Plan Your Dream Japan Trip in 6 Steps
Planning your Japan trip shouldn’t feel like a second job. These are the exact tools, tips, and resources we use ourselves. Everything is organized step by step to save you time, reduce stress, and make the planning process feel manageable and maybe even enjoyable.
Step 1: Book Your Flights and Find Your Stay
Flight Booking on kiwi.com: We turn to Kiwi when we’re flying on a budget. It pulls in flights from both low-cost and major airlines so you can compare quickly. If your dates are flexible, it’s one of the best tools for finding the cheapest routes within the US or internationally.
Hotel Booking Site: This is our go-to booking site for places to stay in Japan, from ryokans to high-end hotels to vacation rentals. The filters actually help, and their free membership can unlock perks like room upgrades or welcome drinks.
Where to Stay in Tokyo Guide: After living and traveling in Japan, we’ve stayed in dozens of places across Tokyo. This guide breaks down our favorite areas, price ranges from budget to luxury, plus tips for airport access and where to stay if you’re planning to visit Disneyland.
Step 2: Plan Your Itinerary
Klook use code DANAYAO for up to 10% off: We use Klook to book attractions, tours, and experiences ahead of time. It’s especially helpful for Japan-only passes and activities, and they often run promos to help you save. You’ll find everything from theme park tickets to regional train passes in one place.
Viator: Viator is great when we want more curated or guided experiences, especially with locals. It’s good for day trips, walking tours, food tastings, and anything that benefits from having someone lead the way.
Get Your Guide: We use GetYourGuide to book local tours and skip-the-line tickets. It’s great for comparing options across providers in one place. Some of our favorite experiences, like the tatami-making workshop, are only available here, so it’s always worth checking.
ByFood: If you want to dive into Japan’s food culture, this is the site to use. ByFood focuses entirely on culinary experiences, from ramen-making and wagyu tastings to hands-on lessons with local chefs. It’s one of our favorite ways to explore Japan through food.
Step 3: Get Your Itinerary Checked Out by Us
Personalized Planning, Just for You
Japan Itinerary Audits
We’ll review your itinerary and give expert, experience-based feedback so you can:
- Skip overwhelm, burnout, and backtracking
- Balance big sights with lesser-known gems
- Maximize each day without feeling rushed
We’ve got two options depending on how you like to plan.
Step 4: Choose Your Rail Pass and Local Transportation
Which JR Pass Do You Need (Free Guide): If you’re not sure which train pass makes sense for your trip, start here. These passes can save you a lot if they match your route. We created this guide to break down the regions and help you figure out exactly which pass fits your itinerary.
JR Passes on Klook: Once you know which pass fits your trip, Klook makes it easy to book in advance. They carry almost every major train pass and often offer discounts. We use it to save money on train tickets and recommend using code DANAYAO for up to 10% off eligible passes.
Car Rental in Japan: Self-driving is the best way to explore Japan’s more remote regions at your own pace. On our trip to Okinawa, having a car meant we could reach hidden beaches and local spots we’d never get to by train or bus. If you’re heading anywhere outside the major cities, renting a car makes a big difference.
Step 5: Handle the Logistics
eSIM: This is the easiest way to get internet the moment you land in Japan. Everything is done digitally so there’s no need to stop anywhere or pick anything up. I use eSIM on my phone and love how it gets me connected right away without any hassle.
Pocket WiFi: We like using pocket WiFi when traveling with family or in a group. It works just like regular WiFi, so everyone can connect easily without changing phone settings. Just don’t forget to return it at the end of your trip…we’ve made that mistake before.
Travel Insurance: We never travel internationally without it. It’s one of those things you think you can skip…until something goes wrong. SafetyWing is what we trust for medical coverage, flight delays, and lost luggage, just in case the unexpected shows up.
Luggage Delivery Service: This is one of the best travel perks in Japan. You can drop off your suitcase in the morning and have it delivered to your next hotel the same day. It’s the easiest way to travel between cities without dragging bags through train stations, so you can spend more time seeing what you came to see.
Step 6: Pack Like a Pro
Comfortable Travel Shoes: Japan is a walking country. We bring our Vessis for long days, train stations, and even hikes. They’re waterproof, lightweight, and super comfy.
Travel Outlet Adapter: Japan uses Type A plugs and 100 volts. This adapter charges all your devices and works across multiple countries, so you don’t need to buy a new one each time.
Camera: Our everyday camera. We use it for casual travel shots and client projects when I want more quality than a phone can give.
Battery Pack: Maps, train passes, and photos drain your phone fast. This compact charger fits in your pocket and powers up your phone several times.
Neck Pillow: No one talks about plane rest. This neck pillow keeps you from arriving with a sore neck or headache. It’s the one we always pack.
Osmo Pocket 3: Our go-to for smooth travel video. The gimbal and stabilization are game changers…most of our travel footage is shot on this.
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