Trip prep: United Kingdom → Tokyo
A complete checklist for traveling from United Kingdom to Tokyo, Japan. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: Visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
2 Money
- Tipping in Japan: DO NOT tip — it's insulting here.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance) — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Excellent healthcare but expensive without insurance. Major hospitals in Tokyo/Osaka have English-speaking staff; rural areas can be challenging.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: Different plug (Type A) AND different voltage (230V → 100V). Pack a Type A adapter; you'll need a voltage converter for hair dryers/curling irons.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for Japan — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
10°C / 1°C
cool · dry
May
23°C / 15°C
mild · rainy
September
27°C / 20°C
warm · rainy
- Light layers — t-shirts + 1 light jacket for evenings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Rain jacket and umbrella
6 Once you're in Tokyo
- Public transit: Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway + JR lines — single fare ¥180-330, day pass ¥800 (Tokyo Metro 24h) or ¥1,600 (Common 1-Day Pass for both). Get a Welcome Suica at the airport (no deposit, expires in 28 days). Tokyo Metro + Toei = different operators; transferring requires a fresh fare unless you have the Common Pass. Trains stop around 12:30 AM — don't miss the last one.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Shinjuku — Towering buildings + epic nightlife + biggest train station in the world. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura. Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: Almost none. Japan is one of the safest countries on Earth. Watch out for 'massage' touts in Roppongi (often scams).
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for Japan in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation