AFTER you arrive in JAPAN

1. Get cash and always carry it with you

Either exchange some of your home currency or withdraw from an ATM (you’ll find ATMs in almost all convenience stores).

Many places in Japan — like restaurants, cafes, and small shops — still accept only cash, especially in rural areas. And you might also find yourself short on balance when using your IC card for trains or buses, so it’s always good to have some cash on hand.

2. Send your luggage from the airport to your hotel or between hotels when traveling around Japan

There’s one magic word: TA-Q-BIN (pronounced takkyūbin in Japanese). It’s cheap, fast, safe, and super convenient. You can find drop-off points at the airport or pretty much anywhere in Japan (link below). You can also send your luggage directly from your hotel — just ask at the front desk.

There’s really no reason not to use this service if you’re carrying heavy luggage; it makes your trip around Japan so much more comfortable. It’s especially helpful if you’re visiting Japan for skiing and have your own equipment.

Below, I’ve attached some links with useful information, prices, drop-off and pick-up locations, and more from the official website I always use for this service:

✈️ Airport pick-up/shipping counter locations

🧳 Luggage TA-Q-BIN

🎿 Ski/Snowboard TA-Q-BIN

🚛 All TA-Q-BIN services

3. Get an IC card (if you haven’t already added it to your wallet app)
An IC card is a rechargeable contactless smart card (or a virtual card in your phone’s wallet app) that lets you simply tap to pay. You can use it for public transportation, shopping at convenience stores, vending machines, and even renting bicycles.

There are two options:

A. Add a virtual IC card to your Wallet app on Android or iOS.
There are three card options: Suica, ICOCA, or Pasmo. There’s no real difference in how they work, so just pick the one you like best (go for the cutest one — ICOCA 😍). You can set it up from your home country. Check one of the attached photos for a quick guide (for iPhone), and if you have any trouble, just search online for step-by-step instructions: How to add IC card to Android (or iOS) wallet.

B. Buy a physical IC card at major train stations or convenience stores.
This option is currently limited, as sales of physical cards have been temporarily suspended in some areas. Availability can vary, so it’s best to check locally if you’re interested in getting a physical card.

Both your virtual IC card or a physical one can be topped up in three ways:

• Using a special machine (check one of the attached photos — you’ll find them at train and subway stations).

• Online (this is the method I use the most) — if you’re using a virtual IC card, you can top it up with Apple Pay or Google Pay.

• At most convenience stores.

You won’t believe how much time you’ll save by using an IC card instead of waiting in line to buy train tickets!

On some trains, you’ll need to pay an additional fee on top of your IC card balance (this usually applies to more comfortable or express trains). Unless you’ve purchased your ticket in advance (which is recommended), the conductor will come through the train checking tickets — just show your IC card, tell them where you boarded and where you’re headed, and have some cash on hand just in case they don’t accept cards.

4. Pick up your pocket WiFi if you reserved it in advance, or get one at the airport upon arrival

Unless you’ve already set yourself up with an eSIM, you’ll need to pick up your pocket WiFi at the airport if you booked it in advance. If you forgot to reserve it, don’t worry — you can usually rent one on the spot. Just ask for directions at the airport information counter.

5. Buy a power plug adapter if you didn’t bring one with you

You can easily buy one when you arrive in Japan, either at the airport or in most convenience stores. Japan uses a different type of power plug, and sometimes hotels or Airbnbs don’t provide an adapter in the room.