Make the long journey easier before you leave.
Confirm flights, passport and entry requirements before arranging transport, accommodation and activities in Japan. Settle the decisions that shape your route first; refine the smaller details once the framework is clear.
Six steps to plan before departure.
01 | Compare flight routes
Compare a return flight through one city with an open-jaw flight into Tokyo and out of Osaka. Include connections within Europe, transfer times, checked baggage and airport-to-city travel in the comparison.
02 | Plan your first night around arrival time
Avoid a packed sightseeing schedule straight after a long flight. Depending on when you land, go into the city, stay near the airport or arrange a convenient transfer that lets you rest.
03 | Check visa rules for your passport
Entry rules depend on nationality, passport type, length of stay and purpose of travel. Living in Europe does not determine your passport eligibility. Check Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.
04 | Price the journeys you will actually take
List the long-distance journeys you will take between Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. Then compare current point-to-point fares, pass coverage and reservation conditions.
05 | Plan accommodation and luggage
Choose accommodation with transport connections that suit your days. If you have large bags, check station storage, hotel-to-hotel delivery and Shinkansen baggage-seat rules in advance.
06 | Arrange payment, connectivity and insurance
Confirm how your bank cards work abroad, choose a mobile data option, carry a backup way to pay and review travel insurance for your circumstances.
Plan ahead for Shinkansen travel and baggage.
The Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen corridor connects Tokyo, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima along the classic route. Train services, stops, fares and reservation rules vary, so check the specific train and ticket conditions before buying.
On the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, baggage measuring more than 160 cm in total across its three dimensions requires a reservation for a seat with an oversized-baggage area. Check the current rules for your operator and route before travel.
Let your travel month shape your plans.
Cherry blossom timing changes with the year, latitude and weather. Summer brings heat, humidity and rainy periods; autumn colour varies by region and elevation. Winter conditions in northern Japan and along the Sea of Japan can differ greatly from Tokyo and Osaka. Use the seasons to guide your route, not as a guarantee of a particular view.
Before departure, check forecasts, local event calendars, attraction websites and transport updates. Have a flexible alternative for mountain areas, onsen visits or ferries.
Check the rules for your own passport.
Japan’s short-stay visa exemptions depend on nationality and passport conditions, and may have additional requirements. Do not rely on your country of residence alone; check the latest official list and consular guidance before booking flights.
Turn your checklist into a travel plan.
Bring together your departure city, dates, passport nationality, group size and destination preferences before shaping your route within Japan.