Sort out the essentials first
Before choosing the extras for your suitcase, check entry requirements, medication, your first night's accommodation and the journey from the airport.
Before booking
- Check Japan's official entry guidance for your passport, nationality, residence and trip purpose. Check transit requirements too. Use the visa guide to find the official application route.
- Check each medicine and quantity against Japan's medicine-import rules. Some products need advance permission.
- Arrange any health advice you need early, so you have time for appointments and preparation.
- Compare the arrival airport and time with transport options and your accommodation's check-in hours.
- Find out whether a connection is on one booking or separate tickets, and who handles a delay.
- If buying insurance, read the cover, exclusions and assistance arrangements for your trip.
A few weeks before leaving
- Check Visit Japan Web for arrival procedures; it does not replace a required visa.
- Save copies of bookings and important contact details, with a secure backup separate from the originals.
- Check that your phone supports your chosen SIM or eSIM and is unlocked if necessary.
- Confirm card fees and cash access. Keep a second way to pay separately.
- Book the time-sensitive activities you care about, leaving room for weather and delays.
The day before flying
- Check your flight, terminal, baggage allowance and airline battery rules.
- If travelling with an eVISA, prepare access to the live online issuance notice; a saved screenshot or printout is not accepted.
- Save the hotel address and late-arrival instructions offline.
- Keep medication, documents, chargers and an extra layer within reach.
- Check the first transfer and an alternative if the flight arrives late.
After landing
Follow the route from your actual arrival terminal. Include the final walk to the hotel when deciding what is manageable with luggage. Before leaving the airport, check that you can navigate to your hotel and pay for the transfer. If delayed, contact the accommodation about check-in. Keep the first day light enough to eat, check in and rest.
For the details, use the packing guide, flight tips and accommodation guide.
Heading to Fukuoka? Start with the city guide. Save Emergency Contacts for your time in Japan.
Official entry and medicine resources checked 1 October 2026.
