You’ve arrived in Japan!
Before leaving the airport, check these simple things to make your first day in Japan easier.
✈️ Ready to Leave the Airport?
Tap each box when you’re ready.
- 1. Connect to Free Airport Wi-Fi
- 2. Save Your Hotel Address
- 3. Check Your Route to the Hotel
- 4. Charge Your Phone
- 5. Get Some Japanese Yen
- 6. Prepare an IC Card
- 7. Check Your Train, Bus or Taxi
- 8. Use the Restroom
- 9. Prepare Internet for Outside the Airport
- 10. Know Where to Ask for Help
- You’re Ready!
- Information Note and Disclaimer
1. Connect to Free Airport Wi-Fi
Most major airports in Japan offer free Wi-Fi.
Connect to the airport Wi-Fi before you leave. You can use it to check maps, train routes, your hotel information, and messages.
If the Wi-Fi is not working, don’t worry. There are a few simple things you can try.
Need help with airport Wi-Fi?
2. Save Your Hotel Address
Save your hotel name and address on your phone.
It is also a good idea to take a screenshot.
If you lose your internet connection, you can still show the address to station staff or a taxi driver.
3. Check Your Route to the Hotel
Check how to get to your hotel before leaving the airport.
Use Google Maps or another map app to check:
- Which train or bus to take
- Where to change trains
- Your destination station
- How long the trip will take
Take a screenshot of the route too.
4. Charge Your Phone
Your phone will be very useful on your first day in Japan.
You may need it for maps, train information, translation, messages, and payments.
If your battery is low, charge your phone before leaving the airport.
5. Get Some Japanese Yen
Cards and cashless payments are common in Japan, but cash is still useful.
You may need Japanese yen for some ticket machines, small shops, lockers, or other situations.
You don’t need a lot of cash. Just having some yen can make your first day easier.
6. Prepare an IC Card
IC cards are useful for trains, subways, buses, and many shops in Japan.
Cards such as Suica, PASMO and ICOCA can make traveling easier.
If you are not sure which card to use, ask the airport information counter or railway staff.
7. Check Your Train, Bus or Taxi
Decide how you will travel from the airport to your hotel.
You can usually choose from trains, airport buses, taxis, and other transportation.
If you have large luggage, a direct airport bus may sometimes be easier than changing trains.
8. Use the Restroom
Use the restroom before leaving the airport.
Your trip to the hotel may take an hour or longer.
It is a simple thing, but you’ll be glad you did it before getting on a train or bus.
9. Prepare Internet for Outside the Airport
Airport Wi-Fi will usually stop working after you leave the airport.
Make sure you have another way to use the internet.
You can use an eSIM, SIM card, pocket Wi-Fi, or international roaming.
Internet access will make maps, train information, and translation much easier.
10. Know Where to Ask for Help
If you are not sure what to do, ask for help before leaving the airport.
Airport information counters and railway staff can help you.
You can simply show your hotel address and say:
“How can I get to this hotel?”
Don’t worry if your English or Japanese is not perfect.
You’re Ready!
If you checked all 10 boxes, you’re ready to leave the airport.
You have your internet, hotel information, transportation plan, money, and other basics ready.
Welcome to Japan, and enjoy your stay! 🇯🇵
Information Note and Disclaimer
Information based on details available as of October 2026.
Airport facilities, Wi-Fi services, SIM card availability, currency exchange services, ATM locations, transportation options, operating hours, and service fees may change without prior notice.
Available services and procedures may differ depending on the airport, terminal, service provider, and time of arrival.
Some facilities may be closed, temporarily unavailable, or subject to additional restrictions.
Transportation schedules, fares, and last departure times may also change.
Before traveling, always check the latest information on official airport websites and with the relevant transportation or service providers.
For immigration, customs, or other government procedures, follow the latest instructions issued by the appropriate Japanese authorities.
Japan Life Steps is an independent information website. This article is intended for general travel guidance and does not guarantee the availability, accuracy, or suitability of third-party services.
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