Smart tips for travelers arriving early in Japan
You’ve made it to Japan! But your flight landed at 7:30 AM and your hotel doesn’t allow check-in until 3:00 PM. What now?
Many international travelers arrive long before hotel rooms are ready. Fortunately, Japanese hotels are used to this situation and often offer helpful services even before check-in begins. Here’s a list of useful things you can ask for when you arrive early—and how to make the most of your time.
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🧳 1. Ask to Store Your Luggage (Highly Recommended)
This is the most common and reliable service.
- Most hotels in Japan—business, mid-range, or luxury—will safely store your bags for free.
- You’ll receive a numbered tag to reclaim them later.
- You can then explore the city freely without dragging your suitcase through narrow streets or train stations.
🧠 Tip: Make sure to keep valuables with you (passport, wallet, camera).
☕ 2. Ask to Use the Lobby Facilities
Even if you can’t access your room yet, you’re often welcome to:
- Sit in the hotel lounge or lobby
- Use free Wi-Fi
- Relax with a coffee if there’s a self-serve drink machine
- Access reading materials or brochures in the lobby
This is especially useful for families with kids or older travelers who need to rest after a long flight.
⏰ 3. Ask About Early Check-In (Sometimes Available)
If your room happens to be ready, some hotels will let you check in early.
- Some offer this for free, while others may charge a small fee (¥1,000–¥3,000).
- It’s best to email the hotel in advance if you’re hoping for early check-in.
- If it’s not possible, they’ll still appreciate that you gave them a heads-up.
💤 For jet-lagged travelers, getting into your room early can be a game changer.
🚿 4. Ask for Bathroom or Changing Room Access
After a long international flight, you may want to:
- Freshen up in a public restroom
- Change clothes in a multi-purpose room or luggage room (available in some hotels)
- Use the shower rooms (especially in capsule hotels or business hotels)
While this isn’t guaranteed everywhere, it’s worth asking—many staff are happy to help if the space is available.
🔌 5. Ask to Charge Your Devices
Your phone battery probably took a hit during the flight. Hotels often allow:
- Charging at a shared power station
- Plugging in behind the front desk
- Accessing USB charging ports in the lobby or lounge
Just ask politely, and they’ll usually accommodate you without issue.
🗺️ 6. Ask for Nearby Recommendations
If you have time to kill before check-in, the hotel staff can help you make the most of it.
- Request a map with marked recommendations
- Ask about good cafés, quiet parks, or coin locker availability
- Find out which places open early and are easy to reach on foot
This is a great way to stretch your legs, get some daylight, and ease into the city without committing to big plans.
📦 Bonus: Ask About Luggage Delivery from the Airport
If you sent your bags ahead using Yamato (Ta-Q-Bin) or another delivery service:
- Let the hotel staff know to expect it
- They’ll usually hold it safely and deliver it to your room once you check in
- Be ready to provide your name and check-in date when asking
This is especially useful if you’re traveling around Japan before reaching your hotel.
🧘 Final Thoughts
Arriving early in Japan doesn’t have to be stressful. Japanese hotels are used to welcoming tired travelers and are generally more accommodating than you might expect—especially if you ask politely and with a smile.
🌸 A few smart questions at the front desk can turn waiting time into recharge time.
Whether you’re sipping green tea in the lobby or exploring the streets with your luggage stored safely behind you, your first hours in Japan can be as peaceful and smooth as the rest of your journey will be.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
