Japan 10 Day Itinerary

PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP: 

Decide if it makes sense for you to purchase a Japan Rail Pass – a special fare ticket that is available only to travelers visiting Japan from foreign countries for sightseeing. There are 7-day, 14-day, and 21 day passes.  This pass must be purchased BEFORE coming to Japan. Use the Rail Pass Calculator to see if it makes sense for you.

Download helpful apps: 

• Google Maps
• Suica – transit
• GO – taxi app
• EX – Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen booking
• Tablelog – restaurant reviews

Connectivity

If your phone plan does not offer a good international plan, an eSim, pre-paid SIM card, or pocket wifi are the best options. 

• eSim:  yesim (download from app store, select plan, purchase and install)
• Prepaid sim card: Japan Wireless (https://www.japan-wireless.com/)
• Download the app “Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect”, which will automatically connect you to any free wifi available when you travel

AFTER ARRIVAL:

Transportation from the Tokyo airports

From Narita Airport:  In my experience, the easiest way to get into downtown Tokyo from Narita airport is to take the Limousine bus which takes about 1 hr 30 mins.  Immediately after exiting baggage claim, you will see the Limo bus counter.  They have frequent buses going to all areas of downtown Tokyo, so just buy a ticket (~$30 adult, $15 child), head outside, find the location for your bus, and get in line.  They will tag and load your luggage and bring you straight to your hotel.

The fastest way to get from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo is by train, taking about an hour. There are two main train operators that offer services from Narita Airport: Narita Express / N’EX (JR East) and Keisei Skyliner (Keisei Electric Railway). The Japan Rail Pass permits you free use of the Narita Express, so if you’ve purchased one, you should opt for this option. Also, the Keisei Skyliner terminates at Keisei-Ueno station so, depending on where you are staying, you may need to transfer trains. Narita Express offers direct, same-train service to Shinjuku, Shinagawa, and a few other locations in downtown Tokyo.

From Haneda Airport:  Haneda is much closer to downtown Tokyo so if you are traveling as a family with luggage, a taxi might be your best option and will cost you about ¥8,000 ($50 USD).  The Limousine bus is also an easy alternative.  If it isn’t rush hour, the train is also very accessible from the airport.

Getting around Japan

PASMO or Suica – instead of buying a subway/train ticket each time, buy an IC card and just load some money on it.  It will make your life much easier!