Before you go
Japan Travel Essentials
Everything worth sorting before your trip — paperwork, connectivity, transport, packing and money — in one place. Work through what you need and skip what you don't.
Before you go
Sort these in the weeks before you fly.
Visit Japan Web
Register your immigration & customs QR codes before you land.
Customs Declaration
Duty-free limits and the digital customs QR, step by step.
Travel Insurance
What cover you actually need, with a provider comparison.
eSIM & Mobile Data
Stay connected the moment you step off the plane.
First-Time Japan
15 things to know before your very first trip.
Getting around
Trains, passes and airport runs.
Japan's Train System
Lines, IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) and how to actually ride.
Is the JR Pass Worth It?
2026 prices and exactly when the pass pays off.
JR Pass Calculator
ToolCompare the pass against individual tickets in seconds.
Narita → Tokyo
Skyliner, N'EX, limousine bus & taxi compared.
Haneda → Tokyo
Monorail, Keikyu, bus & taxi from Haneda.
KIX → Osaka & Kyoto
Best routes from Kansai International Airport.
What to pack & wear
Dress for the season you're visiting.
What to Wear (Month by Month)
The all-season clothing guide for Japan.
Spring (Mar–May)
Cherry-blossom season layering and rain tips.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Beat the heat and humidity — and rainy season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Foliage-season layers and typhoon awareness.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Stay warm in the cities and the snow country.
Money & shopping
Budget smart and shop tax-free.
Where to stay
Pick the right kind of place.
Looking for something else?
Browse every JAPANODE guide — itineraries, day trips, food, culture and more.
Browse all guides