Going to Japan for the first time: what to prepare
A first-timer's Japan checklist covering documents, money, transport cards and the internet choice between eSIM, pocket wifi and roaming, with a method for estimating data by trip length.
快速解答
- For a first trip to Japan, prepare four things: entry documents (checked on official sites), money and payment cards, how you will get around cities, and internet. An eSIM suits people who do not want to carry extra gear, pocket wifi suits groups sharing one connection, and roaming on your home SIM is convenient but you must check the terms with your operator first.
- How much data you need depends on trip length and how you use your phone, not on a fixed number. Sort yourself into light, medium or heavy use and let our data calculator help you estimate.
Where do I start? A preparation order for first-timers
First-timers often feel overwhelmed because several things need handling at once. The easiest approach is to order tasks by how hard they are to fix if you get them wrong: documents and bookings first, then money, then city transport, and finally internet and apps, which are easier to adjust and can be done in the last week before you fly.
- Before booking: check travel documents and entry conditions on official sites.
- After booking flights and lodging: set up payment methods and a city transport plan.
- Final week: choose internet, install apps, download offline maps and check your bag.
Documents and entry conditions: check official sources only
Visa rules, visa exemptions, permitted length of stay and online customs or immigration forms can change over time and by nationality. This page therefore does not state any rule as fact. Check the Japanese embassy or the official Japanese immigration website before you buy tickets, every time.
- Passport: check remaining validity and blank pages against official requirements. See our passport and visa basics guide for the overview.
- Supporting papers: onward ticket, accommodation details and contact information, kept both printed and on your phone.
- What you can bring in: medicines, liquids and food. Check Japanese customs and your airline's rules.
Money, cards and payment in Japan
Payment in Japan is usually a mix of cash, cards and mobile payments. Small shops, some restaurants and vending machines may lean on cash, while larger shops and stations accept cards more widely. A safe approach is to be ready with all three and see what works where.
- Exchange costs, foreign card fees and rates differ by bank and card issuer. Check your own bank's fee schedule.
- If a terminal asks whether to pay in baht or yen, see our guide on currency and card charges.
- Make sure your card works abroad through your bank's app, and set up identity confirmation before you fly.
For banking apps and one-time passcodes while abroad, read our guides on banking apps abroad and SMS OTP while travelling.
Getting around: IC transport cards and train tickets in general terms
Large Japanese cities usually have rechargeable tap-in cards (IC cards) that work on many train and bus lines, and in some places for small purchases too. The card types available to visitors, how to buy and top up, and whether you can add one to your phone can all change, so check the rail operator and airport websites for your route.
| What to decide | 如何判斷 |
|---|---|
| IC card or single tickets | If you hop on and off often across lines, a tap card is usually easier. With only a few rides, single tickets may do. |
| Whether a visitor pass fits | Compare the pass against your actual route using the operator's live prices. Do not decide from the pass name alone. |
| Phone wallet or physical card | This depends on your phone model and the latest conditions. Check the operator's official page. |
City transport choices
Navigation apps matter a lot in Japan because big stations can be complicated. See our offline maps and navigation guide for preparation, and our Japan travel guide for city overviews.
Internet in Japan: eSIM, pocket wifi or roaming
People often ask whether to use a SIM or an eSIM in Japan, and whether pocket wifi or an eSIM is better. It depends on how many people travel, whether your phone supports eSIM, and how willing you are to carry extra gear. The table compares the principles without quoting prices.
| 選項 | 適合 | 注意事項 |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Travellers whose phone supports eSIM, who do not want extra gear and like to set up before flying. | Check your phone model and network lock first. Our eSIMs are data-only with no phone number. |
| 實體 SIM | Phones that do not support eSIM. | You must swap out your home SIM, keep it safe, and plan how to receive OTPs. |
| 隨身 Wi-Fi | Groups sharing one connection, or devices without a SIM slot. | You must collect and return the device, charge it and carry it. Check the lender's return and penalty terms. |
| Roaming on your home SIM | People who want to keep their number reachable and are willing to check terms with their operator. | Prices and terms differ by operator. See our eSIM vs roaming comparison. |
Internet options compared for Japan
5, 7 or 10 days in Japan: how much data? A way to estimate it yourself
There is no single number that fits everyone, because two people on the same trip can use very different amounts. Estimate in three steps: number of days, how you use your phone, and whether your lodging has reliable Wi-Fi. Then choose a plan size with a little headroom.
| 使用類型 | Typical behaviour | How to pick a plan |
|---|---|---|
| 輕度 | Maps, text chat and occasional lookups. | Lean towards smaller plans and turn on data saver. |
| 中量 | Maps, photos, social media and some short video. | Choose a mid-size plan and review your real use after the first two days. |
| 重度 | Streaming, video calls, hotspot sharing or working from your phone. | Choose a larger or unlimited-style plan and read its fair-use terms. |
Estimating data by usage style
The longer the trip, the wider the gap between a light and a heavy user, so use the calculator rather than guessing, and read our guide on how much data you need.
Check your phone and set up the eSIM before you fly
If you choose an eSIM, first confirm your phone supports it and is not network-locked, then install it while you still have Wi-Fi, since the QR code comes by email and scanning needs an internet connection. Many people install at home and switch it on after landing, following the plan's terms.
- 1Check eSIM supportUse our device checker to see whether your model supports eSIM and is free of network locks.
- 2Choose and buy a planPick a Japan plan that fits your days and usage style, and check the live price before paying.
- 3Install from the emailed QR codeOpen the email and scan the QR code following your phone's steps. See our eSIM install guide for details.
- 4Set up and test on arrivalTurn on data roaming for the eSIM line, set it as the mobile data line, and open a map to confirm it works.
Final checklist before you fly
- Recheck documents and entry conditions on official sites and keep copies.
- Carry some cash, at least one card that works abroad, and a backup way to pay.
- Plan your transport card or train ticket for day one and save the route from the airport to your lodging.
- Have your eSIM or other internet sorted, and download offline maps.
- Check plugs, power bank and your airline's carry-on rules.
- Keep travel insurance details and emergency contacts on your phone and on paper.
A wider all-purpose list is in our before-you-fly checklist, and plugs and power banks are covered in our plug guide and our power bank rules article.
常見問題
What do I need to prepare for a first trip to Japan?+
Mainly entry documents checked on official sites, money and payment cards, a city transport plan and internet, topped up with a maps app, insurance and essentials.
Should I use a SIM or an eSIM in Japan?+
If your phone supports eSIM and is not locked, an eSIM is convenient because you skip swapping SIMs and can set up in advance. If it does not, a physical SIM is still an option. Check your model first.
Pocket wifi or eSIM in Japan: which fits better?+
Pocket wifi suits sharing between several devices, while an eSIM suits people who prefer not to carry extra gear. See the comparison table above and check live prices and return terms with the provider.
How many GB do I need for 5, 7 or 10 days in Japan?+
There is no fixed number. Estimate from the number of days, your usage style (light, medium, heavy) and lodging Wi-Fi, use our data calculator, and leave a little headroom.
Do Thai travellers need a visa?+
Rules can change over time, so do not rely on this article. Check the Japanese embassy or Japanese immigration website before buying tickets.
Should I install the eSIM before I fly or after I land?+
It is wise to install while you still have Wi-Fi, at home or the airport, and switch it on at your destination following the plan's terms, so you are not hunting for a connection right after landing.
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