Japan trip planning can feel overwhelming for first time visitors. From navigating visa requirements to booking trains and accommodations, there’s a lot to consider. Having experienced the magic of Japan firsthand and now planning my return journey, I’ve crafted this timeline to help fellow travellers create their perfect Japanese adventure—maximizing experiences while minimizing both stress and expenses.
This planning approach will guide you through when to book flights for the best deals, secure accommodations in your preferred locations, plan transportation efficiently, and time your cultural experiences perfectly, ensuring you can immerse yourself in Japan’s beauty without last-minute complications or budget surprises. Let’s get into it!
1 Year Before: Dream & Scheme
One year might seem like a long time, but the earlier you start planning, the better your trip will be! This is the time to:
- Decide your travel timeline: Will you go during winter, where the landscapes turn into a winter wonderland or cherry blossom season (late March to early April)? Or perhaps during autumn for the stunning fall foliage? Each season in Japan offers something unique.
- Draft your itinerary: Start researching which cities and regions align with your interests. Tokyo for urban adventure? Kanazawa for historical attractions? Hokkaido for nature and skiing?
- Consider your travel duration: Realistically assess how much time you can take off. Japan deserves at least 7-10 days to experience, but two or three weeks is ideal if you want to explore beyond Tokyo and Kyoto.
Pro tip: If you’re interested, you can download my sample 2-week Japan guides that cover the must-see highlights while allowing for authentic experiences away from tourist crowds.
6 Months Before: Track Flights
This is when your planning gets serious:
- Start tracking flight prices: Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to monitor fare fluctuations. Set up price alerts for your preferred travel dates. I always recommend booking directly with the airline though.
- Find the cheapest travel days: Be flexible with your departure dates! I personally saved $600 simply by flying on a Wednesday instead of a Saturday. Mid-week flights are almost always cheaper.
- Finalize your itinerary: Decide exactly which cities you’ll visit and for how long. This information is crucial for your visa application and accommodation bookings.
Travel hack: Japan’s domestic tourism peaks during national holidays like Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year’s. Prices skyrocket during these periods, so plan accordingly!
Trip Planning Resources
Book your accommodation: Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com
Purchase Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs
Activities: Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook Travel
eSIM: Get your travel eSIM here
5 Months Before: Secure the Essentials
- Book your accommodations: Japan’s best hotels and ryokans (traditional inns) fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Look for options with free cancellation policies for maximum flexibility.
- Request time off work: Submit your vacation request at work with specific dates now that your itinerary is firm.
- Start budgeting for your trip: Begin setting aside funds for your adventure. Japan can be expensive, but with proper planning, you can experience it on almost any budget.
Insider tip: For unique accommodations, consider booking a ryokan for at least one night of your trip. These traditional Japanese inns often include elaborate kaiseki dinners and access to onsen (hot springs).
3 Months Before: Make It Official
- Apply for your Japan visa: If your country requires a visa for Japan, start the application process now. Most applications take around 10 working days to process, but allow for possible delays.
- Book your flights: Once your visa is approved, lock in those flight reservations you’ve been tracking. International flights to Japan typically offer the best prices 2-3 months in advance.
- Purchase travel insurance: Make sure you’re covered for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
2 Months Before: Transportation Planning
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass: If you’ll be traveling extensively throughout the country, calculate whether a JR Pass would be economical for your specific itinerary. This is important because the latest price update means that this pass may not be worth it for many itineraries and you might be better off purchasing regional passes or buying your tickets individually.
If you do decide to get the JR pass, you should order it now, so that it gets to you before your trip. It could take up to a month to get to you by mail.
1 Month Before: Fine-Tune Details
- Book your bullet train tickets: Use the Smart EX app to reserve your Shinkansen tickets. This can save you both time and money compared to purchasing at the station.
- Confirm all hotel reservations: Double-check your bookings and note specific check-in times. Japanese hotels often have strict check-in windows.
- Plan specific activities: Book any must-do experiences that require advance reservations, like the TeamLab digital art museum, popular restaurants, or the Ghibli Museum.
- Create a rough daily itinerary: Map out which neighborhoods or attractions you’ll visit each day to maximize efficiency.
Tech tip: You may need a VPN and to change your Google location to the US to download the Smart EX app, but the savings and convenience make it worthwhile!
2 Weeks Before: Digital Preparation
- Register on Visit Japan Web: This online service streamlines your arrival process at Japanese airports by pre-registering your customs, immigration, and quarantine information.
- Download useful apps: Install apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, Hyperdia (for train schedules), and any city-specific travel apps.
- Notify your bank of travel plans: Prevent your cards from being frozen due to “suspicious” overseas transactions.
1 Week Before: Final Preparations
- Download and set up your eSIM: Arrange for mobile data coverage while in Japan. An eSIM is usually the most convenient and cost-effective option.
- Pack strategically: Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
- Make copies of important documents: Have digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and itinerary.
1 Day Before: The Adventure Begins!
- Check in for your flight online: Save time at the airport by checking in ahead of time.
- Pack your carry-on essentials: Include entertainment for the long flight, any medications you need, and a change of clothes in case your luggage is delayed.
- Get a good night’s sleep: You’ll want to be well-rested for the journey ahead!
Welcome to Japan!
After following this timeline, you’ll arrive in Japan prepared to enjoy every moment of your carefully planned adventure. From the neon lights of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan offers endless discoveries for travellers willing to immerse themselves in its unique culture.
Remember that while planning is important, some of the best travel experiences come from spontaneous discoveries. Leave room in your itinerary for wandering down an intriguing side street or accepting an unexpected invitation.
Have you started planning your trip to Japan? Do you have any questions about the process? Let me know in the comments below! Also, do let me know if you found this Japan trip planning timeline helpful? If you did, save it for later or share it with a friend who’s dreaming of visiting Japan!
Enjoyed this post?
Help fuel more adventures and insights! ☕️ Treat me to a virtual coffee, explore my Instagram for behind-the-scenes peeks, or simply share this post with a fellow traveller. Your support keeps this wanderlust-filled blog thriving! 🌍✈️
In a world where spontaneity in travel is almost fetishized, meticulous planners – a group with which I proudly identify – tend to get a bad rep. I love your tip about planning early, as there are many benefits. I find that planning ahead can help to save money, craft the perfect itinerary and even enjoy the anticipation. This is such a wonderful and helpful post, and it makes me want to visit Japan. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks, Aiva! I am also a meticulous planner by design but also by circumstance. But it’s like you said the anticipation while planning a trip is part of the excitement :), so I am happy to plan and plan!
🥰🥰🥰