Japan Travel Resources: Tips, Guides, and Recommendations

Welcome to my Japan travel resources! Here, you'll find a list of things to do before heading to Japan, a packing essentials guide, and an itinerary from my own trip. I hope these resources help make your adventure as smooth and enjoyable as mine!

Things to do before leaving for Japan!

These suggestions come from my own travel experiences and are meant to help make your journey as smooth and safe as possible. While everyone’s needs are different, taking steps to prepare in advance—like setting up Wi-Fi access, notifying your bank, and organizing important documents—can make a big difference. The goal is to travel swiftly and confidently, ready to enjoy all that Japan has to offer.

Get TSA Pre Check

Expedites your security screening process at airports, saving you time and reducing stress.

Buy esim for wifi in Japan

Ensures reliable internet access throughout your trip without needing a physical SIM card.

Call bank to tell them you are traveling internationally

Prevents your credit or debit card from being blocked due to suspicious foreign transactions.

Get Suica Card on Apple wallet

Provides easy access to public transportation, vending machines, and stores, saving you time and hassle.

Have paper and electronic copies of all important documents

Acts as a backup in case of lost or stolen documents, ensuring you can still access essential travel information.

Japan Packing List Essentials

Hand Wipes: For keeping your hands clean, especially on the airplane.

Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring.

Small Bags for Trash: Useful since trash cans can be scarce.

Handheld Fan: A lifesaver on hot and humid days.

Small Change Purse: Convenient for carrying the many coins you’ll accumulate.

Ziploc Bags: Versatile for storing snacks, toiletries, or small items.

Small Hand Towel: Helpful in bathrooms without paper towels.

Lightweight Backpack: Great for carrying your essentials while sightseeing.Small

Umbrella: Easy to carry for unexpected rain showers.

Raincoat: Keeps you dry during Japan's rainy spells.

Stamp Book: Collect unique stamps from temples, attractions, and train stations as memorable souvenirs.

Google Maps: Make sure to download Google Maps before leaving for Japan as it is known to be the best navigation app for navigating Japan's complicated rail system

My Japan Trip Itinerary!

This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to Japan, featuring the country’s most iconic and popular tourist destinations. Covering major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, it includes must-see attractions such as the bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the cultural marvel of Fushimi Inari Taisha. While it touches on the basics of what makes Japan so special, there’s still plenty left to discover on future trips. This itinerary is a great starting point for anyone looking to experience the highlights of Japan’s rich culture and history!

Day 1: Departure

Morning: Flight departs from Atlanta to Detroit
Afternoon: Arrive in Detroit for a layover
- Take a break, grab a snack, or stretch before the long flight
- Board your flight from Detroit to Tokyo Haneda Airport
  - Prepare for the international flight with entertainment, snacks, and comfort items

Day 3: Exploring Tokyo

Morning: Breakfast from 7-Eleven if needed
- Tokyo Station: Visit to exchange tickets for Hakone and Kyoto
- Spend time exploring this massive station, which features extensive shopping and dining options
Afternoon: Take a local train to TeamLab Planets
- Leave the hotel and head to the venue
- Experience TeamLab Planets (allow 2-3 hours)
- Download the interactive app beforehand
- What to Bring: Waterproof phone protector
- Dress Code: Avoid long pants or skirts (mirror floors)
Dinner: Consider dining options nearby or returning to the hotel for a meal

Day 5: Day Trip to Nikko

Morning: Depart from Tobu Skytree Station for Nikko
- Take a bullet train and a connecting bus to Edo Wonderland
- Explore Edo Wonderland for most of the morning and some afternoon
  - Enjoy interactive cultural experiences and traditional shows
Afternoon: Visit the Cultural Heritage Site in Nikko
- Spend a couple hours walking around and exploring the historic architecture
- Take in the beauty and history of the area
- Return to the train station
- Grab dinner at restaurants near the station
Evening: Train departs from Tobu Nikko Station to Tokyo
- Arrive back in Tokyo and relax at the hotel

Day 7: Travel To Hakone

Morning: Depart from Tokyo Station to Hakone on the Romance Car
- Hotel: Check-in at Ashinoko Hanaori
- Hotel shuttle will pick you up from Odawara Station
Afternoon & Evening: Explore Hakone’s beautiful scenery and attractions using Hakone Free Pass
- Hakone Free Pass: Use for sightseeing attractions around the Hakone area
- Eat lunch at restaurants located on the Hakone Ropeway
- Eat dinner at the hotel

Day 9: Travel To Kyoto

Morning: Take the hotel shuttle to Odawara Station
- Eat breakfast at hotel
- Grab a bento box at the train station to eat lunch on the train ride over to Kyoto
Afternoon: Train to Kyoto
- Hotel: Check-in at Dhawa Yura Kyoto
- Visit Nishiki Market for delicious Japanese food and local specialties
- Explore the market’s stalls and have dinner there
Evening: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha to experience the iconic 10,000 red torii gates

Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo

Afternoon: Land at Tokyo Haneda Airport
- Clear customs, collect baggage, and head to transportation
- Airport Limousine Bus: Take the bus to your hotel
- Hotel: Check-in at Tobu Levant Hotel Tokyo
Evening: Rest and explore the neighborhood for essentials
- Grab breakfast supplies from the 7-Eleven across the street in case of an early start

Day 4: Shibuya & Harajuku Adventures

Morning: Head to Shibuya, 20-25 minutes from Tokyo Station
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Best viewed at night, but still iconic during the day
- Hachiko Statue: A must-see spot near the crossing
- Shibuya 109: Explore this famous fashion shopping mall
- SHIBUYA SKY Observatory: Visit at 1:00 PM (reservation needed)
Afternoon: Make your way to Harajuku
- Takeshita Street: Discover unique fashion, tasty treats, and fun shops
- Snacks & Treats: Try “Sweet Box” crepes and “Long, Longer, Longest” tunnel potato

Day 6: Final Day in Tokyo

Morning: Visit Shinjuku and Akihabara for shopping and exploring anime/manga culture
Afternoon: Head to Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking views
- Spend time exploring the mall and aquarium at the base
Evening: Have dinner at Tokyo Skytree and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere

Day 8: Enjoying Hakone

Morning: Eat breakfast at hotel
Afternoon: Use the Hakone Free Pass to explore
- Visit the Hakone Ropeway, sightseeing cruise, sky bridge, and shops
- Find a place to eat lunch out
Evening: Relax at the hotel, eat dinner, and enjoy the onsen

Day 10: Exploring Kyoto

Morning: Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace & Gyoen Gardens
- Grab breakfast at a near by convience store
Afternoon: Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the scenic Katsura River
- Eat lunch at the shops around the Bamboo Grove
Evening: Enjoy a highly rated ramen restaurant near your hotel for dinner
- Pick up breakfast at a convience store for the next morning

Day 11: Travel to Osaka

Morning: Take bullet train from Kyoto to Osaka
- Hotel: Check-in at Singulari Hotel & Skyspa
Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful gardens
- Eat Lunch at restaurants surrounding Osaka Castle
Evening: Head to Dotonbori for vibrant nightlife, food stalls, and neon lights
- Grab dinner at one of the many food stalls in Dotonbori

Day 12: Universal Studios

Full Day: Enjoy Universal Studios Japan
Favorite Attractions: Super Nintendo World, the Demon Slayer XR Ride, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Day 13: Departure from Osaka

Morning: Last-minute exploration or relax at the hotel
Afternoon: Depart hotel for Itami Airport via Limousine Bus
- Take fllight from Itami Airport to Haneda Airport
- Fly back to Atlanta from Haneda Airport