Planning a trip to Japan? Check out our Japan Travel FAQs for all the essential info you need. From tips on navigating the country to advice on transportation, accommodation, and must-visit spots, we’ve got you covered. This guide aims to make your travel planning smoother and your trip more enjoyable.
Our FAQ section is built on questions from our Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group, where travellers and Japan fans exchange tips and advice. This ensures the info here is based on real experiences and up-to-date insights, making your trip planning more reliable.
If you are not already a group member, the details for joining are below.
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Japan Early Planning FAQs
When is the Best Time to Visit Japan?
There are many factors to answer this question, from weather, events, holiday periods etc. Check out our detailed article on the best time to visit Japan at this link as your starting point before posting to the group.
Our article includes an overview of what to expect from the weather, public holidays and more.
I need help with my Japan Itinerary!
It is great to crowd source feedback on your Japan itinerary, but before posting to the group I suggest you have a read of our articles – we have 10 day and two week itinerary recommendations. Also, search the group first before posting as these questions have been asked and answered many times before!
Also, check out our destination-focused articles for Tokyo, Mt Fuji Region, Kansai Area (including Kyoto, Osaka and Nara) and the Nagano Region. We are progressively adding new articles over time 🙂 .
Should I Plan to Purchase a Japan Rail Pass? Is it Worth it?
We have written a couple of articles on this topic to help answer this question. Check out our detailed article on how to purchase the cheapest Japan Rail Pass – it also includes a detailed comparison article to help you work out whether it is worthwhile, and to enable you to run the numbers yourself with confidence. Note that in September 2023, JR Pass prices increased substantially, so often, it may be cheaper to purchase normal intercity train tickets.
We also have a fun more story focused article on how we used our JR passes to get around Japan on an earlier trip to help you better understand how to get around Japan.
Japan Transportation FAQs
How do I use my Japan Rail Pass?
We have written a couple of articles on this topic to help answer this question. Check out our detailed article on how to purchase the cheapest Japan Rail Pass – it also includes details on what is and is not included, and also haw to activate and use the JR Pass.
We also have a fun more story focused article on how we used our JR passes to get around Japan on an earlier trip to help you better understand how to get around Japan. Includes details on how to activate and use your pass.
How do I get around in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka?
How to get from Narita Airport to destinations in Tokyo
We have written several articles to help people plan this part of their trip. Check out our detailed articles on how to get to the central Tokyo area, the western side of Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya and Shinagawa), the northern part of Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa and Akihabara) and also how to get to Yokohama.
How to transfer between Narita and Haneda Airports
Many people book flights where they need to transfer between Narita and Haneda Airports – not realising that they are 77km / 44 mi apart! We have a detailed article to help you learn how to make this transfer (or why you should carefully check your flights for this issue before booking!)
Should I fly or catch the train between Tokyo and Osaka?
Definitely train! You depart from a central location and it is is so quick on the shinkansen. By comparison, flying from Tokyo to Osaka means that you have to travel to the airport, allow the extra time to get there and arrive prior to your flight, at Kansai Airport you then have to travel into Osaka. But do still allow extra time before you depart on the train to explore the Tokyo station food hall and buy some tasty bento boxes to take on the train with you.
How can I forward my luggage to my next hotel?
Japan has an amazing, reliable and affordable luggage forwarding system. You can send it on one day, and it should arrive at your next hotel on the next day. It means you can easily travel around with just a day bag, which is so convenient! Ask both your departing and your arriving hotel whether they can arrange luggage transfers for you. If they cannot assist, then any convenience store with the Yamato black cat logo can also make the arrangements for you. You can also arrange luggage forwarding at any airport location.
How do I set up a Suica (or equivalent) public transport card for my trip?
Across Japan there is a system of IC cards which can be used on most local public transport throughout Japan. Each separate rail network issues their own IC card, and every passenger needs to have their own card. You tap in and out of each station and bus. The IC cards for Tokyo are Suica for JR East and Pasmo for JR West. Currently, tourists cannot purchase these cards. Tourist versions which are valid for 28 days can be purchased on arrival at any international airport in Japan. These are called the Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport. All of these cards can have credit added at any train station through a machine beside the entry where you can add cash to the card. Don’t overload them with credit, as you may not be able to withdraw any credit left over before you depart. There are also digital versions of the transport cards, which you can load to your phone before you depart. On Apple phones, go to your Apple Wallet, add Suica or Pasmo, and add money via your registered debit or credit card. Note that only Mastercard branded cards work, not Visa branded cards. Note there is no refund for this option, so progressively add credit to your card as you need it. Unfortunately, international Android users cannot currently load either card onto their phones – if you purchased your Android phone in Japan, you will have the Osaifu-Keitai NFC function, which does enable you to use your phone for Suica or Pasmo. The option to pay with a debit or credit card, either physically or on your phone, is currently being developed, so hopefully, in time, there will be easier options to pay for your public transportation in Japan.
How to Buy Tickets and Tours for Your Japan Trip
How do I purchase tickets and tours for my Japan Trip?
Our preferred online travel agent for Japan is Klook – they have a comprehensive range of tickets, passes and tour options for Japan. We have a detailed article about Klook which includes a shopping list of items you may want to purchase for your trip.
How to Buy Sumo Wrestling Tickets for Japan?
We have a detailed article to help you purchase your sumo wrestling tickets for Japan, including sumo wrestling tournaments as well as doing a sumo stable tour.
How to Buy Tickets for the Ghibli Museum near Tokyo?
Ghibli Museum tickets have been notoriously difficult for visitors to purchase, fortunately the online travel agencies do provide options to help you get your tickets. We have a detailed article to help you learn more about how to purchase your Ghibli Museum tickets, as well as our detailed review of the Ghibli Museum.
How to Purchase Tickets for Disneyland and Disneysea Theme Parks near Tokyo?
Klook offers easy to purchase day tickets to both theme parks. You can read more about our experience in both theme parks as well as how to buy your tickets in this article.
How to Purchase Universal Studios Japan Entry Tickets and skip the queue Express Passes?
Having visited USJ ourselves we learned the hard way that it really is worthwhile to purchase the additional skip the queue Express Passes. Read our detailed article to learn more about how to plan your visit to USJ and how to purchase your tickets.
Which teamLabs digital art museum should I visit?
There are now two teamLabs in Tokyo, there is teamLabs Planets near Odaiba and the newly opened teamLabs Borderless in Roppongi. If you have time we recommend that you visit both! teamLabs Planets is a single path exhibit which includes a section where you walk through water, whereas teamLabs Borderless is an open exhibit where you can wander around in any sequence. As a result teamLabs Borderless can get quite busy, whereas teamLabs Planets has a limited number of people going through the exhibit at each time. There are also smaller teamLabs exhibits in both Osaka, Fukuoka and Okinawa. For all exhibits we recommend you book your tickets well in advance through Klook.
How to Buy Tickets for the Ghibli Theme Park near Nagoya?
The Ghibli Theme Park near Nagoya has been fully completed from April 2024, and it has an equally difficult option to purchase tickets. Here is the link for international ticket sales. Note that they go on sale on the 10th of the month each month for the following month.
Should I Visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea Theme Parks?
Again, the answer is to visit both if you have time. Tokyo Disneyland resort is quite similar to other Disney theme parks. However, DisneySea is unique to Japan. If you have visited other Disney resorts, we therefore recommend that you visit DisneySea. For families with young children Disneyland has more child friendly rides.
How do I skip the queue at Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea theme parks?
Purchase your entry ticket in advance to ensure you do not miss out. Then when you arrive at the Disneyland or Disneysea theme parks, set up and add your entry tickets to the Disney app. Once your tickets are registered, you will then be able to access either free priority passes, which you can use to book a time to go on specific rides – note that these get allocated quickly so may not be available until later in the day. You will also have the option to pay for a Premier Access Pass, with more available time options. See our article at this link for further information about Tokyo Disney ticket and pass options and how to book.
How to have data and phone access during your Japan Trip
How to purchase an eSim plan or sim card for Japan?
We have put together detailed articles to help you decide whether to purchase a prepaid eSim plan for Japan or to purchase a physical sim card.
How to rent a pocket wifi for Japan?
We have put together a detailed article to help you decide which pocket wifi to rent for your visit to Japan.
What apps do I need for my Japan trip?
We have a detailed article to help you find the right apps for your Japan trip.
Japan Accommodation FAQs
How to book our Japan accommodation?
We recommend that you book through Booking.com – we use it ourselves for all of our trips. It provides an easy option to check out the accommodation options for each location and filter by number of people, type of accommodation and accommodation features. You can also easily see the cancellation options.
If you prefer to use another hotel booking option, that is also fine, you can compare all of the options in the map below.
How to find family friendly onsens in Japan?
One of the best family friendly onsen to visit in Japan is Yunessun Onsen in Hakone, near Mt Fuji. It has a section where you can wear swimwear, and has a fun selection of different themed onsen baths as well as waterslides. There is a separate gender-separated section for adults which is without swimwear, so if you are there as a family you could take turns minding the children while the other parent visits the other onsen area. Click here to buy your ticket through Klook. Also check out our detailed article to plan your visit to Hakone.
How to find tattoo friendly onsens in Japan?
We have put together detailed article to help you travel Japan if you have tattoos, and also to find tattoo friendly onsens.
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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.