Japan trip preparation: documents, budget, packing and connectivity

By Wadjaro Editorial · Published

Japan is exceptionally easy once you arrive and rewards preparation more than almost anywhere else, because several things must be arranged before you fly rather than on the ground.

The essentials at a glance

  • SocketsA / B
  • Voltage100V
  • CurrencyJPY
  • Easiest monthsApril, May, September, October

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Official sources: Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change without notice. Always confirm with the official source before you book.

Entry and documents

Many nationalities can enter visa-free for tourism, but this varies — confirm on the official source below. Japan also operates online entry procedures that are much faster to complete before departure than in the arrivals hall.

Keep your accommodation address written down; you will need it on arrival paperwork.

What it costs

Japan is not as expensive as its reputation suggests, but transport is where budgets are won or lost. Long-distance rail is excellent and costly; whether a rail pass saves you money depends entirely on your itinerary, so work it out rather than assuming.

Cash still matters more than in comparable countries. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but smaller restaurants, shrines and rural businesses may be cash-only.

When to go and what to pack

Japan has four genuinely distinct seasons: cold winters, hot and humid summers, and two very popular shoulder seasons. Accommodation books out far ahead around cherry blossom and autumn foliage.

You will walk a great deal, so comfortable shoes matter — and shoes that come off easily, since you will remove them in homes, some restaurants and temples. Note the mains voltage differs from most of Europe; check that your devices are dual-voltage.

Getting online and getting around

Data before arrival is close to essential — transport routing in major stations is genuinely complex and offline maps only get you part way.

Get a rechargeable transport card early; it works across trains, metros, buses and many shops.

Official sources

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change at any time. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

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Wadjaro Editorial is the in-house team that researches, writes and maintains Wadjaro's travel guides, checklists and planning tools. Every guide is checked against official government, airline and airport sources, and carries the date it was last verified.

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