ESSENTIALS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

What to Do Before Departure : Register on Visit Japan Web

Visit Japan Web lets you register your immigration and customs information online so you can use QR codes instead of filling paper forms at the airport.

When to do it
As soon as you have your flight details
Ideally 1 to 2 weeks before departure

Good to know
You can edit your information later if plans change.

DON'T FORGET : Transport pass

To buy a rail pass before you leave If needed. Check The tips > transport section. Here is a Japan pass calculator : https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/

All pass:

• CHICHIBU KAWAGOE Area 1 day Pass

• NIKKO WORLD HERITAGE 2 Day Pass

• JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)

• JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) 

• FUJI HAKONE Pass
  JR KANSAI HIROSHIMA Area Pass

• KANSAI Area Pass

• KANSAI WIDE Area Pass

• JR WEST ALL AREA Pass
  ALL KYUSHU BUS & FERRY Pass

• SHIRAKAWAGO Bus Pass

• TAKAYAMA-HOKURIKU Tourist Pass
  OSAKA-TOKYO HOKURIKU Arch Pass

• ALL SHIKOKU Pass

• SETOUCHI Area Pass

• SANYO SANIN Pass

• NORTH KYUSHU Pass

• ALL KYUSHU Area Pass

• SOUTH KYUSHU Pass

• JR HOKKAIDO Pass

• M. FUJI-SHIZUOKA Tourist Pass

• ISE KUMANO Tourist Pass

• The Japan Rail Pass: journey across Japan

Driving licence

• To get a certified translation of your driver's license if you plan to rent a car.

Check here.

Activities

Don't forget to book your tickets online, to have a place at the National Theatre, Team lab, at the Ghibli Studios in Tokyo, etc. Seats often sell out in advance.

Check activities here :
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Don't forget to :

• To check for events that may interest you : an overly packed schedule could complicate your accommodation search. To check for the festivities and festivals please chekc the tips > Festival section.

• At least once if you can/have the budget : sleep in a ryokan (Japanese inn) and take Japanese baths (pools fed by a hot spring). I've listed many on the guide.

• Learn a few common Japanese phrases: locals will appreciate your efforts. I've made a special section about it.

WHAT TO PACK

• Any medications you may need.

• The bare minimum! Hotel rooms are small, and trains are often crowded. You can buy what you need on-site + souvenirs you might buy.

Here is my advice on what to pack for 3 weeks (example)

For clothing :

• Lightweight, breathable clothes for the warmer months, and layers for cooler weather. - Comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities very important, you walk a loooot in Japan.

• Swimwear if you plan to visit pools or beaches. I generally do not pack a lot of clothes as I love shopping there, but it really depends if you want to buy clothes and if you will have time for.

2. Of course but your travel Documents :

• Passport and visa (if required). & Printed copies of your passport just in case.

• Do not forget to do the customs declaration online here : https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/

3. For Electronic device

• A universal adapter if you have one, if not You can just buy it there i's cheaper ( like in a 100 yens shop, or electronic shop)

• Portable power bank for recharging devices on the go.

4. Skincare & so

• I do not pack Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) and buy them there directly.

• Sunscreen, especially if you go summer !

• Prescription medications if needed.

WHERE TO STAY

• It is recommended to book your accommodation early.

• Hotels: A wide range of options, from chain hotels to luxury ones, to boutique hotels.

• Business Hotels: Compact rooms in establishments clustered around train stations.

• Ryokan: Traditional inns, mainly in the countryside and historic districts. From minimalist style to more sophisticated, with baths, generally reserved for foreign travelers.

• Youth hostels and guesthouses: Affordable and often well-located, with private and double rooms. Staff is used to foreign travelers.

• Air bnb's

• Love hotels

PEAK AND LOW SEASONS

Peak Season (April-May, August)

• Generally superb weather in April-May; August, a major period of festivities, is hot and humid.

• Accommodations are rare and expensive during hanami (cherry blossom viewing, late March/early April), Golden Week (early May), and O-Bon (mid-August).

Intermediate Season (June-July, September-December)

• The rainy season, except for Hokkaido, covers June and July; September is the typhoon month.

• Rates increase, and crowds grow during the autumn foliage season (November).

Low Season (January and March)

• Cold and snowy in the mountains: it is the high season for skiing, unlike other regions where attractive prices align with low crowd levels.

• Many businesses choose to close during the New Year period.

BASIC RULES

Japan is known for the politeness of its people. In practice, the rules are not as strict as you might imagine, and the population is forgiving of travelers.

Greetings: The Japanese greet each other with a slight bow, but they rarely shake hands with foreigners.

Queues: The Japanese are masters in the art of waiting in long, organized lines in front of subway doors, trains, or ramen shops.

Eating and Drinking: Eating and drinking in the street or on the subway is generally frowned upon; it’s better to carry a snack to eat in private.

Bare Feet: Many accommodations and restaurants require you to remove your shoes before entering.
Religious Sites: There is no dress code imposed when entering shrines and temples, but you should speak softly once inside.

Short-sleeved shirts and sandals are not allowed for men in high-end establishments. Opt for a “chic casual” outfit.