https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/do_travel_insurance03.html. Beware, it’s a bit pricy. Expect to pay 2,500 yen for a week.
• Activate your eSIM.
• Withdraw yen from a 7-Eleven ATM (Seven Bank) in the airport, using your debit card – remember to withdraw in JPY and DECLINE dynamic currency conversion (DCC)!
  • Tokyo Haneda: https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/service/facilities/bank.html
    • Most travelers arrive in Terminal 3. There are two ATMs on the second floor (arrival lobby right after you exit customs).
  • Tokyo Narita: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/service/exchange/atm/
    • If arriving at Terminal 2, walk towards the signs for the trains to Tokyo and go downstairs one floor. As you go down the escalators, the two Seven Bank ATMs should be at roughly 2 o’clock (i.e. about 60º to the right) just left of the doors to the train station.
  • Osaka Kansai: https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/service/money/04.html

By the way, don’t forget to read my guide about preparing for your first trip to Japan!

Have fun!