Work down the list from a month before you fly to the day you leave. Your ticks stay in this browser, so you can come back to it, and each line links to the guide or the place to book.
By Mikako Yoshida ·Published 29 October 2026
Your checklist
A month or more before
Two to four weeks before
Arrival day
Leaving Japan
Ticks are saved in this browser only.
New in 2026
Tax-free goods bought from 1 November 2026 are refunded after a customs check when you leave Japan: do it at the airport before you check in any bag. Visit Japan Web is free; sites that charge a fee for it are not official.
Useful before you fly
Airport transfer when you have a lot of shopping bags
Luggage storage in Tokyo for the hours before an evening flight
Questions
How early should I book timed tickets?
Do I need cash in Japan?
Where are my ticks saved?
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