Japan travel checklist (2026)

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What to sort before you fly to Japan

Passport valid - valid for the duration of your stay Essential Check the expiry date now, not the week you fly. Australian passport renewals take about 6 weeks.
Confirm you're still visa-free for Japan Currently visa-free for up to 90 days. Compare options →
Book proof of onward travel Checked by airlines at Australian check-in, not just on arrival.
Save digital copies of your passport and tickets Email them to yourself and save them offline in case your phone is lost.

Sort a travel money card for JPY Improving fast in cities, but Japan is still more cash-based than Australia. Small restaurants, temples, markets and rural bus fares are often cash-only. Avoid the 3% fee most Australian banks charge. Compare options →
Plan your JPY cash Carry ¥10,000-¥20,000 (roughly AUD $100-$200) at any time.
Check your bank app for a travel flag Reduces the chance of a fraud block on your first overseas purchase.
Remember: always pay in the local currency Declining dynamic currency conversion saves 3-7% on every card transaction.

Buy an eSIM for Japan Japan is one of the best-value eSIM destinations - 10GB for 15 days is typically under AUD $15, versus $5-$10 per day for Australian roaming. Compare options →
Check what your Australian plan charges to roam Under about four days, a roaming day pass often beats an eSIM.
Download offline maps and a translation pack English is limited outside major tourist areas - signage in cities is bilingual, conversation often isn't here.

Take out travel insurance Essential No reciprocal health care agreement - Medicare covers nothing here. Compare options →
Check vaccinations with your GP No vaccinations required. Routine Australian immunisations recommended; consider Japanese encephalitis for long rural stays.
Check your medications are legal Japan bans or restricts some common Australian medications, including pseudoephedrine-based cold and flu tablets and codeine painkillers. Bringing more than a month's supply may require a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate.
Subscribe to Smartraveller for this destination Current advice: Exercise normal safety precautions. Official site →

Plan your arrival transfer From Narita Airport, about 60 km from the centre. Compare options →
Get an International Driving Permit Essential Only issued in Australia by state motoring clubs, about $49. You cannot get one once you have left. Compare options →

Pack a Type A/B power adapter You need a Type A adapter. Japan's 100V is the lowest mains voltage in the world - modern phone and laptop chargers handle it fine, but Australian hair dryers, curling wands and shavers will run slowly or not at all.
Pack a refillable water bottle Tap water is safe and good quality everywhere in Japan. Public water fountains are common; bring a refillable bottle.
Save the local emergency number and the Australian consulate 110 police / 119 fire and ambulance - Australian Embassy Tokyo - +81 3 5232 4111
Book anything that sells out Timed-entry attractions and popular tours often need booking weeks ahead. Compare options →

All set - you're ready to fly.

Have a great trip to Japan.

Your Japan trip checklist