What to Confirm, Prepare, and Pack—With No Last-Minute Stress
Your long-awaited trip to Japan starts tomorrow! Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the day before your flight is your last chance to make sure everything is ready—from travel documents and apps to what goes in your carry-on versus checked luggage.
This checklist will guide you through all the essentials, so you can fly with peace of mind and focus on the adventure ahead.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
✅ 1. Final Travel Documents Check
These items should go in your carry-on, where they are easy to access:
- ✔️ Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- ✔️ Boarding pass / flight confirmation (printed or digital)
- ✔️ Accommodation details (hotel names and addresses in English & Japanese)
- ✔️ Travel insurance info (policy number and contact)
- ✔️ Visa, if required for your nationality
- ✔️ Visit Japan Web customs QR code (printed or screenshotted)
💡 Tip: Keep them together in a slim travel wallet or document pouch.
📱 2. Digital Setup and Connectivity
These steps will ensure you’re connected and ready when you land:
- 📲 Visit Japan Web registration completed and QR code saved
- 📶 eSIM or SIM QR code downloaded / activation info printed
- 📳 Roaming turned off (if not using international plan)
- 🗺️ Google Maps, Google Translate downloaded for offline use
- 🔋 Power bank fully charged (carry-on only – not allowed in checked bags)
- 🔌 Japanese power adapter (Type A/B) packed
🧳 3. What to Pack: Carry-On vs. Checked Bag
Knowing what goes where makes airport security and arrivals much easier.
🧳 Carry-On Essentials (for the flight and emergencies):
- 1–2 days’ worth of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)
- Medications (with prescriptions if needed)
- Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
- Eye mask, neck pillow, compression socks
- Toothbrush, small toothpaste, hand sanitizer
- Travel tissues, face masks
- Charging cables
- Reusable empty water bottle
- Light snacks (granola bars, nuts, etc.)
🛑 No liquids over 3.4fl oz (100 ml) allowed in carry-on. Pack full-size toiletries in your checked bag.
🧳 Checked Luggage (for your stay in Japan):
- Toiletries and liquids over 100 ml
- Additional clothing, shoes, and jackets
- Gifts or souvenirs
- Umbrella (optional, but useful in Japan)
- Items that are not allowed in the cabin (scissors, large batteries, aerosol cans)
💡 Tips: 1) Use a luggage tag to easily identify your bag and 2) get a TSA-approved lock to ensure your personal belongings stay safe
💸 4. Money and Payments
Japan still uses cash widely, especially at small restaurants and local shops.
- 💵 Bring some Japanese yen if you exchanged in advance
- 💳 Notify your bank about international travel
- 🏧 Know your debit card PIN for ATM use (7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs recommended)
Keep cash and cards in your carry-on or personal bag, never in checked luggage.
🚖 5. Ground Transportation After Arrival
You’ll thank yourself for preparing this ahead of time:
- Airport transfer plans: train, airport limo bus, or hotel shuttle
- JR Pass or IC card (Suica, Pasmo) ready or preordered
- Hotel address printed and in Japanese (for taxi drivers)
- Know how to find the train station from your terminal
- Prepare small yen coins if you’re taking a local bus or paying cash
🍱 6. Food, Hydration & Comfort
Airplane food isn’t for everyone—and long-haul flights are tiring. Prepare:
- Water bottle (fill it after security)
- Light snacks that won’t spoil
- Hydration tablets or electrolyte powder
- Face wipes or moisturizer for dry cabin air
Pack all of these in your carry-on—they’re flight survival essentials.
😴 7. Sleep and Health the Night Before
- Get to bed early, especially if you’re crossing many time zones
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals late at night
- Set at least two alarms
- Prepare comfortable clothes for the flight (layers recommended)
- Check in online, if possible
- Weigh your suitcase to avoid overweight fees
✈️ Final Tips
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure
- Screenshot everything: QR codes, directions, reservation numbers
- Keep a small folder or clear pouch for printed items
- Bring a pen for forms
- Make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving home
🎌 Summary: Your Day-Before-Japan Checklist
| Category | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| 🛂 Documents | Passport, QR code, hotel info in carry-on |
| 📱 Tech & Apps | SIM/eSIM, offline maps, power bank |
| 🧳 Packing | Essentials in carry-on, extras in checked |
| 💴 Money | Yen and cards in carry-on |
| 🚖 Transportation | Know how you’ll get from airport to hotel |
| 😌 Comfort | Snacks, water bottle, neck pillow |
| 🛌 Sleep & Health | Rest well, pack smart, set alarms |
✨ Final Thoughts
Preparing the day before is about more than packing clothes. It’s about setting yourself up for a smooth, confident journey—from your front door to your hotel in Japan.
By double-checking what goes in your carry-on versus checked bag, organizing your documents, and making sure your phone is ready, you’re not just flying—you’re landing ready.
Safe travels, and we’ll see you in Japan!
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
