Ultimate Japan Travel Checklist: Everything You Need for a Perfect Trip
I watched a family unpack their bags at Narita Airport, their faces shifting from excitement to panic. They’d forgotten to apply for their JR Pass before arriving. The cost difference? An additional $400.
In the security line behind them, another traveler realized his international debit card wouldn’t work in Japanese ATMs. He’d be cash-strapped for days.
These aren’t unusual stories.
After helping hundreds of travelers plan Japan trips over the past decade, I’ve compiled every essential task, document, app, and item you need. This Japan travel checklist is comprehensive—127 items covering three phases: before you leave, while you’re there, and after you return.
Some items are mandatory (passport, visa). Others dramatically improve your experience (offline maps, proper footwear). A few prevent expensive mistakes (JR Pass timing, travel insurance).
I’ve organized this by timeline and priority. Use it as your master planning document. Check items off as you complete them. By departure day, you’ll be genuinely prepared—not just packed.
8-12 Weeks Before Departure: Foundation Planning
Documentation and Legal Requirements ✓
□ Check passport validity
- Must be valid for entire stay (no minimum validity required for US/UK/EU citizens)
- Damaged passports may be rejected—inspect carefully
- Processing new passports takes 6-11 weeks (routine service)
□ Determine visa requirements
- 68+ countries get 90-day visa-free entry
- Check official Japanese immigration website for your nationality
- Business travelers may need specific visa types
□ Apply for eVisa if required
- Some nationalities require pre-arrival approval
- Processing takes 5-7 business days typically
□ Make photocopies/scans of passport
- Keep physical copies separate from original
- Email PDF to yourself for cloud backup
- Share copy with emergency contact at home
□ Check driver’s license requirements
- International Driving Permit (IDP) required for car rental
- Must be obtained in home country before departure
- Valid for one year from issue date
Health and Insurance Preparations ✓
□ Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Minimum $100,000 medical coverage recommended
- Trip cancellation coverage for prepaid expenses
- Evacuation coverage for serious emergencies
- Compare options in our travel insurance guide
□ Check with health insurance about international coverage
- Most US insurance doesn’t cover Japan
- Medicare doesn’t work internationally
- Document any coverage for reimbursement claims
□ Schedule doctor/dentist appointments
- Complete any pending treatments before departure
- Get prescriptions refilled for entire trip duration
- Obtain medical documentation for serious conditions
□ Research prescription medication rules
- Some common medications are illegal in Japan (Adderall, certain cold medicines)
- Bring original prescription bottles with English labels
- Get doctor’s letter for controlled substances or large quantities
□ Update routine vaccinations
- No required vaccines for Japan entry
- Ensure routine vaccines current (tetanus, etc.)
- Consider Japanese encephalitis for rural/extended stays
□ Get dental check-up
- Dental emergencies abroad are expensive and disruptive
- Japan’s dental care is excellent but communication can be difficult
Financial Planning ✓
□ Notify banks of travel dates
- Call credit card companies (fraud prevention)
- Notify debit card bank
- Provide specific dates and cities
□ Verify international card capabilities
- Confirm debit card works in international ATMs
- Check daily withdrawal limits (increase if possible)
- Get 4-digit PIN (6-digit PINs don’t work in Japan)
□ Research ATM fees
- Your bank’s foreign transaction fees
- Japanese ATM fees (typically ¥220 per transaction)
- 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept most international cards
□ Get small amount of yen before departure
- Airport exchange rates are poor but convenient for immediate needs
- ¥10,000-20,000 ($65-130) covers initial transportation/meals
- Better rates available at Japanese ATMs
□ Check credit card foreign transaction fees
- 3% fees add up quickly
- Consider getting no-foreign-fee credit card
- Capital One, Chase Sapphire, many others offer this
□ Budget for entire trip
□ Set up mobile payment options
- Apple Pay/Google Pay work increasingly in Japan
- PayPay is popular Japanese mobile payment
- Not substitutes for cash but convenient supplements
Accommodation Bookings ✓
□ Research and book hotels/ryokans
- Cherry blossom season (late March-April): Book 6-9 months ahead
- Fall colors (November): Book 4-6 months ahead
- Other times: 6-8 weeks sufficient for most places
□ Understand cancellation policies
- Many Japanese hotels charge cancellation fees
- Some require payment in advance
- Document all confirmation numbers
□ Request specific room types if needed
- Smoking vs non-smoking (very important in Japan)
- Twin beds vs double bed (Japanese beds are smaller)
- High floor requests for better views
□ Confirm hotel addresses in Japanese
- Get addresses written in kanji/kana
- Saves confusion with taxi drivers
- Screenshot or print for offline access
□ Book unique accommodations early
- Temple stays (shukubo) at Koyasan
- Traditional ryokan with private onsen
- Capsule hotels (for the experience)
- Machiya (traditional townhouse rentals)
Transportation Planning ✓
□ Calculate JR Pass value
- Use our JR Pass calculator
- Must be purchased BEFORE arriving in Japan
- Activate within 3 months of purchase
□ Purchase JR Pass if worthwhile
- Buy from authorized vendors only
- Receive exchange order (not the actual pass)
- Bring exchange order to Japan for activation
□ Book domestic flights if needed
- Peach, Jetstar, ANA, JAL for inter-city travel
- Book 4-8 weeks ahead for best prices
- Some destinations faster/cheaper by air than train
□ Research regional rail passes
- JR East Pass (Tokyo/Tohoku)
- Kansai Area Pass (Osaka/Kyoto/Nara)
- Often better value than national JR Pass
□ Plan airport transfers
- Narita Express, Skyliner, or Limousine Bus to Tokyo
- Research options for your specific hotel
- Pre-book if arriving late at night
□ Download transportation apps
- Google Maps (general navigation)
- Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan) – more accurate for trains
- Hyperdia (alternative route planning)
4-6 Weeks Before Departure: Detailed Planning
Activity Reservations ✓
□ Book restaurant reservations
- High-end restaurants: 1-3 months ahead
- Popular izakayas: 2-4 weeks ahead
- Sushi counters: 2-3 weeks ahead
- Use Gurunavi, TableCheck, or hotel concierge
□ Reserve special experiences
- TeamLab Borderless/Planets (Tokyo): Book tickets online
- Ghibli Museum (Tokyo): Apply for tickets online 3 months ahead
- Sumo tournament tickets: Book as soon as available
- Geisha experiences: Arrange through reputable agencies 4+ weeks ahead
□ Book tours if desired
- Food tours for Osaka or Tokyo
- Guided temple tours in Kyoto
- Mt. Fuji climbing guides (if attempting summit)
- Cooking classes
□ Make onsen reservations
- Private onsen bookings (if tattoos)
- Hakone ryokan with private baths
- Beppu sand bath experiences
□ Research festival dates
- Gion Matsuri (Kyoto, July)
- Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori, August)
- Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
- Check local festival calendars for your dates
Technology Preparations ✓
□ Unlock smartphone
- Contact carrier to confirm international unlock
- Verify phone is compatible with Japanese networks
- Test before departure if possible
□ Research internet options
- Pocket WiFi rental (unlimited data, shareable)
- SIM cards (cheaper but single device)
- International roaming (expensive but convenient)
- Pre-order for airport pickup
□ Download essential apps
- Google Translate (download offline Japanese)
- Google Maps (download offline maps of cities)
- Japan Transit Planner (train navigation)
- Suica/PASMO apps (if compatible iPhone)
- Currency converter
- Weather apps
□ Set up VPN if needed
- Some streaming services geo-blocked in Japan
- Banking websites sometimes flag foreign IPs
- Not essential but helpful for some
□ Back up phone data
- Full backup before departure
- Ensure cloud backups working
- Test restore process
□ Prepare portable chargers
- 10,000+ mAh power bank
- Charging cables for all devices
- Consider solar charger for hiking trips
□ Check voltage/plug requirements
- Japan uses 100V (vs 120V US, 230V Europe)
- Type A plugs (same as US)
- Most modern electronics handle voltage difference
- Hair dryers/straighteners may need converter
Learning and Cultural Preparation ✓
□ Learn basic Japanese phrases
- Sumimasen (excuse me/sorry)
- Arigatou gozaimasu (thank you)
- Kore kudasai (this, please)
- Eigo ga wakarimasuka? (do you speak English?)
- Toire wa doko desu ka? (where is the toilet?)
- See full phrase list in our mistakes guide
□ Study Japanese etiquette
- Bowing basics
- Chopstick taboos
- Onsen rules
- Train etiquette
- Temple/shrine protocols
□ Research food restrictions/allergies
- Get allergy cards printed in Japanese
- Learn key food words
- Understand common ingredients (dashi contains fish)
- Research vegetarian/vegan options if applicable
□ Learn hiragana/katakana basics
- Not required but extremely helpful
- Station names easier to recognize
- Menu items sometimes only in kana
- Takes 2-3 weeks casual study
□ Watch cultural videos/documentaries
- YouTube channels about Japanese culture
- NHK World documentaries
- Travel vlogs for visual expectations
Route Planning ✓
□ Create detailed daily itinerary
□ Map out neighborhoods
- Understand Tokyo’s ward system
- Identify Kyoto neighborhoods
- Plan walking routes between attractions
□ Research day trip options
- Tokyo: Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone, Mt. Fuji area
- Kyoto: Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Koyasan
- Osaka: Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji
□ Check seasonal considerations
- Cherry blossom forecasts (late March-April)
- Fall foliage timing (November)
- Rainy season (June-July)
- Typhoon season (August-October)
□ Identify must-eat foods per city
- Tokyo: Sushi, ramen, tempura
- Osaka: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu
- Kyoto: Kaiseki, tofu dishes, matcha sweets
- Hokkaido: Seafood, soup curry, Genghis Khan
□ Note opening hours/closing days
- Many museums closed Mondays
- Temples often close by 4-5 PM
- Restaurants have varied schedules
- Plan backup options
2-3 Weeks Before Departure: Final Preparations
Packing Preparations ✓
□ Check weather forecast
- Japan has distinct seasons
- Layering works better than bulky coats
- Rain likely year-round (bring compact umbrella)
□ Break in walking shoes
- You’ll walk 15,000-25,000 steps daily
- New shoes cause blisters
- Comfortable, slip-on friendly shoes ideal
□ Test all electronics
- Camera batteries charged
- Memory cards formatted
- Adapters/converters tested
- Phone accessories working
□ Organize travel documents folder
- Passport
- JR Pass exchange order
- Travel insurance documents
- Hotel confirmations
- Flight confirmations
- Emergency contact list
- Copies of prescriptions
□ Prepare medication kit
- Prescriptions for entire trip + buffer
- Pain relievers/fever reducers
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antihistamines
- Band-aids and blister treatment
- Any personal medical needs
Home Preparations ✓
□ Arrange pet/plant care
- Confirm arrangements with caregivers
- Leave detailed instructions
- Emergency vet contact info
□ Set up mail hold
- Post office mail hold
- Package delivery notifications
- Ask neighbor to collect unexpected deliveries
□ Arrange house sitter or security
- Timer lights for security appearance
- Security system armed
- Trusted person has key for emergencies
□ Pay bills due during trip
- Set up autopay if possible
- Pay ahead if autopay unavailable
- Avoid late fees/service interruptions
□ Empty refrigerator of perishables
- Donate or consume expiring food
- Clean out fridge
- Turn down refrigerator if extended trip
□ Adjust thermostat
- Save energy during absence
- Prevent pipe freezing in winter
- Prevent extreme heat damage in summer
□ Unplug non-essential electronics
- Reduce fire risk
- Save electricity
- Prevent damage from power surges
Financial Final Steps ✓
□ Get more yen if needed
- Better rates often available at specialty currency exchanges
- Order currency exchange 1-2 weeks ahead
- ¥30,000-50,000 ($200-330) good starting amount
□ Set up travel wallet
- Cash in easily accessible location
- Credit cards in secure pocket
- Emergency backup card hidden separately
□ Document all serial numbers
- Electronics (phone, camera, laptop)
- Credit card numbers (for reporting loss)
- Passport number
- Store securely (cloud backup)
□ Verify daily withdrawal limits
- Increase temporarily if possible
- Know exact limits for budgeting
- Confirm international ATM access
1 Week Before Departure: Final Countdown
Last-Minute Bookings ✓
□ Confirm all reservations
- Hotels (email confirmation)
- Restaurants (call if possible)
- Activities and tours
- Transportation bookings
□ Check-in for flights
- 24 hours before departure
- Select seats if not already assigned
- Download boarding passes
□ Order pocket WiFi
- Choose airport pickup location
- Note pickup counter location/hours
- Bring pickup confirmation
□ Make final restaurant reservations
- Week-ahead bookings for remaining nights
- Call popular spots for cancellation openings
- Have hotel help with Japanese-only restaurants
Packing Checklist ✓
Essential Documents:
- □ Passport (check expiration date again)
- □ JR Pass exchange order
- □ Flight confirmations (printed and digital)
- □ Hotel confirmations
- □ Travel insurance documents
- □ Driver’s license + IDP (if renting car)
- □ Credit cards (2+ different networks)
- □ Emergency contact list
- □ Copies of all above documents (separate location)
Money and Cards:
- □ Japanese yen cash
- □ Credit cards (2+ for backup)
- □ Debit card for ATM withdrawals
- □ Money belt or secure travel wallet
- □ Small bills for immediate expenses
Electronics:
- □ Smartphone (unlocked)
- □ Phone charger + cable
- □ Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- □ Camera + extra batteries
- □ Memory cards (more than you think you need)
- □ Headphones/earbuds
- □ Plug adapter (Type A, same as US)
- □ Laptop/tablet if needed
- □ E-reader for flights/downtime
Clothing (Adapt to Season):
- □ Comfortable walking shoes (slip-on friendly)
- □ Sandals/slippers (for onsen, room wear)
- □ 4-5 days of clothing (laundry services abundant)
- □ Lightweight rain jacket
- □ One nice outfit (temples, upscale restaurants)
- □ Sleepwear
- □ Undergarments and socks
- □ Swimsuit (for onsen with swim requirements, beaches)
- □ Small daypack/backpack
- □ Compact umbrella
Toiletries:
- □ Travel-size shampoo/conditioner (or plan to buy)
- □ Toothbrush and toothpaste
- □ Deodorant (hard to find strong versions in Japan)
- □ Sunscreen (very expensive in Japan)
- □ Contact lenses + solution (bring full supply)
- □ Glasses + case
- □ Razor/shaving supplies
- □ Feminine hygiene products (tampons less common in Japan)
- □ Medications in original bottles
- □ Small first-aid kit
- □ Hand sanitizer
- □ Tissues (public restrooms sometimes lack paper)
Miscellaneous:
- □ Reusable water bottle
- □ Snacks for flight
- □ Pen (for customs forms)
- □ Small notebook
- □ Ziplock bags (various sizes)
- □ Laundry detergent packets (for sink washing)
- □ Earplugs (hotels can be noisy)
- □ Eye mask (for flights, time zone adjustment)
- □ Empty tote bag (for shopping, daily excursions)
- □ Travel-size laundry line (hanging wet items)
Optional but Recommended:
- □ Portable fan (summer visits)
- □ Hand warmers (winter visits)
- □ Chopsticks (if you’re picky about using plastic ones)
- □ Instant coffee/tea bags (if you’re particular)
- □ Small gifts from home (for hosts, new friends)
- □ Deck of cards or travel games
Digital Preparations ✓
□ Download offline content
- Google Maps offline maps
- Google Translate offline Japanese
- Entertainment for flights (Netflix downloads, podcasts)
- Train route apps with saved favorites
□ Share itinerary with family
- Daily accommodation addresses
- Flight details
- Emergency contact plan
- Check-in schedule
□ Set up international phone plan
- Activate international roaming if using
- Confirm data package purchased
- Test before leaving airport
□ Update social media privacy
- Don’t broadcast that home is empty
- Consider limiting real-time posts
- Tag locations after leaving, not during visit
□ Auto-responders for work email
- Out-of-office message with dates
- Emergency contact alternative
- Manage expectations for response times
Day Before Departure ✓
Final Home Tasks ✓
□ Take out trash
- Empty all trash cans
- Remove recycling
- Avoid return-home odors
□ Clean refrigerator
- Discard perishables
- Clean shelves
- Place baking soda for odor control
□ Water plants
- Give thorough watering
- Place in optimal locations
- Drip irrigation if extended absence
□ Secure all windows and doors
- Check locks
- Close blinds/curtains
- Set security system
□ Final walk-through
- All appliances off (except fridge/freezer)
- Faucets off
- Lights on timers
- Valuables secured
Packing Final Check ✓
□ Weigh luggage
- International: typically 50 lbs (23 kg) checked
- Domestic Japan: often 20 kg limit
- Carry-on: usually 15-22 lbs (7-10 kg)
- Leave space for souvenirs on return
□ Check carry-on liquids
- 3.4 oz (100 ml) maximum per container
- All containers in quart-size clear bag
- Medications exempt but should be labeled
□ Secure valuables
- Jewelry in carry-on
- Electronics in carry-on
- Important documents in carry-on
- Never pack valuables in checked bags
□ Charge all devices
- Phone to 100%
- Power bank to 100%
- Camera batteries charged
- Laptop/tablet charged
□ Print essential documents
- Boarding passes (backup to digital)
- First hotel confirmation
- Transportation vouchers
- Emergency contacts
Personal Preparations ✓
□ Get good night’s sleep
- Critical for flight and first days
- Adjust sleep schedule toward Japan time if possible
- Avoid excessive alcohol before flying
□ Set multiple alarms
- Phone alarm
- Backup alarm
- Ask hotel for wake-up call if morning flight
□ Prepare flight outfit
- Comfortable, layered clothing
- Slip-on shoes (security ease)
- Compression socks (long flight circulation)
- Jacket (planes get cold)
□ Pack flight essentials in personal item
- Medications
- Snacks
- Entertainment
- Neck pillow
- Pen (immigration forms)
- Empty water bottle (fill after security)
Arrival Day in Japan ✓
Airport Tasks ✓
□ Exchange JR Pass voucher
- JR East Travel Service Center at major airports
- Bring passport
- Specify activation date (can be future date within 30 days)
- Reserve first few Shinkansen seats while there
□ Pick up pocket WiFi or SIM card
- Know exact pickup location
- Bring confirmation number
- Test connection before leaving airport
□ Withdraw cash from ATM
- 7-Eleven ATM in most airports
- Withdraw ¥50,000-100,000 to minimize fees
- Verify PIN works
□ Purchase IC card (Suica/PASMO)
- Available at ticket machines
- Load ¥5,000-10,000 initially
- Works for trains, buses, convenience stores
□ Get SIM card/activate phone
- Insert SIM card
- Configure network settings
- Test internet connection
□ Obtain pocket tissues and wet wipes
- Available at convenience stores
- Essential for public restroom visits
- Wet wipes for hand cleaning
First Day Orientation ✓
□ Find accommodation
- Use Google Maps navigation
- Have address in Japanese ready
- Take train or airport limousine bus
- Avoid taxis (expensive for airport transfers)
□ Check into hotel
- Verify room type
- Note breakfast times if included
- Ask for area recommendations
- Get business card with address (for taxi returns)
□ Test electronics
- Confirm WiFi/SIM working properly
- Charge all devices
- Set phone timezone to Japan
- Download any missed apps
□ Orient to neighborhood
- Find nearest convenience store
- Locate ATM
- Identify train station
- Quick walk around immediate area
□ Eat first meal
- Keep it simple (convenience store or casual restaurant)
- Stay awake until reasonable bedtime
- Hydrate thoroughly
□ Purchase essentials if needed
- Convenience store run
- Drugstore for toiletries
- Snacks for room
□ Adjust to time zone
- Stay awake until at least 8-9 PM local time
- Get morning sunlight next day
- Avoid napping if possible
During Your Stay: Daily Checklist ✓
Morning Routine ✓
□ Check weather and adjust plans
- Rain might require indoor backup activities
- Extreme heat calls for earlier starts
- Cold weather needs extra layers
□ Verify daily reservations
- Restaurant bookings
- Tour meeting times
- Museum tickets
□ Pack day bag essentials
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Portable charger
- Umbrella
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Day’s cash needs (¥10,000-15,000)
- IC card
- Hotel business card
□ Plan transportation routes
- Map out train routes
- Identify transfer stations
- Note platform numbers
- Screenshot directions for offline access
Cultural Awareness Reminders ✓
□ Remove shoes appropriately
- Temples, shrines, traditional restaurants, ryokans
- Look for genkan (raised entrance area)
- Wear socks without holes
□ Keep conversations quiet on trains
- No phone calls
- Quiet talking only
- Switch phone to silent
□ Eat food only in designated areas
- Not while walking on streets
- Sit at bench or designated eating area
- Exception: festival food near stalls
□ Follow chopstick etiquette
- Never stick vertically in rice
- Don’t pass food chopstick-to-chopstick
- Use serving chopsticks for shared dishes
□ Be mindful of photography
- No photos of geishas without permission
- Respect “no photography” signs
- Don’t photograph people eating
- Ask permission for portraits
Evening Tasks ✓
□ Document expenses
- Track spending in app or notebook
- Keep receipts if needed for reimbursement
- Note any budget adjustments needed
□ Backup photos/videos
- Upload to cloud storage
- Multiple backup locations
- Delete obvious bad shots to free space
□ Update journal or blog
- Record memories while fresh
- Note restaurant names/addresses you loved
- Write down recommendations for future visitors
- Document funny/interesting moments
□ Plan next day
- Review itinerary
- Check opening hours
- Make any needed reservations
- Pack appropriately for weather/activities
□ Charge all devices overnight
- Phone
- Camera batteries
- Power bank
- Any other electronics
□ Do laundry if needed
- Coin laundromats in most neighborhoods
- Hotel laundry services (expensive but convenient)
- Sink washing for small items
Before Departure from Japan ✓
Shopping and Souvenirs ✓
□ Purchase omiyage (souvenirs)
- Regional snacks for coworkers/friends
- Kit Kats (unique Japanese flavors)
- Matcha products
- Japanese whiskey
- Traditional crafts
□ Understand customs limits
- US: $800 duty-free allowance
- Declare agricultural products
- Alcohol limits (typically 1 liter duty-free)
- Tobacco limits
□ Get tax refunds if applicable
- Show passport at tax-free counters
- Keep receipts
- Some stores refund at airport
□ Pack purchased items carefully
- Fragile items in carry-on
- Liquids in checked bag
- Wrap ceramics/glass thoroughly
Final Tasks in Japan ✓
□ Return pocket WiFi
- Mail from post office or drop at airport
- Include in provided envelope
- Note return location and times
□ Use remaining yen strategically
- Stock up on snacks for flight/home
- Final convenience store haul
- Dining splurge
- Or save for next visit (bills don’t expire)
□ Final photos
- Last moments at favorite spots
- Group photos if traveling with others
- Panoramas of views you’ll miss
□ Exchange contact info
- Friends made during trip
- Hosts of places you stayed
- Tour guides who were exceptional
□ Write thank-you notes
- Exceptional hotel staff
- Helpful locals who assisted you
- Restaurant owners who made effort
Airport Departure Day ✓
Check-Out Process ✓
□ Complete hotel check-out
- Settle any incidental charges
- Return room key
- Verify nothing left behind
- Get receipt for records
□ Leave room in proper condition
- Trash collected
- Nothing left in bathroom
- Check all drawers/closets
- Respectful condition
□ Arrange airport transfer
- Narita Express, Skyliner, or bus
- Allow 3+ hours for international flights
- Account for rush hour if applicable
□ Verify flight status
- Check for delays
- Confirm terminal and gate
- Note check-in counter location
At the Airport ✓
□ Arrive with adequate time
- International: 3 hours before departure
- Account for security lines
- Tokyo airports are large—build in walking time
□ Check baggage
- Verify weight within limits
- Tag bags clearly
- Keep valuables in carry-on
- Get baggage claim tickets
□ Go through security
- Liquids in clear bag
- Laptop out of bag
- Remove belt/shoes if required
- Have boarding pass ready
□ Shop duty-free if desired
- Japanese whisky
- Cosmetics
- Limited edition KitKats
- Last-minute gifts
□ Complete customs forms
- Declaration of goods
- Currency over $10,000 must be declared
- Agricultural products declared
□ Final yen spending
- Vending machines
- Airport restaurants
- Omiyage shops
- Or save for return visit
□ Rest and hydrate before flight
- Find gate early
- Fill water bottle
- Use restroom
- Relax before long flight
After Returning Home ✓
Immediate Tasks (First Week) ✓
□ Unpack and do laundry
- Prevent mildew in bags
- Air out luggage
- Clean dirty items immediately
□ Go through mail and bills
- Address anything urgent
- File away routine items
- Pay any bills due
□ Restart home systems
- Adjust thermostat to normal
- Turn refrigerator back up if adjusted
- Restart stopped services
□ Upload and organize photos
- Create albums by location/date
- Delete obvious bad photos
- Back up to multiple locations
- Start editing favorites
□ File receipts and documents
- Organize expense receipts
- File travel insurance documents
- Store in appropriate locations
□ Submit insurance claims if needed
- Medical expenses
- Lost baggage
- Trip interruption costs
- Include all required documentation
□ Review credit card statements
- Verify all charges correct
- Dispute any errors immediately
- Calculate foreign transaction fees
- Confirm no fraudulent charges
Financial Follow-Up ✓
□ Track all trip expenses
- Compare to budget
- Note areas of overspending
- Identify savings for future trips
- Update personal finance records
□ Submit expense reports if business travel
- Compile all receipts
- Categorize properly
- Follow company procedures
- Submit within required timeframe
□ Exchange remaining yen (or save it)
- Exchange rates at US banks are poor
- Consider saving for future Japan trip
- Japanese bills don’t expire
- Coins difficult to exchange (spend or keep as souvenirs)
Long-Term Follow-Through ✓
□ Write reviews
- Hotels websites
- Restaurants on Google Maps
- Tours and experiences
- Airlines and transportation
- Help future travelers!
□ Share recommendations
- Update your own blog/social media
- Answer questions from friends planning trips
- Contribute to travel forums
- Tag businesses on Instagram (they appreciate it)
□ Create photo albums/books
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