From booking flights to arrival, in time order. Ticks are saved on this device and will still be there next time; items not yet booked can be booked right beside them.

1～2 months before departure

Book flightsFlights during long weekends and school holidays fill up early. Find flights
Book hotelsDecide which area to stay in first, then pick a hotel; for popular dates, the earlier you book the more choice you have. Find hotels
Check your passport's validityYour passport must be valid for the whole trip; renew it first if it's about to expire.
Check the destination's entry requirementsVisa-free stays and entry rules vary by country and passport; follow each country's official announcements.
Book popular tickets earlySunset slots at observation decks and date-specific theme park tickets sell out easily. See tickets and tools

1 week(s) before departure

Buy a SIM or eSIMCheck that your phone supports eSIM first.
Decide how to get from the airport to your hotelChoose by arrival airport and the area you're staying in; tickets can be bought in advance. How to choose an airport transfer
Make sure your credit card works overseasSome cards need overseas transactions enabled in the app first; choose to pay in local currency when paying by card.
Get some local cashSmall shops, temples and some transport accept cash only.
Save store coupons in advanceTourist coupons for drugstores, electronics and duty-free shops: open them and show the cashier at checkout. See store coupons
Save booking vouchers on your phoneE-vouchers for hotels, tickets and passes: being able to open them offline is reassuring.

The day before departure

Online check-in and seat selectionFollows the airline's check-in opening time.
Pack power banks in your carry-onLithium power banks can't go in checked baggage.
Check plugs and voltageJapan uses two flat-pin plugs, voltage 100V; for other countries, check before you go.
Set aside money for accommodation taxSome cities charge a separate accommodation tax at check-in. Calculate accommodation tax

Arrival day

Complete your arrival formsFor Japan, you can complete immigration and customs forms online in advance and show the QR code on arrival.
Take the airport transfer to your hotelExchange e-tickets at the designated counter or machine as instructed. See airport transfers