TRAVEL PREPARATION

Traveling to Japan?

Prior to leaving – Some Suggestions

• 4 months prior to departure date
  • Buy ticket. Tickets can be costly if bought too close to travel date.
  • Leave at least 2 – 3 hours between flights especially if flying through Vancouver airport to Narita Airport (Tokyo).
• 2 months prior to leaving
  • Contact friends as they travel too.
  • Book hotel. The good ones fill up quickly.
• 3 weeks prior to leaving
  • Check vaccine requirements.
  • Check visa requirements.
• 2 weeks prior to leaving
  • Order Japanese currency. It takes at least 3-7 business days for institutions to bring currency in, especially in large amounts.
  • CASH! Japan is a cash-based society. Many places do not take credit cards.
  • Register online with Japanese Government.
  • Register online with your country’s embassy in Tokyo.
  • Fill in immigration & customs forms given on the plane
  • Purchase compression stockings (get doctor’s advice) for the long flight – it helps blood circulation.
  • Make copies of passport, health records, and other important documents and email as a draft to yourself.
  • Buy “Made only in Canada” gifts as gift giving (omiyage) in Japan is a big part of the culture.

At Narita Airport

DON’T FORGET TO GO TO THE DOWNSTAIRS FLOOR IN THE AIRPORT

• Visitor Information Centre
  • Pick up brochures in various languages.
• Get Suica Visitor Card (can get it only at the airport)
• Rent a pocket Wifi
• Change SIM card
• Get ticket for bus, limousine

Climate & Season

If you travel in the summer, especially in August

• wear cotton – fabric that breathes
• bring a hat, lots of sunscreen
• lots of deodorant and hair products

HAPPY TRAVELING, HAPPY WANDERING!