Survive your long-haul flight and land feeling like a human being
Whether you’re heading to Japan or any long-haul destination, international flights can be exhausting, uncomfortable, and—if you’re not prepared—boring. But with a little planning and the right mindset, that 10–14 hour flight doesn’t have to feel like a prison sentence.
Here’s how to make the most of your time in the air, what to do before boarding, and how to land in better shape than most of your fellow passengers.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
🎒 Before You Board: Prepare Like a Pro
What you do before your flight matters just as much as what you do on board. Once you’re in the air, your internet access is limited, power outlets may not work, and the in-flight entertainment might not suit your taste.
Start by downloading content in advance from your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube Premium. Load up your device with offline shows, movies, or podcasts you genuinely want to watch. Don’t rely on in-flight entertainment—you might end up scrolling endlessly without finding anything that excites you.
Pack your carry-on thoughtfully. Keep headphones, chargers, a power bank (in carry-on only), snacks, and a small pouch with toiletries easily accessible. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security, and dress in layers. Cabin temperatures fluctuate, so having a hoodie, scarf, or extra socks can make a huge difference.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using an eSIM for Japan, activate and test it on Wi-Fi before you leave home.
✈️ On the Flight: Structure Your Time in Blocks
Long flights are best handled by mentally breaking them into smaller chunks. Think in terms of 2–3 hour blocks to stay sane and avoid that “endless sky” feeling.
🎧 First 1–2 hours: Settle in and decompress
Watch something light, read, or simply relax. Don’t rush into sleep unless it’s already nighttime at your destination. Use this time to eat if meals are being served early, stretch your legs, and adjust to airplane life.
😴 Middle 4–6 hours: Sleep strategically
Try to sleep during what would be nighttime in your arrival city. On most west-to-east flights (like from the U.S. or Europe to Japan), this will fall somewhere in the middle of the flight. Even if you can’t sleep deeply, resting with an eye mask, neck pillow, and headphones can help reduce fatigue.
Take melatonin or other light sleep aids only if you’ve used them before—don’t experiment in the air. And remember to recline your seat gently, check behind you, and let the person behind you know if possible.
📱 Final 2–3 hours: Wake up and reset
Wash your face, brush your teeth if possible, and rehydrate. Watch something low-effort, play a game, or review your arrival documents and customs QR code if you’re entering Japan. Start resetting your mind and body to local time so you’re ready for customs, trains, or hotel check-in.
🕓 Should You Try to Match Japan Time on the Plane?
Yes—for most travelers, it helps.
If you’re flying west to east, such as from the U.S., Canada, or most of Europe, trying to rest during Japan’s nighttime will reduce jet lag. Sleeping in the middle third of the flight can help your body adjust early, making it easier to stay awake after you land.
However, if you’re flying east to west—for example, from Australia or Southeast Asia—the time zones may align more naturally. Your body may already be close to Japan Standard Time. In that case, just aim for a bit of rest and avoid arriving severely overtired.
Either way, try to sleep or stay awake based on your expected arrival time, not just how you feel mid-flight.
🧩 Try Something You’ve Never Had Time For
Flights give you something you rarely get in daily life: uninterrupted time. It’s the perfect moment to do something you’ve always meant to try but never found the time for.
You could finally read that novel you downloaded three months ago. Or get into a new game on your Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Even something offline and low-tech can be fun—like sketching or solving puzzles.
✨ I once brought a Rubik’s Cube on a flight, thinking I’d give it a casual try. After a few hours, and without tutorials, I managed to solve it for the first time in my life. I’ve since forgotten how—but the memory of figuring it out, somewhere over the Pacific, has stuck with me.
You don’t need to be productive. But doing something slightly outside your normal routine can make the flight feel not only manageable—but memorable.
🧠 Being offline for 10+ hours can be a gift. Take advantage of it.
💡 Bonus Tips for a Better Flight
- Bring a pen, unless you’ve already completed customs forms via Visit Japan Web.
- Avoid too much caffeine mid-flight—it can disrupt sleep and dehydrate you.
- Get up and stretch every few hours. Even a short walk to the restroom helps circulation.
- Dim your screen when watching videos or reading to avoid eye strain.
- Only bring snacks purchased after security. Food from home may be confiscated, especially liquids, spreads, or fresh fruit.
🧳 Pro Tip: Simple dry snacks like crackers or granola bars are ideal—and kind to both your stomach and your neighbors.
✨ Final Thoughts
A long-haul flight doesn’t have to be a mental or physical drain. With smart preparation and a bit of intentional planning, it can become a pocket of peace—or even inspiration—before the real adventure begins.
Watch something you love. Sleep when it makes sense. Maybe even solve a Rubik’s Cube.
And most of all, arrive in Japan (or wherever you’re headed) feeling like yourself—not like you just survived 12 hours in a flying box.
Travel well. You’ve got this.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
