10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Trip to Japan

Planning a trip to Japan is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Many first-time travelers make the same mistakes that lead to disappointment, missed experiences, or paying extra cost. By learning from these common regrets, you can plan a smoother, more enjoyable journey. But if you are reading this a day before your trip or on the way to Japan… no worry. Your trip will be still great.

Below are 10 mistakes travelers often make when visiting Japan—and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Reserving Popular Attractions in Advance

Famous spots such as the Ghibli Museum or Tokyo Skytree often require advance reservations. Tickets usually open about one month before the visit date and sell out quickly, especially for popular time slots like sunset. If you want your preferred date and time, mark the reservation release date in your calendar and book immediately.

https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/tickets

2. Ignoring Train Reservations

Japan’s train system is efficient, but certain trains and seats sell out fast. JR trains typically open reservations one month ahead, usually at 10:00 a.m. Popular examples include:

Fuji Excursion (especially in peak seasons)
Spacia X Cockpit Lounge seats
Romancecar to Hakone
Discounted Shinkansen fares like Hayatoku 21

If you want a specific train or seat, book as soon as tickets are released.

3. Not Planning for Luggage

Dragging large suitcases around Japan can ruin your trip. Instead:

Use coin lockers at stations.
Ship luggage to your next hotel via takkyubin (luggage delivery) services.
Check your hotel’s accessibility if you’re carrying large bags.
Avoid bringing suitcases on ropeways or narrow hiking trails (e.g., Kamikochi).

Traveling light makes your trip far more comfortable.

4. Scheduling Too Much on Arrival or Departure Day

Flights can be delayed, and jet lag can leave you exhausted. Avoid booking expensive restaurants, long transfers, or trips to other cities on your first or last day. Keep these days flexible to reduce stress.

5. Choosing an Inconvenient First Night Hotel

After a long flight, staying at a hotel with easy airport access is a lifesaver. For example, choose hotels directly connected to train lines from Narita or Haneda. If you’re continuing to another city the next day, pick a hotel close to both the airport and the train station.

6. Overloading or Under-planning Your Itinerary

Some travelers cram too much in, while others leave everything open. The best approach:

List your must-see spots as your main plan.
Add optional side activities that you can skip if tired.
Leave space for wandering—you’ll often discover hidden gems just one street away from tourist hotspots.

7. Underestimating Walking Distances

Japan involves a lot of walking—temples, castles, city neighborhoods, even train stations. If you’re not used to it, you may get exhausted. When planning:

Check walking distances on maps.
Consider taxis or buses when distances are too long.
Don’t overdo it—you’ll enjoy more if you pace yourself.

8. Forgetting to Check Opening Days

Museums and attractions in Japan often close on Mondays or for long renovations. For example, major temples may be covered by scaffolding for years. Always check official websites before adding important sites to your itinerary.

9. Overlooking Medicine Regulations

Japan has strict rules about medications. Common prescriptions like blood pressure pills are usually fine, but some over-the-counter drugs (like certain allergy medicine) may be restricted. Check Japan’s official government websites in advance, and if necessary, apply for import permission.

10. Not Preparing for Money Needs

While credit cards are widely accepted, some restaurants, shrines, and smaller shops are cash-only. To avoid trouble:

Carry some Japanese yen in cash.
Order yen from your home bank before departure, or withdraw from ATMs in Japan.
Notify your credit card company of your travel dates to prevent blocked transactions.
Consider a debit card that refunds ATM fees abroad (e.g., Charles Schwab for U.S. travelers).

This is really just to make the travel better

Avoiding these 10 mistakes will help you save time, money, and stress on your Japan trip. Plan ahead for reservations, pack light, and leave room for flexibility. It’s not something ruin your trips if you make these mistakes. So if you are reading this a day before you leave your home, no worry. Just enjoy the trip. However, with the right preparation, your journey in Japan will be smoother, more enjoyable, and filled with good experiences.