Travel Preparation

Passport and Visa Basics

For citizens of visa waiver agreement countries, Japan allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days if you have a valid Regular Passport.

• Regular Passport: A standard passport that allows international travel until the expiry date
• Emergency/Temporary Passport: A passport issued for loss or urgent situations, usually valid for one-time use or a short period

Unlike some countries, Japan does not require at least 6 months of passport validity. However, your passport must not expire during your stay.

If you are not a citizen of a visa waiver agreement country, you must prepare a visa in advance when traveling to Japan.

Travel Rules for Minors

Recently, more minors are traveling to Japan alone. This is partly because Japan is generally safe, and it is easy to stay in contact by smartphone.

On international flights, solo travel is allowed from age 12, and Japan entry also has no age-based restriction. It is possible without notarized documents.

The most important difference for minor travel is accommodation.

In Japan, if a minor under 18 stays alone, some hotels may require a separate accommodation consent form.
Also, some properties such as capsule hotels may not allow minors to stay at all, so you must check in advance.

1) How to Check If a Minor Can Stay

1. Choose a hotel on a booking site.
2. Find the hotel’s official website and translate it.
3. Check the FAQ or “Frequently Asked Questions” for minor stay policies. (If the site has an AI chat feature, search with the keyword “minor” or “未成年者”.)

If the hotel provides a consent form, download it, fill it out, and bring it with you. If there is no form, you must email the hotel in Japanese to ask if the stay is allowed and request a consent form.

If you ask an AI to “write a Japanese business email asking if a minor can stay and requesting an accommodation consent form”, you can easily get a ready-to-use email template without Japanese skills.

• Some hotels allow only ages 15 to under 18 (check carefully, as some do not accept middle school students)
• Mixed-gender shared rooms are not allowed for minors under 18
• Even for same-gender minors traveling together, each person may need a separately signed consent form
• Even for families, if one person is an adult and one is a minor, confirm with the hotel in advance and bring an English family relationship certificate
  • Example: siblings where one is an adult and one is a minor / a relative traveling with a nephew or niece
• If the hotel does not provide a form, use the PDF file below and submit it

2) How to Book a Hotel for a Minor 🏨

Many hotels have systems where you cannot complete a booking unless you enter adult details. So, if you have confirmed with the hotel that a minor can stay, select “adult” during booking, and then write the date of birth and gender in the notes section.

Then, submit the completed consent form at check-in.

Japan Weather and Outfit Preview

Before traveling to Japan, many people wonder what to pack and what to wear.

Temperatures vary by region. In general, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyushu, and Okinawa are warmer than Korea, while the Tohoku region (Fukushima, Sendai, etc.) has a similar climate, and Hokkaido is colder.

It is important to pack based on your destination and season. The most practical method is to check local outfits through live cams right before your trip.

Using the links below, you can view live cameras across Japan and see what people are wearing right now, which makes packing much easier.

However, you should still understand the general seasonal climate in advance, and prepare your clothes and travel items with enough time before departure. 😁

Why Travel Insurance Matters

Many travelers plan flights and hotels carefully, but still think, “Do I really need travel insurance?”

Of course, returning home safely is the best outcome. But no one can predict what will happen during a trip. Travel insurance is an important preparation item for unexpected accidents or illness.

Like health insurance or life insurance, travel insurance is a way to prepare for different problems that may happen during your travel dates.

1) Common Coverage Items

• Accident/Injury: Treatment for fractures, burns, and other injuries
• Illness: Treatment for conditions such as colds or stomach issues
• Personal belongings: Damage, water damage, or theft of items like cameras and phones
• Personal liability: Damage to hotel property, or injury/damage to others
• Death: Death due to an accident or illness during travel

Notes on Liability and Exclusions ⚠️

Travel insurance personal liability generally applies when you accidentally cause injury or property damage to others during your trip. However, the cases below are usually excluded, so you must check your policy.

• Rental item incidents: Damage or loss of rented items such as bicycles, e-scooters, and cars, and accidents involving injuries (to people) or property damage while using them
• Special/high-risk leisure activities: Skiing, snowboarding, water skiing, scuba diving, jet skiing, and other water sports
• High-risk activities defined by insurers: Paragliding, bungee jumping, rafting, and similar activities

These activities or rental-related incidents are often not covered. In that case, it is safer to buy separate rental insurance or activity insurance from the provider.

As travel risks become more diverse, travel insurance is now considered essential—some even call it a “second passport”.

Plans vary, so you should check the coverage details and limits before buying. For example, even a plan that costs about KRW 4,000–5,000 for a 2-night, 3-day trip can include up to KRW 100 million coverage in case of death.

In particular, overseas medical costs are much higher than in Korea, and most Korean private health insurance does not cover overseas hospital bills. Saving a few dollars can lead to big expenses, so travel insurance is strongly recommended.

If a problem happens, being able to contact your insurer 24/7 helps you get faster and more stable support.

2) Real Accident Examples During Japan Travel

• A child had a fever → diagnosed with otitis media and tonsillitis, received fever medicine and IV fluids
• Phone screen broken → full front replacement (personal belongings coverage limit: KRW 2,000,000)
• Camcorder theft
• Ankle ligament injury from running while cutting in line for a ride

With travel insurance, you can contact the insurer immediately and handle it on the spot.

3) Insurance Fraud Is Also Punishable

If you stage an accident on purpose or claim falsely, it can be treated as insurance fraud and is punishable, so never misuse it.

5) Medicines 💊

You can bring basic medicine or your regular medication for personal use. For details, refer to the guide below.

Data Roaming and Mobile Connection Setup

Even if an “analog” travel style is trending these days, you will not carry a heavy guidebook and a paper map while traveling.

This is because your guidebook can be replaced by TourCast (😄), and map apps let you search locations and check routes on the spot.

So, data roaming has also become essential for international travel.

1) Carrier Data Roaming

• Apply with your mobile carrier before departure and use it immediately after arrival
• Convenient, but expensive
• If it connects automatically without your request, you may be charged a large amount
• You can receive calls and texts, and the speed may be slower than at home

2) Overseas eSIM

• Check device compatibility
• Data only; calls and texts use your existing uSIM
• Easy setup with a QR code, but be careful not to keep domestic data turned on
• Local networks are stable, and roaming network settings require extra care

3) Overseas uSIM

• Remove your current uSIM and replace it with an overseas SIM
• Check with your carrier about country lock and mobile protection service settings
• Mostly data-only, and many plans do not include calling
• Keep your original uSIM safe

4) Pocket Wi-Fi

• Can be shared with your travel group
• Turn off mobile data and connect by Wi-Fi only
• Must charge the router; a power bank is recommended
• Pickup and return can be inconvenient

Plug Adapter

When using electronics while traveling, differences in voltage and frequency can cause problems.
In Japan, you should also know that the frequency varies by region.

Most devices show the Input Voltage on the model label, so check it before you leave.

Most travel electronics (smartphones, laptops, etc.) support input 100–240V, 50/60Hz and are universal voltage (Universal Voltage), so they work in Japan as long as you use the correct plug adapter.
(Universal voltage is also called “free voltage.”)

However, Japan uses different frequencies by region, so you should double-check. Using Shizuoka as the reference point, the west (Fukuoka, Osaka, etc.) uses 60Hz, and the east (Tokyo, Hokkaido, etc.) uses 50Hz.

• 100–240V, 50/60Hz: Universal voltage devices. You can use them anywhere in Japan with only a plug adapter.
• 220V, 60Hz: Devices made for specific countries (e.g., Korea). They will not work in Japan with only a plug adapter. There is a risk of damage depending on the transformer and frequency.
• 110V, 50Hz: May work in some parts of Japan, but if used in a 220V country outlet, it can damage the device.

Because many travelers carry multiple devices, a plug adapter alone may not be enough. It is useful to bring a multi-plug adapter.

• Cheap plug adapters may cause malfunctions, poor contact, sparks, or other risks
• For a multi-adapter, check 2000W+ rated power and fast charging (PD 35W) support

Can I Bring My Hair Straightener?

• If it is a corded hair iron with universal voltage, you can use it (see above).
• A cordless hair iron can be carried on board only if the battery can be removed and separated.
  • If the battery is built-in, it is not allowed
• Some ladies’ rooms provide a hair iron.

Why a Travel Card Is Useful

Recently, instead of exchanging a large amount of cash, many travelers use a Travel Card.
Simply put, it is a prepaid debit card that can be used overseas.

When you top up the card, the exchange rate for that currency is applied. Then you can use it for card payments or ATM withdrawals in Japan.
If you exchange any remaining balance back to your home currency, the exchange rate is applied again. There is usually no separate exchange fee, but you may have exchange loss.

Conditions for Use

• You must register it with the same English name shown on your passport.
• You can use it at most stores that accept card payments. It is useful as a cash alternative and helps reduce leftover coins.
• Limits (top-up, payment, ATM withdrawals) vary by issuer, but the usage is similar.

ATM Withdrawal Fees

When using a Travel Card at an ATM in Japan, fees depend on the card network.

• Visa cards → AEON ATM (found in large shopping malls, stations, airports, etc. in Japan)
• MasterCard cards → Seven Bank ATM (available nationwide at 7-Eleven convenience stores)
• Other networks → ATM withdrawal fees may apply in many cases

How Much Cash Should You Exchange?

Exchanging money at a bank branch is usually cheaper than exchanging at the airport.

Example: Bank branch fees about 16–20 USD, airport about 45 USD (based on exchanging 1,000 USD)

However, instead of exchanging everything into cash, it is recommended to use a Travel Card as well and split your payment methods.

1) How much should you exchange?

A common travel budget is about 10,000 yen per person per night.
Example: For a 3-night, 4-day trip, about 30,000 to 40,000 yen is reasonable (excluding shopping).

Also, buying or topping up transport IC cards is still cash-only in many places, so you should carry some cash.
ATMs or IC card sales locations may not be nearby, so it is efficient to exchange 10,000 to 20,000 yen in advance and use a Travel Card for the rest.

2) What should you watch out for when exchanging money?

Japan still uses cash often, so you can use 10,000 yen bills even at convenience stores.
However, if you take an airport bus right after arrival, a 10,000 yen bill may be refused. So it is best to prepare smaller bills, such as one 5,000 yen bill and five 1,000 yen bills.

3) Can you use old banknotes after new ones are issued?

New banknotes have been issued since July 2024, but older banknotes are still accepted.
However, some kiosks may not recognize the new banknotes. In that case, ask a staff member for help.

Exclusive TourCast Tips!

How to Avoid a Coin Disaster

To avoid a coin disaster, use coins together when you pay.

In Japan, coins are used often, so a coin wallet is very useful.

A travel wallet can separate bills, cards, and coins, and it is even more convenient if it can also hold a uSIM case.

Credit and Debit Card Tips

Prepare a credit card for emergencies as well.

1. Check that the cardholder name matches the English name on your passport
2. When paying, choose local currency (JPY) — choosing your home currency may cause double fees
3. Debit cards must allow overseas payments to work
4. Installment payments are not available overseas; only one-time payment is possible (you may apply for installment payment after returning home)

Using Coin Lockers

In Japan, luggage lockers are called coin lockers (コインロッカー). Coin lockers are paid lockers found at stations, underground shopping areas, and large commercial facilities. They are useful for short-term storage, including day trips and short stays.

1. Locations

• Near ticket gates at major JR and private railway stations
• Inside subway stations
• Department stores and shopping malls
• Facilities near tourist attractions

※ During peak travel seasons, large lockers can sell out quickly.

2. Locker Sizes and Fees

• Fees are automatically renewed per day
• Fees and sizes can vary depending on the locker

3. How to Use

1) Choose an empty locker

Choose a locker marked ‘空 (empty)’.

2) Store your luggage

Open the door, put your luggage inside, and close it.

3) Pay

• Pay with cash (coins) or a transport IC card
• Some newer lockers also support QR and electronic payments

4) Keep the key or code

• Key type: keep the key safe
• Code type: do not lose the password or receipt

4. Storage Time Limit (Important)

• Within 3 days: normal use

• Over 3 days:

  • Staff may force the locker open
  • Your luggage is moved to a separate storage area at the station or facility
  • Extra storage fees + handling fees apply

• If you do not pick it up for a long time:

  • It may be disposed of after a certain period

※ The exact timing depends on the station or facility.

5. Notes

• You cannot store items beyond the time limit
• Do not store valuables or passports
• Some locations may be inaccessible late at night or after the last train
• Large lockers are limited and often sell out quickly

6. Travel Tip

• For large luggage, station coin lockers + same-day pickup is the safest option
• If you plan to store luggage for 2–3 days or more:
  • Hotel storage
  • Station baggage storage counters
  • Luggage delivery services are better options