• Visa requirements: Most Western passport holders can enter visa-free for 90 days. Always confirm with a Japanese consulate or the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
  
• Prescription medications: You may bring up to a 1-month supply of prescription medication. For larger amounts, apply in advance for an import certificate. Carry original packaging and a copy of the prescription.
  
• Restricted substances: Common drugs like Adderall, pseudoephedrine (in Sudafed), and some codeine-containing medications are banned. Check with Japanese customs before bringing any medication.
  

• Haneda (HND) � Closest to central Tokyo (~14 km). Monorail, Keikyu Line, bus options, and future JR Haneda Access Line (by 2029).
  
• Narita (NRT) � ~60 km from Tokyo. Access via Narita Express (N�EX), Keisei Skyliner, and bus options. Runway expansion and terminal upgrades planned by 2028.
  
• Ibaraki (IBR) � LCC-focused airport 80 km from Tokyo. Limited flights, but budget-friendly bus connections (�500).
  

• Kansai Intl (KIX) � Serves Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Major international hub.
  
• Chubu Centrair (NGO) � Serves Nagoya. Accessible via Meitetsu μ-SKY.
  
• Fukuoka (FUK) � Central Kyushu access. Airport is 5 minutes from downtown via subway.
  
• Sapporo � New Chitose (CTS) � Primary Hokkaido airport. 24-hour operation, major domestic hub.
  
• Hiroshima (HIJ) � Mix of domestic and international flights.
  

• IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc.) can be used on almost all public transport and in many shops.
  
• Apple users: Add Suica or PASMO to Apple Wallet for tap-and-go Express Mode. Works with iPhone 8/Watch Series 3 or newer (iOS 14+).
  
• Android users: Only Japanese-market Android phones with Osaifu-Keitai are supported. Most international Android devices cannot use Mobile Suica/PASMO.
  
• Tourist cards: Welcome Suica (valid 28�180 days) available via app or at vending machines. No deposit required.
  
• For credit card compatibility with Mobile Suica, see this Flyertalk thread: [[url]https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/2031557-best-us-credit-card-charging-mobile-suica.html Best US credit card for charging Mobile Suica].
  

• The Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho).
  
• Prices increased in October 2023, so the pass is now only good value for those planning multiple long-distance trips in a 7�14 day span.
  
• Consider regional JR passes, which may offer better value and flexibility. See the [[url]https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1810489-consolidated-list-jr-regional-passes.html Consolidated List of JR Regional Passes] on the Japan forum.
  

• Both JAL and ANA offer special air passes for foreign visitors, such as:
  • JAL Japan Explorer Pass
    
  • ANA Experience Japan Fare
    
• These allow up to 5 domestic flights at competitive flat rates. Ideal for covering large distances (e.g., Tokyo�Okinawa) quickly.
  

• Shinkansen: Reliable and fast. Reserved seating available via JR ticket offices or Smart EX (see below).
  
• Private railways: Extensive networks in urban areas (e.g., Kintetsu, Keikyu, Tobu).
  
• Buses: Overnight and highway buses connect most cities. Cheaper than trains but slower.
  
• Car rental: Useful in rural areas. International Driving Permit required.
  
• Cycling: Japan is bicycle friendly, but cycling rules and behavior differ from what you may be used to; rentals common in tourist areas.
  

• Google Maps / Apple Maps � Best for transit routes and walking directions.
  
• Navitime � Reliable for multi-modal journey planning.
  
• JR East app � For JR East reservations and Suica balance.
  
• Smart EX (English) � Book and reserve Shinkansen seats on the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu lines (including Nozomi trains) in English: https://smart-ex.jp/en/
  
• Suica / PASMO / Welcome Suica apps � Manage balances, add cards to Wallet, reload funds.
  
• GO Taxi � Hail regular taxis across Japan. Alternatives include JapanTaxi and DiDi.
  
• Google Translate � Excellent for scanning signs and menus.
  
• XE Currency � Easy currency converter.
  
• eSIM provider apps or airport SIM rentals � For connectivity during your trip.
  

• Immigration: Recent reports of long lines at peak times. Especially at HND.
  
• Trusted Traveler Program (TTP): Frequent visitors (2+ entries/year) may be eligible. Apply via Immigration Bureau. Details in this Flyertalk thread: [[url]https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1872951-trusted-traveller-program-japan.html Trusted Traveller Program in Japan].
  
• Visit Japan Web (Online Customs Declaration) is available for faster entry. Set up Visit Japan Web on your mobile phone before arriving. Once you have your luggage, you need to validate / confirm your declaration at a kiosk, then go through the automated gates.
  
• Mobile Suica/PASMO card kiosks are located at airport train stations. *(But you can add SUICA to iPhone wallet in advance to save time)
  

• Deluxe hotels: Luxury brands (Ritz-Carlton, Aman, etc.).
  
• City hotels: 3�4 star, often part of local Japanese chains, good business services.
  
• Business hotels: Compact, clean, and functional (e.g., Dormy Inn, APA).
  
• Hostels: Budget-friendly, social options.
  
• Ryokan: Traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms and onsen baths. Meals often included.
  
• Minshuku: Family-run guesthouses with a more casual experience.
  
• Airbnb / Vacation Rentals: Legal in many areas but regulated. Always check listings for legality.
  
• Capsule Hotels: Novelty value.
  

• Internet: Download an eSim in advance. Failing that, rent Pocket Wi-Fi or buy an eSIM/SIM card at the airport.
  
• Cash is still widely used. ATMs at 7‑Eleven and Japan Post accept foreign cards.
  
• Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard most accepted; Amex and Diners less so. Some smaller shops are cash-only.
  

• Quiet on public transport � no phone calls.
  
• Form lines and wait your turn for trains.
  
• Convenience stores (konbini) offer food, ATMs, toiletries, and even tickets.
  
• No tipping � service is included.
  
• No eating while walking � it�s considered rude.
  

• Arrive 2�3 hours before international departures.
  
• Tax-free shopping: Save receipts and present passport at checkout.
  
• Refill your IC card or use up your balance before heading to the airport.

• Haneda Access Line (JR) under construction, will allow direct rail link from central Tokyo (expected 2029).
  
• Narita Airport expansion includes a third runway and terminal redevelopment (by 2028).
  
• Ibaraki Airport upgrades underway to expand low-cost service options through 2026.
  

January

• Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido
  
• Scale: Extremely popular, draws 2+ million visitors annually
  
• What to See: Giant, intricate snow and ice sculptures, light displays, snow slides
  
• History: Began in 1950 by local high school students; now an international event with global ice sculptors
  

• Location: Tokyo (and other cities)
  
• Scale: Moderately crowded, more locals
  
• What to See: Edo-era firefighting acrobatics, fire truck parades, rescue drills
  
• History: Dates back to the Edo period to display skills of fire brigades and pray for fire safety
  

February

• Location: Otaru, Hokkaido
  
• Scale: Medium-sized, less crowded than Sapporo
  
• What to See: Romantic candle-lit lanterns lining canals and streets
  
• History: Started in 1999 as a way to encourage tourism in winter
  

• Location: Nationwide (notably at Senso-ji in Tokyo and Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto)
  
• Scale: Popular among locals, modest tourist turnout
  
• What to See: "Mamemaki" bean-throwing to drive out demons, blessings
  
• History: Based on ancient Chinese lunar customs marking seasonal change
  

March

• Location: Todai-ji Temple, Nara
  
• Scale: Popular, especially around March 12
  
• What to See: Torch-bearing monks run along temple balconies at night
  
• History: Over 1,250 years old, part of Buddhist repentance rituals for world purification
  

April

• Location: Takayama, Gifu
  
• Scale: Medium-large, very popular with tourists
  
• What to See: Beautifully ornate floats (yatai), puppet shows, night parades
  
• History: Dates back to the 17th century as part of the Sanno Shrine tradition
  

• Location: Gion district, Kyoto
  
• Scale: Niche but very popular among cultural tourists
  
• What to See: Performances by real geisha and maiko in spring dances
  
• History: Started in 1872 to attract tourists to Kyoto during Japan�s modernization
  

May

• Location: Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo
  
• Scale: One of Tokyo�s biggest festivals, over 2 million attendees
  
• What to See: Massive mikoshi (portable shrines), chanting, drumming
  
• History: Celebrates the three men who founded Senso-ji Temple in the 7th century
  

• Location: Kyoto (Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines)
  
• Scale: Large, but more serene
  
• What to See: Procession in Heian-period dress, ox carts, court nobles
  
• History: Dates to the 6th century as a rite to appease deities for good harvests
  

June

• Location: Tokyo (Hie Shrine)
  
• Scale: Alternates every other year, large but less chaotic
  
• What to See: Imperial-style procession with mikoshi, dancers
  
• History: One of Tokyo�s three major festivals, tied to the Tokugawa shogunate
  

• Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido
  
• Scale: Popular dance event, energetic and large crowds
  
• What to See: Colorful, high-energy modern folk dance teams
  
• History: Began in 1992, inspired by Kochi�s Yosakoi and Hokkaido�s Soran Bushi song
  

July

• Location: Kyoto
  
• Scale: Massive�Japan�s most famous festival
  
• What to See: Giant floats (yamaboko), traditional music, kimono-clad crowds
  
• History: Originated in 869 to appease gods during a plague
  

• Location: Osaka
  
• Scale: One of Japan�s top three festivals, very crowded
  
• What to See: River procession with illuminated boats, fireworks
  
• History: Honors Sugawara no Michizane, patron of learning and art
  

August

• Location: Aomori City
  
• Scale: Huge, draws millions
  
• What to See: Gigantic illuminated paper floats, dancers in haneto costumes
  
• History: Possibly evolved from Tanabata and paper lantern traditions
  

• Location: Nationwide, especially Kyoto (Daimonji), Tokushima (Awa Odori)
  
• Scale: Variable; Awa Odori in Tokushima is massive
  
• What to See: Traditional dance, lantern floating, fire ceremonies
  
• History: Buddhist custom to honor spirits of ancestors
  

September

• Location: Kishiwada, Osaka
  
• Scale: Large and lively
  
• What to See: High-speed pulling of huge wooden floats through narrow streets
  
• History: Started in the early 1700s as a harvest prayer to the gods
  

October

• Location: Kyoto
  
• Scale: Popular with tourists, less hectic
  
• What to See: Historical parade featuring costumes from every era of Japanese history
  
• History: Began in 1895 to celebrate Kyoto�s cultural legacy after losing capital status
  

• Location: Nagasaki
  
• Scale: Major local event with international flavor
  
• What to See: Unique fusion of Japanese and Dutch/Chinese influences, dragon dances, floats
  
• History: Over 400 years old; tied to Suwa Shrine and Nagasaki�s port history
  

November

• Location: Nationwide (notably Meiji Shrine in Tokyo)
  
• Scale: Not a festival in the usual sense, but widely practiced
  
• What to See: Children aged 3, 5, and 7 dressed in kimono for shrine visits
  
• History: Edo-period custom marking milestones in child development
  

• Location: Kurama, Kyoto
  
• Scale: Small town, but increasingly popular
  
• What to See: Villagers carry massive torches through the streets
  
• History: Held to welcome deities from the Kurama temple, started in the 10th century
  

December

• Location: Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture
  
• Scale: Well-known, but less crowded than summer festivals
  
• What to See: Illuminated floats, fireworks in winter
  
• History: Dates back over 300 years, associated with Chichibu Shrine
  

• Location: Nationwide
  
• Scale: Quiet, family-focused, except for temple visits
  
• What to See: Bell-ringing (Joya no Kane) at temples, soba eating, shrine visits
  
• History: Ancient custom marking the end of the lunar calendar year