Honestly? Researching Japan travel rules felt like cramming for final exams. Got my passport ready – that was the easy part. Then hit the visa rabbit hole.
The Pre-Trip Panic Phase
Started surfing official sites – felt like reading tax forms written by robots. Couldn’t skip this step though, heard too many horror stories about folks getting turned away at immigration. Did the whole Electronic Visa (eVisa) dance on Japan’s visa website. Uploading passport scans, listing hotel bookings, bank statements… honestly wondered if they needed my blood type too. Spent two evenings just filling out forms online, fingers crossed.
Airport Reality Check
Landing at Narita? Instant sensory overload. Signs everywhere screaming about some QR code nonsense. Shoved past jetlag to figure out the Visit Japan Web stuff on my phone right there in the terminal. Why didn’t I register before boarding? Pure laziness, honestly. Scanned passports again, typed address details with clumsy thumbs. Saw that yellow QR pop up and almost cried relief. Immigration scan? Done in like 20 seconds. Lesson learned: register Visit Japan Web BEFORE your flight lands.
Stuff I almost forgot:
- CASH IS STILL KING – ATMs saved me at the airport when my cards went weird.
- IC Cards – Grabbed a Suica at the station ticket machine. Lifesaver for trains.
- Travel Insurance – Actually needed it when I tripped on some uneven pavement. Out-of-pocket would’ve hurt.
- Trash Etiquette – Seriously, carry your garbage. Felt like a detective finding bins.
Walking the Walk
Navigating cities felt easy – maps are clear, station staff helpful even with my terrible Japanese. Remembered the ‘no eating while walking’ rule after seeing locals stare politely at a tourist munching a burger on the go. Felt the temperature drop entering shrines – kept quiet, bowed slightly. Almost walked into that giant clapping thing at Meiji Shrine… rookie move avoided.
That first sip of vending machine coffee? Bliss. Navigating without Wi-Fi using just signboards? Actually worked. Realized halfway through why people rave about this place. Sure, lots of rules upfront felt like homework, but once you’re in? Pure magic. Just prepare properly and soak it in.
