So, you’re going to Japan!
There are a few things I recommend taking care of before you get on the plane. Some are essential, while others will simply make your trip a little easier once you arrive.
You definitely don’t need to prepare everything on this list, but these are the things I would personally check before heading to Japan.
Let’s get you ready! ✈️
1. Travel Insurance
I always recommend getting travel insurance before an international trip.
Depending on your plan, travel insurance may help cover things like:
Medical emergencies
Trip cancellations or interruptions
Flight delays
Lost or delayed baggage
Other unexpected travel problems
Before purchasing a policy, check exactly what is covered, including any exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits.
Even if you’ve already arrived in Japan, there are travel insurance options available for foreign visitors and people returning temporarily to Japan.
JNTO provides information about insurance that can be purchased after entering Japan, including plans that may cover medical expenses and offer services such as medical institution referrals and interpretation assistance.
https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html
💡 Tip: Your credit card may also include travel insurance benefits, so it’s worth checking your card’s coverage before buying a separate policy.
2. Cash & Japanese Yen
Japan is becoming more and more cashless, especially in major cities. Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted.
But I still recommend having some Japanese yen with you.
Cash can be especially useful for:
Small local restaurants and shops
Rural areas
Temple and shrine admission
Small ticket counters
Street vendors
Some smaller accommodations
How much cash should you bring?
As a general starting point, I usually recommend having around:
¥5,000 per day if most of your transportation and larger purchases will be paid by card or IC card.
¥10,000 per day if you want a little more cash on hand, especially if you’re traveling to rural areas or using cash for transportation.
You don’t necessarily need to carry all of that in cash every day. You can always withdraw more during your trip.
Where Can You Get Japanese Yen?
There are a few ways to get Japanese yen in Japan, but for most travelers, we recommend using a convenience-store ATM or exchanging a small amount at the airport.
🏪 Convenience Store ATMs — Our Recommendation
For most travelers, using a convenience-store ATM is our first recommendation for getting Japanese yen.
ATMs at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are widely available, and many accept international debit and credit cards.
You can withdraw yen as you need it, so there’s usually no need to exchange a large amount of cash when you arrive.
💳 Use a Debit Card for ATM Withdrawals
If you have a debit card with good international ATM benefits, this can be a convenient way to get yen. Some banks may waive or reimburse ATM fees, depending on your account and card.
💡 A few things to remember:
Know your PIN. Depending on your card and the ATM, you may be asked for a 4- or 6-digit PIN.
Your bank or card issuer may charge an international ATM or foreign transaction fee.
The Japanese ATM may also charge its own fee.
Some ATMs may charge an additional fee during certain hours, such as late at night or early in the morning.
ATMs have withdrawal limits, which can vary depending on the ATM, your card, and the type of transaction.
🇯🇵 Always Choose JPY
When the ATM asks whether you want to make the withdrawal in Japanese yen (JPY) or your home currency, always choose JPY.
Choosing JPY means your own bank or card issuer will handle the currency conversion.
If you choose your home currency, the ATM may use Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and apply its own exchange rate, which may be less favorable.
The same rule applies when paying by credit card at a restaurant, shop, hotel, or other business.
If a staff member asks, “Yen or dollars?”, choose yen.
💡 Tip: For credit cards, we recommend using a card with no foreign transaction fees whenever possible.
✈️ Airport Currency Exchange — Our Second Recommendation
If you prefer to exchange cash, airport currency exchange is our second choice after using a convenience-store ATM.
Airport exchange counters are convenient when you first arrive, and in our experience, the fees and exchange rates are often quite reasonable compared with some other currency exchange options.
3. 💳 Credit Card
Also, depending on your credit card, it may be a good idea to let your bank or card issuer know that you’ll be traveling to Japan.
From my personal experience, my Capital One card was temporarily blocked while I was in Japan because the transaction was flagged as potentially fraudulent.
💡 Tip: Check your card issuer’s travel and fraud-prevention policies before your trip so you know what to expect.
What about Wise or other international debit cards?
If you already use a service like Wise, an international debit card can be convenient for traveling in Japan.
Depending on the service, you may be able to:
Hold Japanese yen in advance
Exchange currencies through the app
Pay directly with the card
Withdraw cash from ATMs
Just make sure you understand the current fees and withdrawal limits before your trip.
🚆 4. Get Your Transportation IC Card Ready
If you’re traveling around Japan, an IC card will make your life much easier.
Popular cards include:
Suica for Tokyo and the Kanto area
PASMO for Tokyo and the Kanto area
ICOCA for Kyoto, Osaka, and the Kansai area
These cards can be used on many trains, subways, and buses throughout Japan. They’re also accepted at many convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants, and shops.
The good news is that these cards are generally interoperable, so you don’t need a different card every time you travel to another city.
Regular Suica
A regular Suica is the IC card that we Japanese people commonly use.
If you’re using an iPhone, you can easily add a regular Suica to your Apple Wallet by tapping the “＋” button. You can even set it up before your trip to Japan.
You can also get a physical card after you arrive in Japan at a station ticket machine or a staffed ticket counter.
A physical regular Suica requires a ¥500 deposit. If you’re only in Japan for a short time, you may not have time to return the card and get your deposit back.
But honestly, I don’t think that’s a big deal. You can keep it as a little souvenir from your trip to Japan, or pass it along to a friend or family member who will be traveling to Japan in the future.
Unlike Welcome Suica, a regular Suica is not limited to a short-term visitor period, so you may be able to keep it and use it again on a future trip.
Welcome Suica
Welcome Suica is specifically designed for international visitors.
Unlike a regular Suica, there is no ¥500 deposit, but the card is only valid for a limited period. The remaining balance also cannot be refunded, so you’ll need to use it before the card expires.
There is also Welcome Suica Mobile, a digital version that you can use on a compatible iPhone.
You can learn more here:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/wsmlp/
💡 Which one should you get?
I recommend a regular Suica if you can get one.
Even if you don’t have time to return the physical card at the end of your trip, you can keep it as a little souvenir from Japan. And if you’re visiting Japan again in the future, you may be able to use it again.
If you use an Android device, or if your child doesn’t have an iPhone, you can purchase a physical IC card after you arrive in Japan at a station ticket machine or staffed ticket counter.
💡 One more thing to remember
You need one IC card per person, including children who will be riding trains or buses.
If you’re planning to use a digital IC card, make sure your phone and payment method are compatible before relying on it for your trip.
📱 5. Phone & Internet
Having reliable internet in Japan makes traveling much easier, from navigating train stations to translating menus and finding restaurants.
International Roaming
The easiest option may be using your regular phone plan’s international roaming.
Check with your carrier before your trip to see what international coverage and data options are available.
eSIM
An eSIM is a convenient option if your phone supports it. You can purchase one online and install it before you leave, so you can connect soon after landing.
Here are two providers worth considering:
Ubigi: A convenient option for data plans in Japan. It has access to both NTT Docomo and KDDI networks, making it worth considering if you’re traveling beyond the major cities.
Sakura Mobile: A Japan-focused provider offering travel eSIMs.
Some plans also include a Japanese phone number, which can be useful if you need to make regular calls or receive SMS messages.
Check the specific plan details, as not all eSIMs include this feature.
💡 Our tip: If you’re visiting smaller towns or rural areas, don’t choose an eSIM based on price alone. Check which Japanese network your plan uses, as coverage can vary by location.
Pocket Wi-Fi
A pocket Wi-Fi device lets you connect multiple devices to the internet. This can be useful if you’re traveling with family or friends and want to share one connection.
Physical SIM Card
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, you can also purchase a physical Japanese SIM card.
💡 Important: Before buying a SIM or eSIM, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible.
6. A Few Apps I Recommend
You don’t need to download 20 different apps before coming to Japan. These are a few that can genuinely make your trip easier.
🌐 Google Translate & Maps
Very useful for translating menus, signs, and conversations.
The camera function can also translate Japanese text, which is especially helpful when you’re looking at menus or signs.
Google Maps has an “Offline Maps” feature that lets you download a selected area in advance and use the map even without an internet connection.
If you download the map while connected to Wi-Fi before your trip, you can reduce your mobile data usage while traveling.
🚕 Uber & GO
Both Uber and GO can be useful for getting a taxi in Japan.
Uber is especially convenient in major cities, while GO connects you with Japanese taxi companies in many areas.
You can also always use a regular taxi stand or hail a taxi from the street where available.
The taxis available through Uber & GO are regular taxis, so you should expect that most drivers will not speak English.
It’s a good idea to show the driver your destination in Japanese, such as the hotel name, to make sure you’re headed to the right place.
💡Taking Taxis in Japan
Most train stations have a designated taxi stand outside one of the exits.
If you’re planning to hail a taxi on the street, don’t worry. This is still a common way to get around in Japan.
Be careful of illegal “white taxis.” Licensed taxis in Japan generally have green license plates, while ordinary private vehicles have white plates. Avoid getting into a vehicle that is not clearly marked as a licensed taxi, especially if someone approaches you and offers you a ride.
You may also notice taxis from well-known companies such as MK Taxi or taxis with recognizable company logos on the roof. We, locals often prefer taxis operated by major taxi companies because they tend to have a reputation for reliable service.
🔋 ChargeSPOT
Forgot to charge your phone?
ChargeSPOT is a portable battery rental service with charging stations in many locations around Japan.
You can rent a battery, use it while you’re out, and return it at another available location.
👉You don’t need to download the app. You can use the website instead. (The app doesn’t always work well.)
Ecbo Cloak connects travelers with luggage storage locations at places like shops, hotels, and other businesses.
If you already know you’ll want to store your luggage, you can search for a location near your station or destination and book luggage storage in advance.
Almost all train stations in Japan have coin lockers. Larger stations also have tourist information centers, and some offer temporary luggage storage services.
However, the size of the lockers can vary, so if you have large suitcases, it’s a good idea to check the available sizes in advance.
Also, almost all hotels can store your luggage before check-in and after check-out.
