Everything you need
before Japan
Japan Travel Kit is your no-nonsense guide to connectivity, transport, and money — all in plain English, before you land.
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Practical, unbiased guides on everything every Japan visitor needs to sort out.
Most PopularSIM Cards & eSIM
Stay connected from day one. Compare tourist SIM cards and eSIMs — data, coverage, and instant activation.
Great for GroupsPocket WiFi
Rent a portable WiFi router for unlimited data. Great for groups, families, or heavy data users.
Save MoneyTransportation
JR Pass, IC cards, Shinkansen tickets. Everything you need to travel Japan quickly and affordably.
Must ReadMoney & Payment
Best travel cards, ATM tips, and how to handle cash in Japan's largely cash-based economy.
Travel Guides
In-depth, independent guides for every part of your Japan trip — written in plain English.
41 GuideseSIM & SIM Cards
Which eSIM to buy, how to install it, network coverage, and honest plan comparisons.
18 GuidesGetting Around
Shinkansen passes, IC cards, airport trains, and city-by-city transport guides.
15 GuidesMoney & Payment
Travel cards, ATM access, cash vs card, and how to pay your way across Japan.
22 GuidesThings to Do
Tickets and experiences worth booking ahead — teamLab, USJ, Shibuya Sky and more.
Browse allAll Guides
Browse every Japan travel guide in one place, organised by topic.
Popular Guides
The articles travellers open most before landing in Japan.
Best eSIM for Japan 2026: Top 4 Picks Tested & Compared
Airalo, Holafly, eSIM Go, and Sakura Mobile — compared on price, speed, coverage, and ease of setup. Which one is right for your trip?
Cheapest eSIM for Japan 2026: Best Budget Picks
Don't overpay for data in Japan. We compared eSIM Go, Airalo, Holafly, and Sakura Mobile on price per GB. Starts from $3.50.
JR Pass Guide 2026: Is It Worth It for Your Japan Trip?
The JR Pass can save you hundreds of dollars — or cost you more than buying individual tickets. We break down all pass types, prices, and real itinerary costs to help you decide.
IC Cards in Japan 2026: Suica, Pasmo & How to Use Them
An IC card is the single most useful thing you can have in Japan. Here's everything you need to know about Suica, Pasmo, where to get them, and where they work.
Best Travel Card for Japan (2026): Top Picks for Foreign Visitors
Which travel card saves you the most money in Japan? We compare Wise, Revolut, Charles Schwab, Starling, and Monzo on exchange rates, ATM fees, and real-world usability.
Best Travel Insurance for Japan (2026): Compared & Reviewed
We compare Heymondo, SafetyWing, and World Nomads on medical cover, price structure, ski cover, and English support — with picks for every type of Japan trip.
teamLab Tokyo Tickets (2026): Planets vs Borderless & How to Book
Tokyo has two teamLab museums — Planets in Toyosu and Borderless in Azabudai. We compare them, explain which suits your trip, and show how to book before they sell out.
Universal Studios Japan Tickets & Express Pass (2026): What to Buy
USJ now requires online tickets, and Super Nintendo World needs timed entry. We explain Studio Pass tiers, whether the Express Pass is worth it, and what to buy for your visit.
Shibuya Sky Tickets (2026): Price, Best Time & How to Book
Shibuya Sky is Tokyo's best rooftop view — and its sunset slots sell out fast. We cover prices, the best time to go, and how to book (even with a foreign card).
Quick tips every visitor should know
Japan has some quirks. Sort these out before you board the plane.
Get a SIM before you land
Order an eSIM online and activate it the moment your plane touches down — no airport queues.
Always carry cash
Japan is still cash-heavy. 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign Visa/Mastercard.
Load an IC card
Suica or Pasmo works on almost every train, bus, and at convenience stores nationwide.
Type A plugs (100V)
Same shape as the US. Most devices work without an adapter — just check your voltage.
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