Let’s be real—if you want to have the trip of a lifetime, the secret is preparation. I’m all about getting everything I want out of a trip without cutting back, and here’s exactly how I did it.
Step 1: Choose Your Destinations
When it came to deciding where to go, I had a clear vision: We wanted to experience the lively energy of Tokyo, the laid-back but exciting vibe of Osaka, and a taste of Kyoto. Since my focus was more on modern Japan, We knew we didn’t want a nature-heavy trip. Here’s how we broke it down:
- Tokyo: This city is a must for any first-time visitor. With endless neighborhoods like Shibuya and Shinjuku, packed with shopping, entertainment, and themed cafés, I knew this was where I’d spend most of my time.
- Osaka: The food capital of Japan, home to Universal Studios, and just a train ride away from Kyoto, Osaka was a no-brainer. It’s a bit more relaxed than Tokyo but still full of exciting things to do.
- Kyoto: Known for its temples and traditional architecture, I only scheduled a brief visit here. While I wanted a taste of Japan’s history, I kept my trip focused on modern experiences.
When planning your trip to Japan, consider the type of experience you're after. Are you looking for a modern, fast-paced adventure filled with the bright lights of Tokyo and Osaka’s bustling streets? Or perhaps a cultural and historical journey through Kyoto’s temples and Nara’s serene parks? Maybe you’re dreaming of a nature-focused retreat, soaking in onsen hot springs or hiking in the mountains of Hakone. For those who crave sun and sea, a coastal escape to Okinawa’s beaches might be calling your name. Or why not go for a little mix of it all? Japan offers the perfect blend for every type of traveler!
Step 2: Select Your Travel Dates
We chose to visit Japan in late September to early October, and it was the best decision ever. The crowds were lower, the weather was nice (it was still hot but at least not rainy and hot)—and for someone like me who gets anxious during flights, the turbulence was minimal.
Why these dates?
- Fewer tourists mean shorter lines and better access to attractions.
- Comfortable weather for walking around the city. Japan can get pretty humid in the summer, and winter can be chilly, so fall is ideal.
- You might even catch some early autumn foliage or seasonal events like Halloween at Tokyo Disneyland.
Step 3: Book Your Flights
Now, here’s where I saved some serious money without sacrificing comfort. We booked with ANA Airways, which came with two checked bags free per person. While we packed light for the way there (more on that later), this perk was a lifesaver after all our shopping in Japan—we made full use of those extra bags on the way home!
I flew into Narita Airport, which is slightly farther from central Tokyo than Haneda, but the price difference made it worth it. Narita has a lot of international flight options, which means better deals if you’re traveling from abroad.
Once you land, getting to the city is easy. The Narita Express or Skyliner will take you to Tokyo in less than an hour. It’s quick, efficient, and affordable—everything you need after a long flight.
Pro Tip: Compare flight options at both Narita and Haneda Airports. Narita is typically cheaper, but if you’re short on time, Haneda is closer to the city center.
Step 4: Create a Basic Overview Itinerary
Here’s where things get exciting. I used the Wanderlog app to organize my trip and swear by it. First, I started by building out broad categories for everything I wanted to do:
- Food: Ramen spots, wagyu beef restaurants, and themed cafés (hello, animal cafés!).
- Attractions: Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and Hello Kitty World.
- Shopping: Must-visit areas like Shibuya and Harajuku.
- Neighborhoods: Key spots to explore like Asakusa and Akihabara.
Once I had my list, I marked the non-negotiables—the places and activities I absolutely had to do. For me, that included Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.
With Wanderlog’s map feature, I was able to zoom in on each neighborhood and add nearby attractions, restaurants, and shops to my daily itineraries. This made it easy to build each day based on what was close by, saving me time and energy.
Optimize Your Route: Once you’ve added everything to your day, use Wanderlog’s optimize route feature to plan the most efficient path. Less time traveling means more time exploring!
Step 5: Get Familiar With Essential Apps
When traveling in Japan, these apps were my best friends—they made everything easier and saved me a ton of time.
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Klook: This app was my go-to for booking tickets to popular attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and even restaurant reservations. It’s super user-friendly, and many attractions offer mobile tickets you can show on your phone for quick entry. Plus, Klook sometimes offers discounts, making it a great tool for saving money.
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XE Currency Converter: Japan’s prices are in yen, so having XE Currency Converter on hand made it easy to quickly check how much I was spending in my home currency. This was particularly useful for budgeting, shopping, and avoiding any surprises when paying for things like meals or souvenirs.
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Google Translate: The camera feature was an absolute lifesaver. I could point my phone at a menu, sign, or packaging, and it would instantly translate the text into English. This was especially helpful in restaurants where the staff didn’t speak much English, allowing me to confidently order food without worrying about getting something I didn’t want.
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Google Maps: Navigating Japan’s extensive subway systems is much easier with Google Maps. It tells you which platform to use, which train line to take, and where to transfer if necessary. Google Maps also estimates how long the trip will take and offers real-time updates on train schedules, which helped me stay on track and avoid getting lost in the big stations.
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Apple Maps: While Google Maps was my go-to for public transit, Apple Maps came in handy for walking directions. When exploring neighborhoods like Shibuya or Asakusa on foot, Apple Maps showed me the quickest routes through side streets and helped me find hidden spots like cafés and shops. It integrates seamlessly with other apps too, making it easy to switch between walking, public transit, and finding nearby attractions.
Step 6: Pre-book Major Activities
If you’re visiting Japan, pre-booking tickets is essential for popular attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and Hello Kitty World. These places often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays, so securing your tickets ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out.
I used the Klook app to pre-book theme park tickets and some unique experiences, but for others, like go-karting through Tokyo and our drinking tour, I booked through Viator. Both platforms are easy to use and allow mobile ticketing, which made our trip super convenient.
Why Pre-booking is Important:
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Guaranteed Entry: Popular attractions often sell out far in advance. This includes not only theme parks but also iconic experiences like themed restaurants. Many of these restaurants, such as Pokemon Café, Gundam Café, and Kawaii Monster Café, are reservation-only and sell out quickly.
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Time-saving: Pre-booked tickets let you skip long lines at ticket booths, saving hours during your visit. At major attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, this can make a huge difference, especially during busy seasons.
Themed Restaurants and Reservation Tips:
- Most themed restaurants in Japan, like the Pokemon Café or Alice in Wonderland Café, require reservations, and they tend to sell out quickly.
- It’s crucial to know when reservations open, which can be 3 months or more in advance. Some restaurants open their reservation systems exactly 90 days prior, and spots fill up fast—so it’s essential to mark your calendar and book as soon as possible.
Consider Crowd Levels:
- I used apps like TDR Now to check crowd predictions for attractions like Tokyo Disneyland and planned my visits on weekdays to avoid heavy weekend crowds.
- Weekdays generally have lower crowds, giving you a more enjoyable and relaxed experience.
Pro Tip: For busy seasons like Golden Week or special events like Halloween, book tickets and reservations as early as possible—up to 3-6 months in advance. Early bird discounts and reserved time slots will give you flexibility in planning your day.
Step 6: Research Transportation
Navigating Japan’s transportation system can feel overwhelming at first, but with a little preparation, it’s incredibly efficient and easy to use. Here’s how I tackled getting around:
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Japan Rail Pass:
The Japan Rail Pass is a must if you’re traveling long distances, like from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto. It covers the Shinkansen (bullet trains), JR local lines, and some airport transfers (like the Narita Express). The pass saves you a significant amount of money if you’re planning to visit multiple cities.- How it works: You need to purchase the pass before arriving in Japan. Once there, activate it at a JR station or airport (such as Narita) by showing your passport.
- Value: The pass is valid for a set number of days (e.g., 7, 14, or 21 days) and gives you unlimited travel on JR lines within that time frame. Even a one-way trip on the Shinkansen can be pricey, so the pass often pays for itself after just a few rides.
- Pro tip: The pass can also be used on JR local trains in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, so you’re not limited to just long-distance travel.
Suica Pass:
The Suica Pass is a prepaid, reloadable card for subways, buses, and trains within cities. It’s accepted almost everywhere and is a lifesaver for getting around Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities.
- How it works: We bought ours when we activated our JR Rail Pass right inside Narita Airport upon arrival. You can also purchase it at ticket machines in subway stations or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Simply tap the card at the turnstiles when entering and exiting stations, and the correct fare will be deducted automatically.
- Why it’s useful: It eliminates the need to buy single tickets each time you travel, making it more convenient. You can also use it at vending machines, convenience stores, and even some restaurants. The Suica Pass is compatible with other regional cards, so it works across Japan's major cities.
Google Maps:
I heavily relied on Google Maps for navigating Japan’s subway and train systems. It’s incredibly accurate, providing real-time updates on train schedules and telling you which platform to go to, which train line to take, and where to transfer.
- How it works: Enter your destination, and it will map out the route, including walking directions to and from subway stations. Google Maps also shows the estimated arrival time and alerts for any delays or changes.
- Pro tip: It’s also helpful for figuring out which exit to take once you get to your destination—Japanese stations often have multiple exits, and Google Maps will guide you to the correct one, saving you from wandering around.
- Bonus: Hyperdia: Another great tool is Hyperdia, an app that lets you check detailed train schedules and costs, including which trains are covered by the JR Pass. It’s useful for planning long-distance trips and ensuring you’re making the most of your pass.
Step 7: Pack Light
One of the best decisions I made for my trip was packing light. Japan’s train stations are efficient but not always equipped with escalators or elevators, especially in smaller stations, meaning you’ll often find yourself carrying your luggage up and down stairs. Packing light makes this much easier, and it gives you flexibility when traveling between cities.
Carry-on and Backpack Only:
I packed just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack, which was perfect for navigating busy stations and streets without feeling weighed down.
- Why it’s key: Japan has limited luggage space on trains and buses, so a smaller bag allows you to easily stow it overhead or at your feet. Plus, you’ll avoid any extra baggage fees, and it makes moving between destinations much less stressful.
- Pro tip: Many train stations, airports, and tourist areas have coin lockers where you can store luggage if you have time between check-out and check-in or want to explore without dragging your bags. These lockers vary in size, but many are large enough for small suitcases and backpacks.
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Outfit Planning:
To maximize my suitcase space, I planned my outfits in advance. I used a Pinterest board for inspiration and put together looks that were versatile yet cute enough for Instagram-worthy spots like Shibuya Crossing.- Mix-and-match pieces: By sticking to a neutral color palette with a few statement pieces, I was able to create multiple outfits using the same items. This saved space and ensured I looked stylish in my travel photos.
- Pro tip: Many hotels and Airbnbs in Japan have laundry facilities, so you can wash your clothes and pack even fewer items.
Shop Without Needing Extra Luggage Space
- Pro tip: Since we flew with ANA Airways, which gives you two free checked bags per person, I didn’t need to worry about overpacking. After filling my hockey bags with everything from Harajuku fashion to Dotonbori street snacks, I simply used my free baggage allowance to bring it all home without a hassle.
Final Thoughts: Plan or Perish (Stylishly, Of Course)
The fact of the matter is if you’re not planning, you’re probably panicking, and we don’t do panic here. Japan’s a whirlwind of neon lights, sushi spots, and Instagrammable alleyways, and trust me, you want to enjoy it all with zero regrets. From mapping out your non-negotiable experiences to leaving space for the unnecessary-but-totally-necessary shopping spree at Don Quijote—planning isn’t just a necessity, it’s an art form.
So, pack light, pre-book your thrills, and embrace every chaotic, quirky moment that Japan throws at you. Just don’t forget those extra bags, darling—you’ll need them to smuggle home all the treasures you’ll “accidentally” buy. In the end, it’s all about living your best life, one perfectly planned adventure at a time.