Japan Travel Essentials I Never Visit Without (+ What to Skip in 2027)
The viral boom of Japan tourism came with a spiral of contradictory information that has made it rather difficult to navigate what is actually a Japan Travel Essential.
Amongst the chaos of viral ramen spots and tattoo-friendly onsen hotels, you are still left questioning what you need to pack, the apps to download, where to book, how to save money and what card you should even use to now spend the money!?!?
To save you all the time, stress and mistakes I made across 7+ Japan trips, all of your answers are waiting below in my fluff-free list of the things I truly never travel Japan without and a brutally honest callout of the hacks you can leave behind.
In a rush? My Top Japan travel essentials:
youtrip Multi-Currency Travel Card – save even more $$$ here with DONUT10
Book Japan Trains – From individual tickets to passes, I always check Klook first
My go-to Japan eSIM – Compare plans and pricing
Double disclaimer: Super stoked YouTrip has partnered with me on the Money & Cards section of this guide. The rest of the recommendations are based on my own travels, experiences and opinions – no fluff, just the good stuff.
My Ultimate list of Japan Travel Essentials
| Japan Travel Essentials | Category | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Suica Card | Card | Add it to your phone wallet for simple payment across trains, convenience stores and even claw machines |
| Visit Japan Web | Visa | Varies from country to country but still an essential hub for entry, visas and tax-free shopping |
| Klook | Booking | My go-to for Japan transport, experiences, and hotel booking – read my full review here. |
| International Driver’s Permit | Visa | Whether you road trip or just want to Mario Kart across Tokyo, you need this before you go! |
| YouTrip – Multicurrency Travel Card | Money | Makes spending in Japan easier and cheaper, with competitive yen exchange rates, 0% FX fees and fee-free ATM withdrawals. |
| Shopback | Discounts | + with YouTrip ShopBack, you can score extra cashback on eligible purchases along the way |
| 7/11 ATMs | Money | The most accessible and lowest-fee ATM for foreigners in Japan |
| Daiso Coin Organiser | Money | A handy 100 yen purchase to keep your coins together and learn what each actually is without digging around the bottom of your bag |
| Google Translate | Translate | A classic translation system – the lens is my fave feature |
| Kuli Kuli | Translate | For more complex Japan menus and signage |
| Google Maps | Maps | Again, a classic. I’ve found it has the best public transport breakdowns |
| Japan Trains | Transport | Spilling all my secrets to finding the best deal/time/discounts |
| Car rental | Transport | Where to book, foreigner-friendly options, discounts and more |
| Yamato Transport (TA-Q-BIN) | Luggage | Paying for luggage delivery service between your hotels/cities |
| Medium Suitcase | Luggage | Sorry overpackers, this is genuinely a gamechanger for getting around with ease and saving money |
| Coin Lockers | Luggage | Quick and easy luggage storage you need to understand |
| + MORE TIPS, TRICKS, HACKS & DISCOUNTS |
What I consider a Travel Essential after 7+ trips to Japan
As much as I can say the internet is full of varied travel hacks and viral hotspots, I get why you would wonder why mine would be any different.
The reality is, this information probably does contradict what essentials you have seen elsewhere and you may not agree with me on all of these – what works for me may not work for you BUT…
And that is a big BUT… I have actually put every single one of these hacks to the test across multiple trips across multiple places. Getting further insight working closely with Japan tourism boards and experts to collate the most valuable list of Japan Travel Essentials in one place (no need to dig deep into your saved folder)
With that said, what I consider a Travel Essential is not necessarily ‘essential’ but something I truly download, pack, use or book every single time I visit Japan that makes the trip so much easier, cost-effective and most importantly, FUN!
Best Japan Travel Apps & Websites – What to Download before you go
SUICA CARD
❓What is it
Suica is Japan’s rechargeable IC transport card. It comes in handy in a lot more ways and places across your Japan travels.
📲 How does it work
Regular physical Suica: Pick up a card with a ¥500 deposit, then top up at JR East ticket machines, ticket offices and some convenience stores. No expiry date!
Digital Suica (easiest and my fave option): Add Suica directly to Apple Wallet and top it up from there. Android users can use Google Wallet if their device supports Japan’s FeliCa technology.
Welcome Suica (tourist version): Select airport machines and JR East Travel Service Centres have a no ¥500 deposit valid for 28 days from first use, and any remaining balance is non-refundable Suica option.
⭐ My Recommendation
The Digital Suica will save you so much time and stress! You can easily see your remaining money, top it up and use it via tap-and-go.
Visit Japan Web
❓What is it
This is Japan’s official pre-arrival website where you can sort out your immigration and customs paperwork before you land. It also happens to be the start of your tax-free shopping registration (because who doesn’t love saving a few yen?)
📲 How does it work
Create your account at Visit Japan Web and add your passport, flight and accommodation details. Complete your immigration and customs declarations, so you can use QR codes for your arrival.
The tax-free shopping registration is a similar set-up from registration to QR code generation to use at participating stores.
⭐ My Recommendation
Don’t mix it up with Japan eVISA – they’re two different things, and you may not need both. For me, most Australian passport holders visiting for a short holiday don’t need a visa, but Visit Japan Web is still essential to set up before landing.
Most people already know WhatsApp as a top messaging platform/service, and if you don’t have it already I highly recommend downloading it for your trip, as it will often be the best way to communicate with hotels, tour guides and even book restaurants.
Klook
❓What is it
Klook is THE travel booking platform for Japan Travel. From all things expereinces, attractions and tours to transport, stays and even car rentals.
📲 How does it work
While Klook is so much more than an app to download before you go, it is well worth having ready to keep all of your tickets, reservations and last minute deal browsing accessible during your trip.
⭐ My Top Tip
read my complete Is Klook Legit Guide here for all the juicy insider secrets, discounts and brutally hoenst reviews.
International Driver’s Permit
❓What is it
An IDP is essentially a translated version of your regular driver’s license – kind of like a driving passport if you will.
🚙 How does it work
The process may vary across your home country but overall you will need to get it ordered and sent to you prior to flying out for your Japan trip. Even if you don’t plan on heading off on an epic roadtrip (you’re missing out), you still need an IDP for activities like the Mario Kart City Tours.
⭐ Our IDP experience
For my fellow Aussies, it was as simple as applying via NRMA either though a quick online application or visit to a participating branch. You will need your Australian Driver’s license and a passport-sized photo, then pay the $55 fee.
It should arrive within 3 days but make sure to give yourself a little more leeway before you fly. Once you have it, it’ll be valid for 12 months (not only in Japan but around the world)
Managing Money in Japan – Travel Cards, ATMs & Cash
The best multi-currency travel wallet – YouTrip
❓What is it
YouTrip is my go-to multi-currency travel wallet with its own app that lets you exchange and spend with 0% foreign exchange fees and so many more bonuses that help you avoid annoying overseas transaction fees, stress, and time-wasting.
💜 How does it work
Once you download the YouTrip app and sign up you can top up using Apple Pay or a credit card. then swap your Aussie dollars into Japanese yen. The best part about it is you can lock in the best exchange rate befoe your shopping spree even starts.
I like to think of it as the ultimate money saving buffet in your pocket with:
- 0% foreign exchange fees
- mates rates in 150+ countries (my personal fave)
- $0 top-up fees and $0 annual fees
- free physical card + Appl/Google Pay capabilities
- Fee-free ATM withdrawals overseas, up to A$1,500 per month (T&Cs apply)
- In-app perks to save you even more
⭐ My Bonus Money Saving Tip
Get a bonus $10 topped up into your account when you sign up with code DONUT10 and/or use the button below. Let me tell ya, $10 goes a long way in Japan!
Shopback
❓What is it
To put it as simply as possible, this is a cashback system that gives you a percentage of your eligible purchase back as cash when you shop through participating retailers or offers.
💵 How YouTrip Shopback works
YouTrip has their very own shopback system built into the app, meaning you get extra perks with ease across travel and shopping! All you need to do is Claim Perk within the app before booking/spending.
Make sure to check any offer terms, as cashback eligibility, rates and participating retailers can vary.
⭐ My experience
For Japan Travel in particular, you can make the most of everything from Trip.com, Expedia, eSIMs, airport lounges, car rentals, insurance, and even up to 10% tax-free for your Don Quijote hauls. That is money back into your account or like me, the guilt-free claw machine and ramen fund haha.
7/11 ATMS
❓What are 7/11 ATMs
As the name suggests, these are the cash machines located inside Japan’s 7-Eleven convience stores or 7-Eleven Banks.
🏧 How does it work
While you’ll have 0% transaction and foreign exchange fees with YouTrip, ATMs can still come in with their own sneaky ATM fees if you don’t know what to look out for. That is why we always hunt down our nearest 7-Eleven as they are the most consistent when it comes to zero or low fees.
⭐ My experience
7/11 ATMs have been the most reliable and easiest spots for us to get money out all across tehe country. Even better that many of them are available 24/7!
Daiso Coin Organiser
❓What is it
This viral $100 coin organiser seems like a simple piece of plastic but it makes storing and tracking your coins easier than ever. Especially for those new to Japanese currency, the labelling and varied coin sized slots makes it a breeze to pay up without holding up the line.
👛 How does it work
There are variants of coin organisers and purses you can purchase all across Japan but what I love about the Daiso one is it is small enough to through in yoru existing wallet/bag and again, the labels make it so easy to track. It actually helped me so much gteting used to the currency.
Navigating Japan – My go-to Maps and translators
Google Translate
❓What is it
The most recognised free translation system in the world and it has saved me more times than I can count in Japan.
📲 How does it work
Download the Google Translate app on your phone to use its range of features from coversations, lens and transcribe to help you naviagate menus, signage, check-ins and more.
Don’t forget you can download Japanese as a language so you can translate anywhere regardless of if you data runs out or your find yourself in a unique waterfall onsen without service. In saying that, it goes a long way to learn the basics to get by on your own too + show respect for the locals!
⭐ My experience
Save Google Translate as a Widget for quick access, especially for photo translations and conversations!
KuliKuli
❓What is it
KuliKuli is a more indepth translation app for those tricker Japanese charcaters and signage Google translate even gets stumped on. Going beyond literal translation to help you understand labels, landmarks and local cultural details in over 120 languages with additional context clues.
📲 How does it work
Just like Google Translate, you have to download the KuliKuli app to use its two-way conversations, Text translation, context-aware camera translations, Menus, shopping and culture features.
⭐ My experience
This is not a comparison to Google Translate; instead, I recommend having both downloaded ready for anything Japan throws at you – even bad fortunes!
Google Maps
❓What is it
Again, a true travel classic that is arguably the best app for getting around Japan. Not only does it have one of the most up-to-date foreigner-friendly maps, but I also love the extra detailed transport information – route number, departure times, platform number, transfer instructions, estimated fare cost, best carriage to hop on, business scale, exit direction…
🗺️ How does it work
I have Google Maps downloaded on my phone and set as a main screen widget, though you can also browse on desktop.
⭐ My Secret Google Maps Hack
Forget your social media doom scroll, if you want to find the best hidden onsens, restaurants, and lookouts, I love to scroll around on Google Maps to click through on photos, reviews and recs.
Onsens & Accommodation – My Best Japan Hotel Booking Sites & Hacks
⭐ Where I Book Hotels in Japan
save extra $$$ with code DONUTKLOOK
Build your loyalty & get rewarded – the most consistent globally.
An underdog that has become my top overall travel booking platform.
Japan’s top accommodation booking platform – best for unique onsen hotels and ryokan stays
⭐ Compare all platforms
Don’t get me wrong, I am a big advocate for building loyalty through specific booking platforms for those extra discounts and perks. Yet you will find that other platforms may have varied availability, room types and better prices that beat those loyalty perks, making it always worth a quick Google search to compare across platforms.
⭐ Check the Bed Size
This may seem like common sense for booking any hotel around the world but Japan is slightly trickier as bed sizing/names mean something different than other places.
A few things to watch out for:
Bed length: Japanese hotel beds average 195 cm long (though many are much smaller, says my 197cm tall bf), compared with 203 cm for standard Australian beds.
Semi-double: Often advertised for two guests, but it’s a tight squeeze! Beware that some hotels will even sell single-bed rooms for couples… I do not recommend.
Twin room: Usually means two Single beds, rather than two Doubles.
Hollywood Twin: Two Single beds pushed together.
⭐ Finding Onsen Hotels in Japan
Would you look at that… I already have a guide for you with all my fave onsens linked too!
Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu
Snow Monkey Park, Nagano
Tokyo, Japan
Transport – My go-to Trains, Car Rentals & Airport Transfers
How to Save $$$ on Japan Trains
- Use code DONUTKLOOK when booking tickets via the Klook web or app.
- Compare times, trains and routes – a perfect example of this is the hundreds you can spend on Shinkansen between Osaka and Kyoto versus only a few dollars for the local lines that only take an extra 20 mins anyway.
- It’s easy to save money by travelling in ordinary class on Shinkansen; after all, even their economy seats feel equivalent to our business/first class transport offerings in Australia.
⭐ Underrated Japan Train Advice
If you have a flexible schedule or are maybe just prone to running late, if you book Non-Reserved (Unreserved) Seat Shinkansen Tickets you can use them at anytime on that same date.
Comparing Train Passes – beyond JR PASS
The JR PASS has mostly been shunned since its large price hike a few years back but that does not mean all Train Passes deserve the same treatment. In fact, there are so many variatants of train passes that allow you to explore specific regions with unlimited train and bus routes, bonus perks and even cheeky discounts for other activities/theme parks.
Klook.comBest Car Rental in Japan
We have become regular roadtrippers in Japan so have learnt a thing or two about the good, bad and confusing process of car rentals. Here what you need to look for:
- No Deposit dealerships – Trip.com has an amazing car rental booking system that has this as a search feature. This helps you avoid needing credit cards to match the right name, delays in getting your money back and simply not having to mess around with translating the whole ordeal.
- Go beyond the city – We hate the tolls and traffic you can get caught in with the big cities, so we often get a train out to the regions we want to go on mini road trips. This helps us keep cost and stress down. For example, we caught the train from Osaka to Wakayama City to roadtrip to Nachi Falls.
- You do not need a big car – Again, unless you have kids and a ridiculous amount of luggage, it is so much easier to navigate Japan in a small car.
Luggage – The realities of Forwarding, Storage & Packing
Yamato Transport (TA-Q-BIN) Luggage Forwarding
❓What is it
Yamato is Japan’s famous luggage delivery service with the cute black cat logo! Allowing you to post your suitcase from one hotel to another (or airport/designated collection point).
🧳 How Does it Work
The easiest way is at your hotel reception desk, if it is not available, you can find a Yamato Transport Counter or a participating convenience store. Here you fill our a delivery form and pay the fee (it changes based on your location)
Luggage is usually delivered within 1-2 days, route-dependent and should be waiting at your next hotel. Regardless, make sure to pack yourself an overnight bag in case of any delay.
⭐ My experience
Despite 7+ visits to Japan, I have only used this service twice, and I truly can not complain about either experience (well, maybe how quickly the price adds up).
Anyway, I may not be able to call it an ESSENTIAL for me personally, but I do understand the benefits it has for many travellers that felt it worthy of the list here. Don’t worry I will go into the nitty-gritty on this a little later.
Medium Suitcases
❓What is it
Medium Suitcases are typically checked luggage within 60cm to 69cm (24 to 26 inches) in height with a capacity of 50L to 85L.
🧳 Why Medium Suitcases
Japan is an easy place to overpack for let alone the insane shopping spree you will likely go on during your visit. Alas, I have found Medium Suitcases are the sweetspot for room, ease of transport and can actually open properly in tiny Japanese hotel room.
⭐ My Fave Medium Suitcase Perk
Medium Suitcases happen to fit PERFECTLY on the top luggage racks in shinkansen so you don’t have to worry about missing out on the luggage storage seats, they will fit wherever you are.
Coin lockers
❓What is it
These are self-service luggage storage mostly found throughout stations, airports and popular tourist areas. Usually a mix of shapes, sizes and prices to match each.
🛅 How does it work
Find an empty locker suitable to the size of your bags (you may have to use two separate ones for luggage vs backpacks, pending availability and size). Close and then pay using coins, cash or a SUICA card to lock it and receive your key or digital code. Make sure to check the locker timing and terms.
⭐ My experience
Don’t 100% rely on coin lockers to plan your travel days. We got stuck when the station had completely sold out of lockers. While those big transport hubs may have lockers, they are more likely to be full.
My best Japan Travel DISCOUNTS and money-saving tips
YouTrip Multi-Currency Wallet – DONUT10
❓What makes YouTrip Different?
Unlike your everyday bank card, YouTrip allows you to keep an eye on (and lock in!) exchange rates, avoid pesky international transaction fees fees and get the best rates around on any currency exchange all in the one app/card.
💜 How to save money with YouTrip
Yes, I already hyped up YouTrip before because it really is a superstar for travel spending. As a little refresher with a few bonus goodies thrown in, this is what you need to know:
Lock in a good exchange rate:
- Avoid FX fees: Enjoy 0% foreign exchange fees on eligible overseas card purchases.
- Skip top-up fees: Add money to your wallet without any top-up or annual fees.
- Withdraw cash: Take advantage of fee-free overseas ATM withdrawals up to A$1,500 per month (T&Cs apply). ATM operator fees may still apply.
- ShopBack perks: Check eligible cashback offers before shopping or booking activities to get some money back on qualifying purchases.
- My favourite of all…. FREE MONEY
Seasonal Sales
Everyone loves a sale and luckily for you, there are plenty all year around to help you save big on your dream Japan trip. I like to break seasonal sales into 3 main categories:
- HOLIDAY SALES: This is your classic Black Friday, Travel Tuesday, Mid-Season, EOFY extravaganzas and even birthday parties of different brands and platforms.
- TRAVEL TIMING SALES: From early bird discounts to last-minute deals, these are the bargains you can pick up around different planning styles/timelines.
- JAPAN SEASON SALES: These are the deals that pop up specifically to match the seasons in Japan. Peak seasons like Cherry Blossom and Winter snow will often have dedicated sales across flights and hotels. On the other side of that, you can save even more with off-season deals where Japan is pushing to disperse tourism beyond the peak (summer sales!).
⭐ My expert travel advice
With never-ending sales, it easily becomes a gamble waiting around for something even better/cheaper BUT stop waiting! If you really want the flexibility, at least hold something in with free cancellation because things can sell out and prices can spike very quickly, especially for Japan travel.
Off-Season Travel
❓What is off-season travel in Japan
The specific dates of Off-Season vary as Japan’s seasons vary from North to South. Overall, it covers times outside peak season: Avoiding Cherry Blossoms, Golden Week, Autumn Foliage, and Winter Ski.
How can Off-Season save you money?
As mentioned above, these low and shoulder seasons come with major discounts to encourage tourists to visit beyond the peak seasons and peak destinations. Not to mention, pricing overall is usually a fraction of the price – seriously, we scored a fancy hotel with a foot spa and free sake in the middle of Kyoto for $75 a night in June instead of over $500 a night in April!
⭐ My expert travel advice
Even in low tourist seasons, make sure to double-check for any Japan Public Holidays, as things can either be closed or insanely busy
Travel Beyond the Golden Route
❓ What is Japan’s Golden Route
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Mt Fuji host some of Japan’s most iconic landscapes and experiences; it is no wonder it has become the famous tourist trail. Unfortunately, with that has come overtourism.
How can this save you money?
So not only can you help disperse tourism across to lesser-known regions of Japan, you can save big while doing it as these destinations are often a fraction of the cost of major cities.
⭐ My Expert Travel Advice
For those looking for a ryokan or onsen hotel experience on a budget, this is my biggest hack!
Looking for more unique Japan travel inspiration? Check out my Japan Beyond The Golden Route Itinerary!
Klook – DONUTKLOOK
Check out my Is Klook Legit Post for the inside scoop and more juicy discounts, or simply:
OVERRATED Japan Travel Hacks – 5 things I don’t think are worth the time, money and sanity
❌ Luggage Forwarding
This is one of the most viral ‘Japan Travel Hacks’ yet for most people, it will be a waste of time, money and maybe even outfits. Seriously, it can add up QUICK if you use it multiple times in a trip with an average service cost around $50.
Sure, if you are an excessive overpacker, travelling with a big family/kids, have complicated transfers or have a remote night between big cities that you only need a day pack for, Luggage Forwarding may make sense. And hey, even I have used it once or twice.
Yet the reality is, I often find it more trouble than it is worth as some take multiple days to arrive between hotels or simply that a lot of the time we only travel with a medium suitcase each that is easy to lug around and store on all the trains anyway.
❌ JR Pass
Ever since the major price hike, the JR PASS lost its spot as a Japan Travel Essential as it no longer holds the same value for money it once used to for the regular Japan holiday-er.
❌ Pod hotels
Even for Solo Travellers, you can find a way better deal on private hotel rooms than you can across pod hotels WITHOUT having to worry about your space, storage and sanity.
We have stayed in a couple, mostly during our struggles of Cherry Blossom Season Travel and sure, it was a unique experience and way better than most hostel dorms I have stayed in over the years. Yet, especially when we usually travel as a couple, standard hotel rooms (and even some onsen hotels!) are way cheaper with more to offer for us. Overall, it feels more like a gimmick experience than a hack.
❌ Viral TikTok Travel Advisors
I guess I somewhat fit into this category since my social media presence and even this blog is set up to be your Unique Travel Expert BUT this is more than that.
❌ Don Quijote
Donki is an iconic Japan shopping extravaganza with some of the best opportunities for tourists to pick up souvenirs, beauty products, snacks and probably a few things you definitely don’t need but always end up in your cart anyway.
What most tourists don’t realise is that it is not always the best value, even more so in key tourist areas where prices are further inflated. Ultimately, I am not against a good Donki shopping spree but I do encourage you to check out other stores too!
Keep Planning Your Japan Adventures:
Unique 2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary: My 14 Day Beyond the Golden Route Itinerary
My Ultimate Japan Guide: 33 Unique Things To Do in Japan
Discover Japan’s Best Onsens: 18 Unique Onsen Hotels in Japan
Where to find the unique waterfall onsen: The Complete Guide to Amagiso Odaru Onsen
Avoid the crowds at Mt Fuji: 5 Unique Mt Fuji Photo Spots
Japan’s most underrated region: The Complete Guide to Aizu, Fukushima
Is Tokyo Disneyland Worth Visiting: Your Tokyo Disney Survival Guide
What about Universal Studios Japan: My Brutally Honest Guide to USJ
My final tips and uncomfortably honest thoughts on Japan Travel Hacks
There is a lot of pressure with the rise of viral travel spots and hacks to feel like you need to optimise every part of your Japan trip and the harsh reality is that no matter how hard you try, there are always going to be unexpected hiccups along the way.
Funnily enough, that is the reason most of these made the cut as my Japan Travel Essentials because they have genuinely helped me in those moments where things didn’t go to plan.
Ultimately, give yourself time to get lost, splurge here and there and simply step away from the hacks to soak it all in, ideally in an onsen somewhere!
Honestly, I could ramble on for days about this, but if you ever have any specific questions or are feeling extra nosy and want more in-depth insight, do not hesitate to email me or DM @wanderingdonut ♡
