What I'd sort out before you fly to Japan
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Getting around
The one thing worth sorting before you land is how you'll tap through the gates and cover longer trips. A rechargeable Suica / Pasmo IC card handles almost every train, bus, and konbini. For regional trips and the Shinkansen, book the specific pass or ticket you need.
Honest note: the nationwide JR Pass is only worth it if you're doing a lot of long-distance rail in a short window. For a Tokyo, or Tokyo plus one day trip, you'll usually save money paying as you go with an IC card. Do the math for your route first.
Experiences worth pre-booking
A few things sell out or have timed entry, so they're worth grabbing before you go: teamLab, USJ and Disney tickets, popular day tours, and pocket wifi if you'd rather not fuss with a SIM. Everything else you can decide once you're there.
Staying connected (eSIM)
You'll want data from the moment you land: maps, train times, translation, and messaging whoever's meeting you. The least-hassle option on a phone that supports it is an eSIM you install before you fly. No airport counter, no physical card to swap, and it switches on when you turn off airplane mode in Japan.
Honest note: check that your phone is carrier-unlocked and eSIM-capable first. If it isn't, or you're sharing data across a group, pocket wifi (above) is the better fit. Most eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home number on for texts if you need it.
Coming soon
We're still testing picks for where to stay before we list them. When they earn a spot, they'll show up here. We'd rather recommend nothing than recommend badly.
Keep learning
The phrases do the rest. Grab the free phrasebook and browse the reels so the first words out of your mouth in Japan feel easy.