Japan 2026 Lessons to be Learned 

1. Packing: 

• Don’t overpack - buy in Japan (eg umbrella) - take your own toothpaste, Japanese is awful;
• medications must be in original packing + with dr letter - check as many illegal in Japan (eg ADHD meds); 
• ladies - pack clothes with pockets life is easier as you will be swiping to get through stations all the time; 
• backpacks keep hands free but wear them on your chest in train as courtesy to those behind (I bought scuba material one in Target Australia; it is fantastic as it’s super light AND it has stretch, grab one if ever you see it); 
• Japan has fantastic leather products from sneakers (Spingles are fab) to purses + handbags (Kissora) - so consider buying them there.

1. E-Money/Card -  add suica/ transport card to phone before you leave; always have cash on hand; Wise is great - 10 days if you want a physical card = excellent rates of exchange + transfers money fr Aust bank free.
2. Phone - buy data e-sim a week before you go and activate night before you leave; download and check all your apps (goggle maps is fine for transport info) and Google Translate is a must - practice before you go; always take photo shots of outside hotel addresses don’t always work and it’s much easier to identify fr photo; don’t run phone down on airplane cos you’ll need QR code for immigration; hotels have free wifi - can download maps on phones but can’t download directions; coffee shops often have free wifi-wifi; charging - often hotels have chargers if you forget; recommend buy charger AUD10 for multiple usb ports and u can use on trains etc. 
3. Accommodation - check hotel prices carefully =  dynamic pricing; clear cache or use vpn; sometimes room for 2 cheaper than for 1; checkin 3pm+ out 10am some will offer earlier check for AUD10; hotels usually store luggage; recommend use luggage service for about AUD20 you can have your luggage sent ahead;  3-star Kyoto and Osaka hotels around AUD50 per night; all hotels have toiletries, and many have one use shavers, combs, ear buds, face cream, tea/coffee in lobby; usually total room clean every 3 days; fresh towels left at door every day though; warning air con and heating can be centrally controlled so you can’t change; many windows open in rooms and so can let in fresh air; many have washing/drying avail and can buy detergent there sometimes its free - about AUD5 a load; allow for travel days … sometimes if you check out at 10 and get to somewhere b 3 you have only a few hours to sightsee so bear that in mind ….(I use Agoda to book ; I tried others but A is *usually* cheaper-booking direct with hotel can be problematic cos language and not always cheaper)
4. Book must-do activities well in advance - tickets are often released months beforehand and sell out quickly; def try Sumo and baseball games as no one does it like the Japanese 
5. Public Transport - no need Japan rail pass;  Shinkansen tickets can be bought day of journey but if popular time (Golden Week) book a couple of days ahead; can book online via app; check prices and time Osaka-Kyoto Special Rapid 1/2 hour and AUD5; elevators and escalators in most stations - just look for signs 
6. Get there early - Aussies tend to be early risers; beat crowds and avoid queues at sightseeing spots (especially outdoors ones like shrines and temples) by getting there by 7am trains start early; shops don’t open til 10 or 11 so visit Donki and other 24 hour places early too; chain coffee shops (Dotour) often open early (check on Google maps) and usually have great air conditioning/heating, free wi-fi, and places to charge computers and phones- I usually get to where I want to go, grab a coffee and plan; shopping - double check Amazon website - I could’ve save about AUD30 on an expensive purchase, delivered to me
7. Complete Visit Japan form on official website; photo the  QR code and store on phone - it makes getting through immigration and customs sooo much easier. 
8. 100Yen stores - Daiso, Seria etc are excellent for umbrellas, stationery (stickers), candy etc. Same miken candy $1 in Daiso v $4 in Donki. 
9. Go in the season suits you - 

• Spring + Autumn can be crowded so check (esp Hanami) but the weather is considered the best in these months ; 
• Summer hot+humid and school holidays so crowds = long lines for child-centred activities; heat lingers = starts at around 7am and doesn’t get cooler til 10pm;  transport is crowded and therefore heats quickly; so get out early and then move to indoor activities later in the morning; I hate summer in Japan
• Winter - people think Japan=snow but it rarely snows and it doesn’t stick in Tokyo but yes in Hokkaido etc - my fave season as  fewer people but many festivals and games aren’t on - however this is changing…

FINAL - luggage service. Japan has the most efficient system to move your suitcases around - it cost me about AUD20 to ship my suitcase from Tokyo hotel to this private address 4 hours away. Sent nigh r before and arrived next afternoon. Steps 

pack larger suitcase day before and take to lobby - (know hotel deets + reservation #)

Staff will help you fill form, tell you how long it will take, you pay them and they keep suitcase 

You wear one outfit for travel and pack another in backpack just in case

depending on distance, suitcase will be there next day (for checkin 3pm) or day after

Hotel staff will either take to your room or call you and let you know it’s there

Believe me carting luggage round trains stations/airports, up and down steps is no fun and worth every penny. Trouble is you gotta learn to pack light and think ahead.  Won’t work if you’re staying in a different hotel every night and they’re far apart - but logically it wouldn’t work for a holiday anyway.