Japan Pre-Trip Booking Checklist

Everything that needs booking before you fly, in the order it sells out. Print it or work through it on screen.

Checkboxes work on screen too, state isn't saved, screenshot when done.

T-90 to T-60 days

Passport valid 6+ months past return date
Flights booked, open-jaw (into Tokyo, out of Osaka) if doing the Golden Route (why)
Peak season only (sakura/foliage/Golden Week): hotels reserved with free cancellation (timing playbook)
Travel insurance compared and bought
International Driving Permit if go-karting or renting a car (IDP rules)

T-30 days

Hotels/hostels booked, weekday-anchored (deal strategy)
teamLab tickets booked, sells out first (which one)
USJ / Disney date-locked tickets if going (USJ guide)
Shinkansen reserved seats if traveling peak days (window opens T-30)
Overnight bus booked if using the Tokyo–Kansai night leg
Rail passes decided, run your legs through the calculator

T-7 days

Suica added to iPhone Wallet, or Welcome Suica planned at airport (how)
eSIM bought and installed (activate on landing)
Airport transfer chosen and booked if bus (Narita/Haneda · KIX)
Klook vouchers downloaded to app, QR codes screenshotted
Bank told about travel; low-FX-fee card confirmed working
¥10,000–20,000 cash plan: bring some, 7-Eleven ATM the rest
Google Maps offline area downloaded for each city

More tools: all free Japan tools ·JR Pass calculator ·best time to visit.

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