Quick verdict: Planning Japan well = better trip than most. Specific bookings (cherry blossom hotels + Ghibli Museum) require 2-3 months ahead. Refined across 4 personal Japan trips.
8-step planning checklist
1Decide season + duration
Late March-April for sakura. October-November for autumn. 7 days minimum for Tokyo + Kyoto. 14 days for full circuit.
2Book international flights 4-6 months ahead
From US: $1100-1800 economy. From UK: $1000-1600. Tokyo Haneda or Narita. Osaka Kansai for west.
3Buy JR Pass before arrival
7-day pass $320 (Japan-only purchase). 14-day $510. Worth it if doing 3+ Shinkansen segments.
4Book ryokan stays 3-6 months ahead
Premium Kyoto ryokans (Tawaraya, Hiiragiya) book 6-12 months ahead. Hakone ryokan 3+ months.
5Reserve restaurants 1-3 months ahead
Sukiyabashi Jiro: 1 year via concierge. Mid-tier sushi: 1-2 months. Standard restaurants: walk-in.
6Book Ghibli Museum + special exhibits
Lawson.co.jp release at 10th of month for following month tickets. Sells out same-day.
7Apply for visa (if needed)
Most Western passports visa-free 90 days. Easy entry. Bring proof of return + accommodation.
8Buy travel insurance + Suica card
Travel insurance for medical evacuations. Suica/Pasmo IC card at airport for transit. Pocket WiFi rental optional.
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Updated 2026. Some links on Packzup are affiliate links.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.