The Ultimate Japan Travel Guide 🇯🇵
A comprehensive and smart guide to prepare for your stay in Japan. This guide adapts to your profile (season, transport, accommodation) for a seamless experience.
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📅 Phase 1: Admin & Health (D-60)
Passport Check
Ensure it is valid for the entire duration of your stay. Japan doesn't strictly require 6 months validity, but it is recommended.
Register on Visit Japan Web
Create an account and fill in the 'Immigration' and 'Customs' sections to get your QR codes. This saves about an hour on arrival.
Get travel insurance
Medical care in Japan is excellent but extremely expensive. Insurance with direct payment coverage is essential.
Certified translation of driving license
If you plan to rent a car, note that an International Driving Permit from some countries (like France) is NOT recognized. You need a translation certified by the JAF.
📡 Phase 2: Connectivity & Transport
Book a Pocket WiFi or eSIM
Public WiFi is rare and often restricted. Pocket WiFi is ideal for groups; eSIM is perfect for solo travelers.
Order the JR Pass (Physical Voucher)
Conditionnel👉 Si "Do you plan to get a JR Pass?" est "true"
Do this at least 3 weeks before departure to receive the exchange voucher by mail.
Install Suica/Pasmo card on iPhone
Go to Wallet > + > Transit Card > Japan. No more physical tickets needed for subways and buses!
Prepare Cash (Yen)
Although things are changing, many small temples and restaurants only accept cash.
🧳 Phase 3: Smart Packing & Seasonal
Easy-to-remove shoes
You will spend a lot of time taking your shoes off (temples, restaurants, some shops).
Type A Adapter (US/Japan)
Japan uses 110V with two flat parallel pins.
Thermal clothing (Heattech)
Conditionnel👉 Si "Which season are you visiting?" est "hiver"
Japanese winter is dry and windy. Technical base layers are vital.
Light linen/cotton clothes & Hand towel
Conditionnel👉 Si "Which season are you visiting?" est "ete"
Summer is a humid furnace. Bring a small hand towel (tenugui) to wipe sweat, like the locals.
Compact stroller (Yoyo type)
Conditionnel👉 Si "Are you traveling with children?" est "true"
Train stations are massive; prioritize ultra-light for escalators and stairs.
🏯 Etiquette & Accommodation
Ryokan Rules
Conditionnel👉 Si "Primary type of accommodation" est "ryokan"
Arrival by 6 PM is mandatory for dinner. Wear the provided Yukuta. Be mindful of tattoos in public baths (Onsen).
Silence on public transport
Phone calls are prohibited on trains. Speak in very low voices.
Escalators: Stand on the left (except Osaka)
In Tokyo, stand on the left; in Osaka, stand on the right. Follow the flow of the locals.