Pre-Golden Week Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Your Japan Trip

Your Pre-Departure Checklist

Golden Week (April 29 - May 6) is Japan's busiest travel period. Prepare now to avoid headaches later.

Day Before Departure

• [ ] Install your eSIM — Scan QR code, configure as secondary data line. Don't wait until the airport
• [ ] Download offline Google Maps — Search "Japan" in Google Maps → Download → Select Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto regions
• [ ] Charge all devices — Phone, power bank, camera
• [ ] Screenshot important info — Hotel address in Japanese, emergency contacts, booking confirmations

Apps to Install

• [ ] Google Maps — Navigation (download offline maps!)
• [ ] Google Translate — Download Japanese offline pack for camera translation
• [ ] Suica / PASMO — Add to Apple Wallet or Google Pay (¥2,000+ loaded)
• [ ] SmartEX — Shinkansen seat reservation (if you have a Rail Pass)
• [ ] Tabelog — Restaurant search (Japan's #1 food app)
• [ ] XE Currency — JPY exchange rate checker

eSIM Verification

• [ ] eSIM installed — Visible in Settings > Cellular/Mobile
• [ ] Data roaming enabled — Settings > [Your eSIM line] > Data Roaming: ON
• [ ] Correct line selected for data — Make sure eSIM is set as mobile data line
• [ ] Test data connection — Turn off WiFi and confirm you can load a webpage (if eSIM activates on purchase)

Travel Documents

• [ ] Passport — Valid for duration of stay (Japan doesn't require 6-month validity)
• [ ] Visit Japan Web — Register online for faster immigration (vjw.digital.go.jp)
• [ ] Hotel booking confirmations — Save offline or screenshot
• [ ] Rail Pass exchange voucher — If purchased online, bring the voucher

Money

• [ ] Cash (JPY) — Japan is still partly cash-based. ¥30,000-50,000 recommended
• [ ] Credit card — Visa/Mastercard widely accepted. Amex less so
• [ ] IC card loaded — Suica/PASMO with ¥2,000+ for trains and convenience stores

Golden Week Specific

• [ ] Shinkansen reservations — Book seats NOW. Free seating cars will be standing-room only
• [ ] Hotel confirmed — GW hotels sell out months ahead. Confirm your booking
• [ ] Restaurant reservations — Popular spots book up. Use Hot Pepper or Tabelog
• [ ] Backup plans — Rain, crowds, and closures happen. Have Plan B for each day

Compare eSIM Plans

Haven't chosen your eSIM yet? Compare plans now — filter by your trip duration and usage style.

Related

• Golden Week eSIM Guide
• Night Before Japan Checklist
• Best eSIM for Short Trips