Japan Trip 2026

Pre-Departure Checklist

Trip dates: April 7–20, 2026

🔴 URGENT - Book This Week

These sell out. April is peak season.

  • USJ Express Pass - book now at universalstudiosjapan.com
    • Recommend: Express Pass 7 (April crowds are high)
    • Mario Kart ride requires separate timed entry drawn on the day - arrive at park opening
    • Wizarding World may also require separate timed entry on busy days

🟡 Optional - Book If Doing

  • Blue Note Tokyo - bluenotetokyo.com
    • Two sets per night: typically 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM
    • Any night in the Tokyo phase works; lineup doesn’t need to be a specific artist
    • Smart casual dress code
  • Fun2Drive or Drivers Lounge - JDM car day for Jeff + Matt - See JDM Car Day
    • April R34 GT-R and NSX slots fill months ahead - book early if doing this
    • Register both Jeff and Matt at booking (+¥3,300/person for additional driver)
  • IDP - Jeff ✅ Already obtained (valid from Germany trip)
  • IDP from AAA - Matt - only needed if doing the car day (~$20, same-day at AAA branch)

T-30 Days (This Week)

  • Shinkansen - April 8, HND → Shin-Osaka (outbound)
    • Book via SmartEX app (smartex.jp/en/)
    • Train: Nozomi (~2h10m from Shinagawa)
    • Car: Green Car (2+2 seating, more comfortable)
    • Seat: D window seats (right/Fuji-facing side) - verify in SmartEX seat map
    • Book all 4 seats together; April is peak season
    • No oversized baggage reservation needed for carry-on + backpack (both under 160cm total)
  • Shinkansen - April 14, Shin-Osaka → Tokyo (return)
    • Book via SmartEX app (smartex.jp/en/)
    • Train: Nozomi (~2h15m)
    • Car: Green Car (2+2 seating, more comfortable)
    • Seat: A window seats (left/Fuji-facing side) - verify in SmartEX seat map
    • Book all 4 seats together
    • No oversized baggage reservation needed for carry-on + backpack (both under 160cm total)
    • See Train & Pass Strategy for full details on both trips
  • Confirm Osaka accommodation - check-in time for April 8 (arriving ~7:30–8:30 PM)
  • Confirm Tokyo accommodation - check dates April 14–20
  • Passport validity - must be valid 6 months beyond April 20 (valid through October 20, 2026 minimum). Check all 4 passports.
  • Decide: Verizon Day Pass vs. eSIM - see Connectivity for full comparison
    • Jeff, Jeannette, Ana: Verizon International Day Pass ($10/day, only days used) is the simplest option — no setup needed
    • eSIM alternative: Holafly, Ubigi, or Nomad (~$20–50/person); pair with Wi-Fi Calling for voice. Buy before departure at home on US Wi-Fi, activate at HND.
    • Matt: eSIM is the answer regardless of carrier — same providers, same setup
  • Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Verizon phones - must do in the US, cannot activate abroad
    • Required even if using Day Pass (backup); essential if using eSIM route for voice
    • See Connectivity for Samsung and Pixel step-by-step

T-14 Days (March 24)

  • Register with Visit Japan Web - visitjapan.digital.go.jp
    • Pre-registers customs declaration and immigration with Japanese government
    • Generates a QR code that lets you skip the paper arrival card at HND
    • Takes ~10 min; requires passport number and flight details
    • All 4 travelers register separately; complete at least 3 days before departure
  • Download Google Maps offline - Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto separately
    • Google Maps → search city → tap Download → select area (Android: same on Samsung and Pixel)
  • Download Google Translate Japanese pack offline
    • Google Translate → Settings → Downloaded Languages → Japanese
  • Screenshot / save all reservations offline:
    • Flights (GLZ9TF)
    • Hotel confirmations
    • USJ Express Pass
    • Shinkansen reservation
    • Fun2Drive / car day booking
    • Blue Note reservation
  • TeamLab Planets tickets - if Ana’s day includes it
    • Book at teamlab.art/e/planets - sells out weeks ahead in April
  • Check Fuji vs Nikko day - review long-range forecast and commit to a preference
  • Review Kyoto morning sequence - decide loosely which mornings get which temples
  • Coin locker strategy - since you’re carry-on only
    • IC card-operated lockers at major train stations (¥300–600/4 hrs)
    • Large stations have multiple banks of lockers - look for signs near exits
    • Useful on Kyoto day trips (leave bags at Kyoto Station, go light)
    • Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari both have lockers nearby

T-7 Days (March 31)

  • Bump site cache version - open quartz/static/sw.js, change CACHE_NAME from jjam-v4 to jjam-v5 (or next number), push. Forces all visitors to get fresh content for the trip.
  • Confirm Blue Note reservation (some venues require reconfirmation)
  • Activate eSIM (some providers require pre-activation before arrival)
    • Check your specific provider’s instructions
  • Distribute cash - split cash across separate bags/wallets
    • Don’t keep it all in one place
    • Each person carries their own daily float
  • Pack medications and first aid:
    • Any prescriptions: bring enough for trip + 5 days buffer
    • Japanese pharmacies may not carry US-brand medications
    • Blister plasters (moleskin/compeed) - essential for heavy walking days
    • Basic pain relief, antacid, antihistamine
  • Confirm Fun2Drive directions + cash payment amount
  • Camera gear check: all batteries charged, all cards formatted, all lenses clean

T-2 Days (April 5)

  • Charge everything: camera bodies, all spare batteries, phones, portable chargers
  • Japan socket note: Type A (same as US) - no adapter needed
  • Set Verizon phones to not roam - turn off data roaming on the Verizon SIM
    • eSIM carries all data in Japan; Verizon SIM stays active for incoming calls only (no $10/day charge)
    • See Connectivity for Samsung and Pixel step-by-step
  • Confirm all 4 carry-ons fit airline overhead requirements (Delta)
  • Set up group WhatsApp or iMessage thread - test that all 4 are connected
  • Mail hold or arrange mail pickup for duration of trip
  • Check weather forecast for first 3 days in Japan

Travel Day - April 7

Morning:

  • All 4 passports
  • IDP + US license (Jeff and Matt)
  • Cash - all distributed
  • eSIM ready to activate on landing
  • Camera charged and packed
  • Boarding passes saved offline
  • Hotel address in offline maps (Osaka accommodation)

Flight: TPA → ATL Delta 1726 (departs 7:00 AM) → ATL → HND Delta 295 (departs 11:10 AM)

ATL layover (~2h25m): Delta Sky Club access via Jeannette’s Platinum Medallion status - use the layover to eat, recharge, and settle in before the long haul.

Travel insurance: Covered as a benefit through Chase Sapphire Preferred and Delta Amex Reserve. No separate policy needed - confirm coverage details before departure if needed.

Arrival Day - April 8

Realistic timeline:

  • Land HND: 2:20 PM
  • Clear customs and immigration: 3:30–4:15 PM (international arrivals, 4 people, April peak)
  • Activate eSIM, buy IC cards: 20–30 min → out of terminal ~4:00–4:45 PM
  • Keikyu Airport Limited Express → Shinagawa: ~30 min + wait → arrive Shinagawa ~4:45–5:20 PM
  • Board booked Nozomi (5:30 PM departure from Shinagawa)
  • Arrive Shin-Osaka: ~7:45 PM

Buffer note: The 5:30 PM Nozomi gives ~45–75 min of buffer after clearing HND. SmartEX allows changing to a later train before departure if needed - but don’t count on an earlier one.

On arrival at HND:

  • IC card: buy at any station machine (accepts international credit cards) or add Suica to Google Pay
  • Load ¥5,000–10,000 per person on the IC card immediately
  • Eat at the airport if hungry - restaurants available in the arrivals hall
  • No sightseeing pressure. This is a transit day.

First priority in Osaka: Find food near the accommodation. Rest. Sleep by 10–11 PM local time.

Jet lag: You’ve been awake 20+ hours. Staying up until at least 9 PM Osaka time helps reset the clock faster than sleeping on arrival.

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