First trip to Japan checklist

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Tick as you go · 7 days: Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka

2 weeks before

Book hotels. In autumn, book Kyoto earlyKyoto hotel tax: ¥400 per person, per night for mostCheck hotel prices (Paid link)
SHIBUYA SKY at sunset: book about 2 weeks ahead (sells out)¥2,700 before 3 p.m. / ¥3,400 at sunsetBrowse tours & tickets (Paid link)
Hakone: the Hakone Freepass covers the loop2 days from Shinjuku ¥7,100 · Romancecar +¥1,200 each waySee the Hakone Freepass (Paid link)
Skip the JR Pass for Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka7-day pass ¥50,000 vs. about ¥20,000 in JR fares on this route

Install an eSIM at homeTurn it on when you land: maps and translation work right awayCompare Japan eSIMs (Paid link)
Visit Japan Web: immigration and customs in one QR codeRecommended, not required
Get a Suica (trains, buses, shops)iPhone: Welcome Suica Mobile (180 days) · Android: Welcome Suica card at the airport (28 days) · Balance not refunded
Carry ¥20,000–30,000 in cashSmall shrines, food stalls and some ticket machines are cash only · Convenience-store ATMs
Bag over 160 cm (L + W + H)? Reserve an oversized-baggage seat (free)No reservation: ¥1,000 on board · Over 250 cm: not allowed · Or send it ahead by takkyubin (next day or the day after)

Day 2 · 5Temples and the bamboo grove at 7 a.m.; Fushimi Inari at dusk
Day 3Hakone ropeway can stop (volcanic gas): check that morning
Day 3Onsen: wash before you get in
Day 4Tokyo → Kyoto: seat E for Mt. Fuji
Day 6Nara: bow to the deer; no human food
Day 7Tax-free: scan your passport at the kiosk before checking bags¥5,000+ (before tax) per store, per day · Within 90 days
Day 7Airport 3 hours early
Day 7Spend your leftover Welcome Suica balance