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What decision are you making?

Popular decisions eSIM vs SIM vs pocket Wi-Fi Narita Airport to Shinjuku USJ Express Pass decision
Mount Fuji seen from the Tokaido Shinkansen

Prepare your Japan trip in 10 minutes

6 things to sort before you fly, with our #1 pick for each.

Start the checklist

✓ Prices checked Oct 1, 2026 · ✓ Not ranked by commission

Don’t miss these 6 before you fly

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Some picks are partner links (we may earn a commission). How we pick

  1. Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

    Don’t land offline

    Use an eSIM if your phone supports it.

    #1 Airalo eSIM from US$11.50

    See Airalo plans
    Compare 3 options →
  2. Narita Express train at Shibuya Station

    Know your airport route

    Train or bus for most; a car for groups with bags.

    #1 Kiwitaxi private car from US$70 (Haneda)

    Check Kiwitaxi
    Compare train, bus, car →
  3. JR ticket gates

    Tap, don’t queue

    Local trains: tap an IC card or your phone.

    #1 Suica or PASMO no booking needed

    Choose my IC card
    Shinkansen luggage rule →
  4. Light installation at teamLab Planets, Tokyo

    These sell out first

    Book dated tickets as soon as your dates are fixed.

    #1 teamLab, Shibuya Sky, USJ, Disney

    See what to book
    teamLab tickets →
  5. Pharmacy in Marunouchi, Tokyo

    Hospital bills are yours

    Japan’s health insurance doesn’t cover visitors.

    #1 SafetyWing Essential from US$62.72 / 4 weeks

    Check SafetyWing
    Compare 2 options →
  6. Yamato Transport delivery trucks

    Travel light between cities

    Send big bags ahead; ride with a day bag.

    #1 Yamato Hands-Free official, no commission

    Open Yamato
    Compare 3 options →

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Quick answers

What should I book before flying to Japan?

Phone data, your airport-to-hotel route, dated tickets (teamLab, Shibuya Sky, USJ, Tokyo Disney) and travel medical insurance. Most other things can wait until you arrive.

Is an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi better for Japan?

An eSIM, if your phone is unlocked and supports it: install it before you fly. Pocket Wi-Fi suits groups or phones without eSIM, but you collect and return the device.

Do I need to buy train tickets in advance in Japan?

Not for local trains: tap an IC card such as Suica or PASMO. Reserve Shinkansen seats in busy periods, plus an oversized-baggage seat if your bag is over 160 cm (length + width + height).

What changes for tax-free shopping on November 1, 2026?

Shops charge the full price including tax. You get the tax back when you leave Japan within 90 days: scan your passport at the airport kiosk before you check in your bags.

Every guide is based on official sources and shows when its facts were last checked. Editorial policy · Affiliate disclosure

Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, cropped and resized)