My Japan Travel Kit
After years of filming across Japan — from Tokyo's backstreets to rural Tohoku ryokans — these are the tools I trust. Every recommendation here is something I've personally used.
Reliable data is non-negotiable when you're uploading footage from the field. I've tested every option across Japan.
Airalo — Japan eSIM
My go-to for every trip. Activate before you land, data works the second you touch down at Narita. I burned through 20GB filming in Kyoto and it never dropped.
Get Your eSIMSakura Mobile — Pocket WiFi
For longer stays or group trips where you need to share a connection. Reliable coverage even in rural areas where eSIM signal gets thin.
Check PlansNordVPN — Secure Your Connection
Public WiFi in Japanese hotels and cafes is everywhere but rarely secured. I keep NordVPN running whenever I'm uploading footage or accessing banking abroad.
Get NordVPNJapan's rail network is the backbone of any trip. These are the passes, tickets, and tools I use to move efficiently across the country.
Japan Rail Pass
If you're covering more than Tokyo-Kyoto, the JR Pass pays for itself in a single bullet train ride. I've used every regional variant across Tohoku, Kansai, and Kyushu.
Book the JR PassRakuten — Bullet Train Tickets
Pre-book individual shinkansen seats without a full rail pass. Tokyo-Kyoto, Tokyo-Osaka — sorted before you land, no ticket machine fumbling.
Book ShinkansenSkip the tourist traps. These are the bookable experiences actually worth your time and money.
Rakuten — Universal Studios Japan
Instant-delivery Studio Passes for USJ — buy on the train and walk through the gate with the QR code on your phone.
Get USJ TicketsRakuten — teamLab Planets Tokyo
Sells out 2–3 months before peak season—cherry blossom and Golden Week windows especially. Book tickets before you fly. The Toyosu DMM space is the one worth it; skip the other venues.
Book TicketsRakuten — Kimono Rental Kyoto
Most people forget this until they're already in Higashiyama and every rental shop has a two-hour queue. Pre-book through Rakuten. Morning slots have better light for shooting anyway.
Book ExperienceI learned this the hard way — a single hospital visit in Japan without coverage can cost more than your entire trip.
Sacraw — Travel Medical Insurance
Canadian-specific coverage that actually works abroad. I've used Sacraw on every trip since 2019. The claims process is straightforward and their support team is responsive.
(Available to Canadian residents)
Get a QuoteNot everything costs money. These free tools have saved me countless hours navigating Japan.
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Google Maps (Offline)Download the Kanto and Kansai regions before you fly. Works without data for walking directions.
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NavitimeThe best train navigation app for Japan. More accurate than Google Maps for transfers and platform numbers.
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Japan Official Travel AppJNTO's app has emergency info, tourist spots, and offline maps. Surprisingly good.
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XE CurrencyReal-time JPY conversion. Essential when the yen is volatile.
Limited-time promo codes and partner discounts. Grab them before they expire.
Airalo — Japan eSIM, Installed Before You Fly
Buy and install the eSIM at home, activate it the moment you land. No SIM swap at the airport, no roaming bill from your home carrier. Plans scale from 1GB to 20GB+ for longer trips.
Get This DealJR Pass — 7, 14 or 21-Day National Rail Pass
The national pass only pays off above a certain distance. Past that threshold it's unlimited Shinkansen and JR lines for one flat price. Booked direct — no booth queue at the station.
Get This DealPocket Wi-Fi — Unlimited Data for Groups of 3+
Where the eSIM math flips: one rented unit covers a whole family or crew on a single bill. Collect it at the airport or have it waiting at your first hotel. Unlimited data, no per-device SIM.
Get This DealTravel Medical Insurance — Pays the Hospital Direct
Primary emergency medical cover with direct hospital payment, so you're not fronting the deposit. Arranged through Sacraw Financial. Canadian residents — qualify your eligibility before buying.
Get This Deal