Preparing for a Japan trip

Preparing for a Japan trip

This is obviously subjective depending on what you motivation, goals, experiences you want, where you go and when you go. This is how I approach my trips.

Since this is NOT my 1st trip, I always layout my path and what days I need to be in which city or area. This is usually based on when my friends and I plan to meet up. 

This has lead me to have my usual ‘Golden Route‘. Tokyo, Kawagoe, Tochigi, Yokohama, Shizuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Takamatsu, Fukuoka and Nagasaki. This locations are pretty much my route and I usually find days to go explore. 

I would have a map (My Maps by Google) marked with places that I want to see and visit. 

1. Cash – Having Yen is key as many places will only take cash. 
2. Translation app – this is vital if you don’t speak Japanese. Have it ready on your phone and make sure your phone is charged for these situations.
3. IC Card – I usually load up on my IC card to cover some train tickets, konbini food and other things. 
4. E-sim or pocket wifi – in 2023, I used a pocket wifi and while it helped, the battery would die, making this another item to charge. Using the pocket wifi, I was also able to upload a lot of my pictures from my phone with no data issues. This is the total opposite of the E-sim. The E-sim doesn’t need to be charged, but if you are using a lot of data (for instance I didn’t realize my photos were uploading to the my google drive) and I would get a notification saying that my data is low and I need to ‘top off’ (pay again). Not terribly expensive, but I’ve used the E-sim in both my 2024 trips. 
5. JR Rail Pass – Due to the ground and distance I try to cover, I usually get the National JR Pass (unlimited JR train coverage). Since the increase, the 7 day National JR Pass doesn’t seem to be worth it’s cost. I used the National Pass in March of 2024 and I felt I had to push it in order to make it feel worth it. I usually get the 14 day pass in prior trips. In July 2024’s trip, I decided to try the 7 day Hokuriku Arch Pass (cheaper and different path) which starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka/Kyoto (or vice versa) via going the Hokuriku region. I also decided to go with the 5 day Kansai Wide Area Pass. 
6. Additional Passes – Depending on region, I usually get a 1 day subway pass. Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka and Tokyo. These coupled with the JR Pass helps cover a lot more areas. 
7. Basic injury items – I didn’t really think about this until I developed blisters that ripped my skin under my toes. Konbini’s usually don’t have much, so you have to find a pharmacy and get the proper bandages and cream. 
8. Good shoes – While I never even thought about this, my newish, slightly broken in shoes I used in March 2024 helped develop blisters (along with walking a lot everyday). So on my July 2024 trip, I got comfortable walking shoes that are mesh style (USE WATER REPELLANT SPRAY).
9. Weather items – It is easy to adapt when you are underprepared. When it rains, I have bought cheap umbrellas at konbini stores. This past July, it was very hot and humid. I had to get the ‘neck fan’ and hand held min fan. 

There are always other things to add and depending where you go or when you go, those factors will dictate your trip and experience. 

Every trip seems to progress even more. I expanded out my golden route to Fukuoka for example. I’ve always looked for more things to experience in Japan. I’ve also added more hobbyist and history to my trips.