Things you must have when visiting Japan

December 25, 2024

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Here is a list of things you must have or use to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible.

TLDR;

eSIM

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that's built into your phone or other device. It works the same way as a physical SIM card. And I recommend eSIM over Pocket WiFi, as it is a bit bulky to carry around and requires charging too.

The Saily app made getting a data eSIM for Japan incredibly easy. I simply purchased a package and followed the clear instructions to install it. Since it was data-only, I switched my data connection to the eSIM and kept my original SIM for calls and texts. Activation happened automatically upon arrival.

You can use my Referal code "PRAKAS8780" on your first purchase with Saily.

Power bank

Given how much you'll likely use your phone in Japan, I highly recommend a power bank. Mine had built-in cables, which made charging both the phone and the power bank itself much more convenient.

Google Map app

Google Maps is an absolutely indispensable app. Planning and navigating around cities, providing public transport costs and routes. However, it sometimes struggles to differentiate between JR lines and subways/metros, so reviewing the full route before starting your journey is crucial.

Google Translate app

For effective communication with locals in Japan, I highly recommend downloading the offline Japanese language pack in the Google Translate app. This is particularly useful when you don't have internet access.

Luggage transfer service

To avoid the unpleasant experience of hauling luggage through Japan's busy stations and public transport, using a luggage transfer service is highly advisable. These services transport your bags from hotel to hotel, but allow one to two days for delivery. Therefore, packing a few changes of clothes is essential.

We used Sagawa company but Yamato is highly recommended too.

At some major train stations, you can find luggage lockers for a small charge, or opt for luggage delivery to nearby hotels. Your booked hotels also typically offer luggage storage before check-in and after check-out.

ECBO Cloak app is also available for more alternatives.

Suica card

A Suica card is a prepaid rechargeable contactless smart card used primarily for transportation in major cities in Japan. It is similar to an Oyster card in London. Using Suica, you can travel using any public transport. You can download the Japan train card balance check app to check the balance of the physical Suica card. Suica cards are available at train stations.

Klook app

Klook is an online travel company that provides bookings and tickets for experiences, attractions, and public transportation. This app is highly recommended for purchasing activities, tours, attractions, and even train tickets. While it's prudent to compare prices, I've generally found Klook to be the most cost-effective option.

Currency converter app

A currency converter app is useful for budgeting and price comparisons, or you can simply use Google Search if you prefer fewer apps.