JAPAN

Japan Trip Preparation

Everything to sort out before you fly: entry procedures, tax-free shopping, mobile data, IC cards, the JR Pass, budget and luggage, so even a first trip to Japan goes smoothly.

12 guides

Transport

Two Ordinary-car 21-day JR Passes lying on a table next to a map of Kansai

TransportBefore You Go

Is the JR Pass Worth It? 2026 Prices, Best Itineraries and Regional Pass Comparison

2026 JR Pass prices for the 7/14/21-day passes, online vs. agent price gaps, the NOZOMI supplement ticket, and how to choose between Kansai, Kyushu and Hokkaido passes.

Updated 2026.10.19

A physical Welcome Suica card with a cherry blossom design, the Japan transit IC card made for visitors

TransportBefore You Go

Suica Card Guide 2026: Set Up on iPhone or Android, Buy a Welcome Suica Card and Top Up

How to set up Suica on iPhone (checked October 2026): Apple Wallet vs Welcome Suica Mobile, Android status, Welcome Suica card validity and how to top up.

Updated 2026.10.19

Seasonal

Autumn leaves and Taigetsukyo Bridge at Korankei in Aichi, a famous foliage spot in Japan, with visitors among the gorge

SeasonalBefore You Go

Japan Autumn Leaves 2026: Foliage Forecast Timetable and Best Spots (Hokkaido to Kyushu)

Japan autumn leaves 2026 forecast: Hokkaido from mid-September, Tohoku and Nikko late October, Kanto and Kansai mid-to-late November, Kyushu to early December.

Updated 2026.10.19

Champagne-gold lights on the trees along Marunouchi Naka-dori in Tokyo, with crowds, during Japan's Christmas illumination season

SeasonalBefore You Go

Japan Christmas Illuminations 2026: Dates for Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo and Kobe

Japan Christmas lights 2026: Sapporo White Illumination from Nov 20, Osaka Midosuji from Nov 3, Kobe Luminarie from Jan 29, 2027, plus Tokyo's announced dates.

Updated 2026.10.19

Crowds queuing early on New Year's Day for hatsumode at Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, a typical Japanese New Year shrine visit

SeasonalBefore You Go

Japan New Year Guide 2026-2027: Closures, Hatsumode Shrine Visits, Lucky Bags and Transport

New Year in Japan 2026-2027: bank and government closures, which shops stay open, hatsumode shrine etiquette, lucky bags and the Nozomi reserved-seat period.

Updated 2026.10.19

Trip Prep

A Seven Bank ATM in an Osaka underground mall, where overseas cards can be used to withdraw yen as an alternative to currency exchange

Trip PrepBefore You Go

Paying in Japan: Currency Exchange, Cards, Mobile Payments and How Much Cash to Bring

How to get yen for Japan: exchange before you leave, at the airport or from ATMs, plus how cards, IC cards and PayPay work and how much cash to carry.

Updated 2026.10.19

A service counter in the Narita Airport Terminal 2 departures hall selling Japan eSIMs, physical SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi

Trip PrepBefore You Go

Japan eSIM Guide: Local vs Roaming eSIMs, Data Needs and iPhone / Android Setup

How to choose a Japan eSIM: local vs roaming eSIMs, physical SIMs, pocket Wi-Fi and home-carrier roaming compared, with data estimates and iPhone and Android setup.

Updated 2026.10.19

A Yamato Transport staff member pushing a Ta-Q-Bin delivery cart along a stone-paved street in Gion, Kyoto, an example of luggage delivery in Japan

Trip PrepBefore You Go

Luggage Delivery in Japan: Hotel to Hotel, Airport Forwarding and Storage (2026 Prices)

How to send luggage from hotel to hotel in Japan: 2026 Yamato Takkyubin rates, how to measure your bag, counter steps, airport delivery, same-day delivery and storage.

Updated 2026.10.19

A sign at a clothing shop in an Okinawa mall showing Tax Free and the 5,000 yen tax-free minimum, before Japan's new tax-free system begins

Trip PrepBefore You Go

Japan's New Tax-Free Refund System 2026: Pay Tax First, Get It Back at Departure

Japan's new tax-free system starts November 1, 2026: pay tax at the shop, refund after customs confirms export. Airport steps, 5,000 yen minimum and 90-day limit.

Updated 2026.10.19

Passengers queuing early in the morning at marked spots on a JR station platform, an example of queuing etiquette in Japan

Trip PrepBefore You Go

Japan Etiquette for First-Time Visitors: Trains, Trash, Onsen and Dining Manners

Japan etiquette for first-timers: phone calls on trains, escalator sides, finding trash cans, tattoos at onsen and tipping, based on JNTO and official sources.

Updated 2026.10.19

The last stop of Japan trip preparation: the departure check-in hall at Terminal 2 of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Trip PrepBefore You Go

Japan Trip Checklist: Documents, Internet, Payment, Transit Cards and Apps in One Place

Japan trip checklist: passport and visa-free rules, Visit Japan Web, mobile data, cash and cards, transit cards, key apps, packing and tax-free, by timeline.

Updated 2026.10.19

The arrivals hall at Narita Airport Terminal 2, where travelers walk out after completing Visit Japan Web immigration and customs procedures

Trip PrepBefore You Go

Visit Japan Web Guide 2026: Register, Fill In, Add Family and Get Your Arrival QR Code

Visit Japan Web guide: create an account, scan your passport, register your trip and get one QR code for immigration and customs, plus adding family and e-gate airports.

Updated 2026.10.19