First trip to Japan: a pre-travel checklist

1. Which documents do you need for a first trip to Japan?

Make sure the English name on your ticket matches your passport. Check document validity requirements for your own circumstances, transit countries and airline conditions. Do not substitute advice for another nationality’s passport for your own.

Do Thai passport holders need a Japanese visa?

According to the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, eligible Thai IC passport holders visiting for a short stay can use the visa exemption for stays of up to 15 days. Longer stays or other purposes, such as work, require checking the appropriate visa. Visa exemption does not guarantee admission in every case.

This information is a starting point, not an individual eligibility determination. Check the latest conditions with the Embassy of Japan in Thailand before booking or travelling.

• Keep return or onward ticket details and accommodation bookings.
• Prepare the hotel name, address and phone number, plus a brief itinerary.
• Prepare evidence that you can cover travel expenses if officials request it.
• Keep document copies securely and separately from the originals.

What is Visit Japan Web?

Visit Japan Web is a Japanese government service for preparing immigration and customs procedures online. It is not a visa or passport substitute. Start with the Digital Agency information page then follow its official service link. Read the current instructions and make sure your details match your trip.

Japan Customs states that Visit Japan Web is free and warns about fake websites charging fees. Do not enter passport information through links you cannot verify. Read the Japan Customs notice

2. Choosing cities and planning your first Japan trip

Start with three to five things you really want to do, then choose well-connected cities instead of a long list of attractions. With about a week, draft a route in one region first and assess whether distant additions justify the time and transport costs.

• City sightseeing and shopping: Use Tokyo or Osaka as a starting point when researching hotels and attractions.
• Temples and historic neighbourhoods: Group sights in Kyoto and nearby cities, then compare actual travel times.
• Nature or snow: Choose areas by season and weather. Do not expect snow or flowers to match advertising images at every time of year.

Plan one main stop each day with nearby secondary stops, leaving time to rest or adapt. Allow for immigration, baggage and airport transport on arrival. On departure day, plan airport travel before adding other activities.

These are planning suggestions, not a tour package or a time-tested route. Confirm actual closures, opening hours, advance reservations and travel times before finalising plans.

3. Plan airport transport and choose convenient accommodation

The city name on your ticket does not tell the whole story. Check the actual airport, terminal and arrival time, then compare trains, buses and other hotel transport options, including fares, transfers and walking with luggage.

• Save the nearest station, exit and the hotel address in Japanese.
• Check the last departure directly with the operator, especially for evening arrivals.
• With large luggage, children or older travellers, look for lifts and fewer transfers.
• Compare room prices together with transport costs. A cheaper but distant hotel may not suit your itinerary.

Should you buy an IC card or rail pass in advance?

IC cards such as Suica, PASMO and ICOCA pay for supported transport services, but not every line, area or ticket type. Check operator symbols and conditions. Mobile versions also depend on supported devices and services. See JNTO transport guidance

Before buying a pass, total the fares for your actual routes and compare the pass price, covered routes and train types. Without a route plan, do not assume a pass always saves money.

4. How much money should you prepare, and should you use cash or cards?

Divide the budget into accommodation, transport, food, activities, shopping and reserves, then subtract costs already paid. This gives a clearer picture of spending during the trip than someone else’s daily budget.

Starting formula: All unpaid expenses + an appropriate reserve = additional budget to prepare. Check exchange rates and card fees before converting to Thai baht.

JNTO recommends carrying cash as well as cards, even though many shops accept cards. Keep yen for shops or services that do not accept your payment method. Read JNTO payment information

• Check overseas card activation, limits and fees with your bank.
• Separate your cash and backup cards instead of keeping everything together.
• Check your bank’s authentication method before flying. If SMS is required, prepare your original SIM as needed and confirm carrier charges.

5. Packing for Japan: clothes, weather and power plugs

Check the forecast for your destination cities near departure and pack layers for expected temperatures. Cities and mountain areas may need different clothing. Choose shoes you have already walked in and rain protection suited to your plans.

Japan uses 100V power and Type A plugs with two flat pins. Check your device’s INPUT label. A plug adapter does not change voltage. If a device is incompatible, check the correct way to use it; not every Thai hairdryer or appliance can be used directly. See JNTO electrical information

• Charging cables, compatible chargers and a power bank compliant with airline rules.
• Personal essentials and necessary medication documents; check Japanese import restrictions before carrying medicines.
• Space for souvenirs, within your purchased baggage allowance.
• Keep important documents and in-transit essentials easy to reach.

Check baggage, battery and controlled-item rules directly with the airline and relevant authorities. A general checklist does not replace item-specific requirements.

6. Prepare internet for maps, translation and contacting your hotel

Internet helps with routes, bookings and contacting companions. Also save hotel addresses, flight details and important information offline for periods without a connection or with a low battery.

If choosing eSIM, check your phone model and carrier unlock before buying. Read the plan’s start time, installation and roaming instructions. For groups, consider whether you will split up or share internet.

This article focuses on trip preparation. For choosing 500MB, 2GB or 3GB daily plans, Total and Unlimited (FUP), read the Japan eSIM selection guide to understand plan differences, then check actual options and prices on JLP’s Japan eSIM product page

After buying, check your email and keep the instructions accessible. Read the eSIM installation guide before travelling. If you need your original number for OTP, check its carrier settings too. An internet plan does not replace calls and SMS on your existing number.

7. A preparation timeline for Japan travel

This table suggests a task sequence, not official visa or document submission deadlines. If additional documents or a visa are needed, allow the responsible authority’s processing time from the start of planning.

Final checks before leaving home

• Passport, required documents and travel tickets are complete.
• Airport, terminal and flight time are correct.
• The hotel address and airport route are accessible.
• Backup payment methods and important phone numbers are ready.
• Phone, charging cables and internet are ready.
• Baggage and packed items have been checked against applicable conditions.

Mistakes to avoid on your first Japan trip

• Too many cities: Write hotel-transfer and actual travel time into the plan before deciding.
• Looking only at the airfare: Include baggage and transport from the airport into the city.
• Relying only on your phone: Back up important information and prepare enough battery power.
• Buying a pass before planning routes: Compare it with separate fares for your own itinerary.
• Activating eSIM early without reading conditions: Check when plan validity starts before installation or activation.
• Using old information without rechecking: Recheck entry rules, transport schedules and opening hours near departure.