How to Prepare for a Reopened Japan
Starting October 11th, Japan will welcome international visitors.
Cover photo: Dressed in a kimono, a young girl runs through a path of vermillion torii (shrine gates) and falling momiji (maple leaves) at Kishimojin Temple in Ikebukuro District, Toshima City, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan (2018). Photo by Eea Ikeda and via Unsplash (color-corrected).
Intro
It’s official! After a closure of nearly two-and-a-half-years, the Japanese government has announced that independent travelers will once again be able to visit the nation, starting October 11th, just in time for the beautiful autumn season! If you’re preparing for a visit soon, here’s some advice.
Opened in March of 2021, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan is one of the nation’s newest attractions, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan (2022). Photo by Danny With Love.
COVID
Reservations
In addition to plane tickets, now is a good time to reserve accommodations. The pent-up demand for travel to Japan will likely lead to a lot of overbooking. Also, if you’re hoping for dinner at a nice restaurant or a pop-up café, it’s a good idea to check if reservations are possible. Many museums, events, and other attractions require advance booking now as well.
Currency
Due to rising energy prices amidst the war in Ukraine, many currencies around the world have been losing purchasing power. Japan’s currency, the yen, has dropped to record levels against the dollar but businesses are expecting tourism to help boost the yen’s strength, and government officials are promising increased intervention so now is a good time to convert some currency.
Wise and Revolut are two possible platforms for this, but I have not tried either and cannot vouch for them. Be aware, in Japan, cash remains king, and though the situation is changing many places will not accept card.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizudera (The Pure Water Temple) is beautiful year-round but especially stunning in the peak of autumn, when it is surrounded by a sea of crimson momiji (maple leaves), Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by Danny With Love.
Pocket WiFi
International roaming charges are expensive, assuming you’ll have any coverage at all. Pocket WiFi is the easiest and most affordable way to ensure you have access to data while in Japan. Pocket WiFi rentals must be reserved prior to your trip. These devices can be picked up at major airports and shipped back via post box in Japan.
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
Foreign nationals visiting Japan may purchase the Japan Rail Pass, valid for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, which offers unlimited travel across various modes of transportation. It’s best to purchase the JR Pass online, in advance of your trip. The physical JR Pass can be delivered to your home address or to your accommodation in Japan.
Starting at $214 for 7 days, the JR Pass is an incredible deal for visitors planning to travel long distances. For reference, a one-way shinkansen (bullet-train) ride from Tokyo to Osaka costs just over $100, but if you’re only staying in one city, a standard rechargeable IC card will likely be sufficient.
Promotional image for the highly-anticipated Ghibli Park, partially opening November 1st, outside Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan (2022). Via Tokyo Art Beat (cropped).
Download the Line App
The smartphone app Line is the preferred method of communication in Japan, offering free messages and free limited voice calls via WiFi. It’s a good way to contact anyone travelling with you if separated, and it’s perfect for keeping up with any locals you befriend. Line is also popular with businesses and may be useful for automated reservations as well.
Chopsticks
If you’re excited to eat Japanese food like a local, you should practice using hashi (chopsticks)! Originating in China, hashi are used for sushi, rice, curry, and even soups. But fear not, many convenience stores offer disposable forks and spoons.
Language
One of the most fun aspects of visiting a different country is trying to assimilate into local culture by learning some useful words and phrases. Furthermore, Japan boasts one of the lowest levels of English proficiency in the world, and many service workers’ language skills have further rusted throughout the last couple years, so some basic Japanese will make for a much smoother trip.
Featuring lush décor, international cuisine, and views of the iconic Tokyo Tower, gourmet restaurant The Blue Room at the Tokyo EDITION hotel in Toranomon is a new Instagram hotspot, Minato City, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan (2022). Photo by Danny With Love.
Other Necessary Items
Masks. Japan is still strict about masking up in defense against COVID-19. These will be necessary prior to — and throughout — your trip.
Medication. Japan is strict with medication as well. Many are not available over-the-counter (without a prescription) and the ones that are available generally have weaker doses. It’s best to be prepared. Certain medications cannot be imported into Japan at all.
Power Adapter. Many U.S. electronics can be charged in Japanese outlets without the need for any special adapter, but it’s good to check. Adapters can be purchased in Japan, but you probably don’t want to be caught with low battery in a foreign country.
Socks. Many places in Japan, such as temples and some restaurants, require visitors remove their shoes upon entry, so it’s important to wear comfortable (and clean) socks. If you’re planning to visit during colder times of the year, thick socks are a worthy investment. It’s difficult to purchase socks larger than size 27 centimeters (10.5 inches) in Japan.
Hand Towel. Most public restrooms don’t have paper towels and many have indefinitely shut down their hand dryers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you don’t want to walk around with wet hands, a hand towel is a must. These can be purchased in Japan, and they make for a nice souvenir as well.
Tattoo Bandages. If you’re planning to enjoy a soak at one of the nation’s famous onsen (hot spring baths), be aware that tattoos are generally not allowed and must be covered. Bandages can easily be found in Japanese stores.
