The ultimate Japan trip timeline

Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time. When should you book flights? What’s the best way to travel around? Do you need cash? What about language barriers? If you’ve found yourself asking these questions (and more), you’re not alone. That’s exactly why we created this complete Japan trip timeline guide.

Step-by-step, this guide walks you through every stage of your journey—from the moment you start dreaming about Japan to the moment you return home—so you can travel with confidence, clarity, and excitement.

We highly recommend reading through the entire timeline before your trip so you don’t miss any opportunities and can make the most of your experience! 

 

Interest in Japan & Trip Planning (~90days)

Develop interest in Japanese culture, food, and tourist attractions

  1. Let’s figure out what you want to enjoy in Japan! Read More
  2. Not a first-timer? How to plan a second trip to Japan. Read More

Decide on travel dates and budget

  1. How many days are perfect for your first Japan trip? Read More
  2. We are traveling to Japan! What is the budget? Read More
  3. Should we bring our children to Japan? Read More
  4. Japanese seasons explained and when to visit Read More

The Golden Route for your first Japan Trip Itinerary! (In progress)

Check credit card usability

  1. Can I use my credit card in Japan? YES (In progress)
  2. Your credit card has hidden potential! Smart ways to use your credit card for your Japan trip! Read More
  3. What is the best credit card for my Japan trip? Read More

Book flights 

  1. Which airline is the best? Read More
  2. How soon should I book flight tickets for Japan? Read More
  3. Where to fly into? Read More
  4. How to book a comfortable flight Read More

Check and obtain passports, visas, and travel insurance

  1. Tips for Americans (In progress)
  2. Tips for Australians (In progress)
  3. Tips for British (In progress)
  4. Tips for Canadians (In progress)
  5. Tips for Singaporeans (In progress)
  6. Should you buy travel insurance for Japan? Read More
  7. Travel Insurance for Americans visiting Japan (In progress)

    Book accommodations

    Before booking accommodations, we strongly recommend you to finish reading the full timeline, check activities, plan the travel itinerary and so on.

    1. Best Hotel Chains in Japan Read More
    2. The types of accomodations in Japan Read More
    3. Japanese Hotels: Pricing System Read More
    4. Best areas to stay in Tokyo Read More
    5. Best ryokans in Hakone Read More
    6. Best areas to stay in Kyoto Read More
    7. Best areas to stay in Osaka Read More
    8. Best areas to stay in Hiroshima Read More

    Book More

    1. Not only flights and hotels: The list of bookings you shouldn’t forget! (In progress)
    2. Is the JR Pass worth it for 7 or 14 days in Japan?

      Learn basic Japanese phrases (or prepare a translation app)

      1. How serious is the language barrier in Japan? Read More
      2. Let’s learn a bit more of Japanese! Read More
      3. How to use translation apps with Japanese staff Read More
      4. English words all Japanese people know (In progress)
        Pre-departure Preparation & Travel (until your flight)

         Prepare clothing and a packing list based on Japan’s climate

        1. What to wear in Japan Deep Winter: Mid-January to Mid-February Read More
        2. What to wear in Japan Late Winter: Mid-February to Mid-March Read More
        3. What to wear in Japan Early Spring: Mid-March to Early April Read More
        4. What to wear in Sakura Season (Peak Spring): Early to Mid-April Read More
        5. What to wear in Japan Late Spring: Late April to Mid-May Read More
        6. What to wear in Japan Early Summer: Mid-May to Mid-June Read More
        7. What to wear in Japan Rainy Season (Tsuyu): Mid-June to Mid-July Read More
        8. What to wear in Japan Midsummer: Mid-July to Mid-August Read More
        9. What to wear in Japan Late Summer: Late August to Mid-September Read More
        10. What to wear in Japan Early Autumn: Mid-September to Early October Read More
        11. What to wear in Japan Mid-Autumn: Mid-October to Early November Read More
        12. What to wear in Japan Late Autumn: Mid-November to Early December Read More
        13. What to wear in Japan Early Winter: Mid-December to Early January Read More

        Wi-Fi, and SIM cards in Japan

        1. Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card? Which one should you get? Read More
        2. Best Pocket Wi-Fi rental service in Japan! Read More
        3. Best international sim card service for your Japan Trip (In progress)
        4. How to choose and use an eSIM for Japan! Read More

        Download essential apps 

        1. Essential apps for Japanese traveling! Read More
        2. Using Apple Pay in Japan (In progress)
        3. Lucky iPhone users: How to install the Mobile Suica app! (In progress)

        Arrange mobile connectivity (SIM/eSIM, WiFi rental)

        1. How to set up eSIM cards step-by-step. (In progress)
        2. Wifi Rentals in Japan! How and where to get them. (In progress)

        Health Management

        1. How to spend the week before your departure Read More
        2. Guide to medicine in Japan (what to bring, what to buy in Japan) Read More
        3. Guide to food allergies in Japan Read More

        Right before your flight

        1. How to make Customs easy with this step! Read More
        2. Checklist for the day before your flight to Japan! Read More
        3. How to check in your international flights smoothly! Read More
        4. What can you do in airports? Read More

        Prepare Japanese yen (cash)

        1. Where to get cash in Japan Read More
        2. Guide to Japanese notes and coins Read More
        3. How much cash do we need for our Japan trip? Read More

        On board

        1. How to spend time on a flight and what to prepare Read More
        2. Best in-flight goods that really help Read More

         

         

        Arrival in Japan & Transportation

        Land at a Japanese airport and complete immigration procedures

        1. What is it like to enter Japan? Immigration guide! Read More
        2. Haneda Airport Guide Read More
        3. Narita Airport Terminal 1 Guide Read More
        4. Narita Airport Terminal 2 Guide Read More
        5. Kansai International Airport Guide (In progress)

        Exchange currency, purchase a SIM card, and charge IC cards at the airport

        1. Where to exchange or withdraw money in Japan Read More
        2. Which Japanese IC card should you get? Read More

        Travel from the airport to the city (train, bus, taxi)

        1. How to go to Tokyo from Narita Airport Read More
        2. How to go to Tokyo from Haneda Airport Read More
        3. The best way to get to your hotel from the station is by Taxi! (In progress)

        Check-in at the accommodation

        1. What you can ask hotels before check-in Read More
        2. How to check-in at Japanese hotels!  Read More

        A day After Arrival!

        1. How to spend your first day in Japan! Read More
        2. Coping with jet lag in Japan! Read More
        Enjoying the Japan Trip

        Use public transportation efficiently

        1. How to use the Shinkansen Read More
        2. How to take a taxi in Japan (In progress)
        3. Tokyo Station Guide Read More
        4. Osaka Station Guide Read More
        5. Kyoto Station Guide Read More

        Visit major tourist destinations (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.)

        1. Best tourist spots in Tokyo (In progress)
        2. Best tourist spots in Kyoto Read More
        3. Best tourist spots in Osaka Read More
        4. Best tourist spots in Kamakura (In progress)
        5. Best tourist spots in Yokohama (In progress)
        6. Best tourist spots in Hakone (In progress)
        7. Best tourist spots in Nagoya (In progress)
        8. Best tourist spots in Kanazawa Read More
        9. Best tourist spots in Hiroshima Read More
        10. Best tourist spots in Hokkaido (In progress)
        11. Best tourist spots in Okinawa (In progress)
        12. Other best cities you should consider for your Japan Trip (In progress)

        Experience traditional Japanese culture

        1. Best activities in Japan! Read More
        2. What to expect from a tea ceremony (plus recommendations)! Read More
        3. How to Rent Kimonos in Japan! (In progress)
        4. Samurai Experience in Japan! (In progress)
        5. Cycling in Japan Read More
        6. Booking a tour in Japan! (In progress)
        7. Should you try the human rickshaws in Japan? Read More
        8. How to choose your tour guide! Read More

        Enjoy Japanese Food

        1. How to Enjoy Sushi in Japan! Read More
        2. How to Enjoy Ramen in Japan! Read More
        3. How to Enjoy Wagyu in Japan! Read More
        4. How to Enjoy Convenience Store Food in Japan! (Lawson, FamilyMart, 7/11) (In progress)

        Enjoy Japanese Sweets and Snacks

        1. Must-Try Sweets in Japan! (In progress)
        2. Matcha Sweets to Try in Kyoto!(In progress)
        3. Best Snacks to Try in Japan! Read More

        Enjoy Japanese Cafes

        1. Our Very Favorite Kyoto Cafes! Read More
        2. Our Very Favorite Osaka Cafes! (In progress)
        3. Our Very Favorite Nara Cafes! (In progress)

        Go shopping

        1. Top Souvenirs to Buy in Japan Read More
        2. Top Places to Shop in Japan Read More

        Experience anime, manga, and gaming culture

        1. Second-Hand Anime Figures in Japan (In progress)
        2. Let’s Find Gacha in Japan (In progress)

        Explore nature and hot springs 

        1. All About Hot Springs (onsen) and Bathhouses (sento) in Japan! (In progress)
        2. The Best Hot Springs in Japan Read More
            Preparing for Departure & Leaving Japan

            Buy souvenirs and complete tax-free procedures

            1. List of best souvenirs to buy in Japan! Read More
            2. What to get your family and co-workers from Japan (In progress)

            Exchange remaining yen or return rented SIM/WiFi (if applicable)

            1. How to get a refund from my  ICOCA or SUICA card Read More
            2. What to do with your eSIM or SIM card when leaving Japan (In progress)
            3. What to do with your Pocket Wifi when leaving Japan (In progress)

            Travel to the airport

            1. The timeline of your last day in Japan! Read More
            2. How to get to Haneda Airport from Tokyo’s top spots Read More
            3. How to get to Narita Airport from Tokyo’s top spots Read More
            4. How to get to Kansai Airport from Osaka’s top spots Read More

            Go through departure procedures and board the flight

            1. You can’t bring anything and everything home! Here’s what you CAN’T take out of Japan. (In progress)
            Post-Trip Activities

            Share travel memories

            1. How to make a photobook at Walmart! (In progress)
            2. How to astonish your friends with your Japanese experience! Read More

            Give souvenirs to family and friends

            1. Let’s pack souvenirs for your friends and family. (In progress)

            Reflect on the Japan experience and consider a future trip

            1. The 5 Japanese concepts you probably learned from your Japan trip. Read More
            2. How to take care of your souvenirs (In progress)

            Continue following Japan-related content for future travel plans

            1. How to start planning your next trip to Japan! Read More

            Contact us

            Pin It on Pinterest