Japan’s reopening! But before you scream from the rooftops of excitement, we’re here to get you prepped for it. Read on for our guide on how to get ready for your Japan trip!
So you’re (FINALLY) planning a trip to the Land of Rising Sun after two-and-a-half years. With Japan opening up again on 11th October 2022, we’re all but ready to pack our bags, get out the door, and soak in all that Japan goodness. But what to bring? What do we need to know? How do we prep?! No fret, we’ve got your backs. Here’s a list of things you’ll need to get ready for your Japan trip.
1. Stay Updated With The Latest Covid Rules
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With Covid restrictions updating on the daily, things can get pretty confusing. Let’s make things easier. Here’s what you need to know about the easing of the latest Covid’19 restrictions and what to take note of:
🇯🇵 Individual travelers are allowed to enter from 11 October 2022 onwards
🇯🇵 Singaporeans can head to Japan visa-free for up to 90 days!
🇯🇵 Japan’s daily arrival cap of 50,000 will be scrapped from 11 Oct
🇯🇵 Pre-departure tests will not be required for travelers who are fully vaccinated with a booster shot
🇯🇵 No on-arrival test is required
🇯🇵 While wearing masks isn’t compulsory, it’s highly recommended especially in indoor spaces and on public transportation
How To Get Ready For Your Japan Trip: Click here for more Covid’19 updates
2. Start By Booking Your Flight & Accommodation
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According to MustShareNews, Japan flight prices will be soaring and are expected to surge to over S$2,000 for the year-end holiday period! The cheapest Economy Class flight as of yet was said to be S$1,683.90 with Singapore Airlines. While over at Scoot, an economy flight costs S$1,630.99 with no check-in luggage or food. And, of course, with the surge in flight prices, comes the rise in accommodation costs. But psst, everyone loves a good discount. So let us help you out with that.
Flights:
✈️ Get up to 5% cashback off hotels, flights, and more with Trip.com when you pay with YouTrip. Cashback will be awarded after 45 days from the date of purchase.
Accommodations:
🏨 If you’re booking a room with Expedia, pay with YouTrip and apply ‘MASTER12’ during checkout to enjoy 12% off your room!
🏨 Pay with YouTrip when booking accommodations with Booking.com, and get up to 10% cashback within 64 days after your stay.
Here’s a tip: Bookings made through the Booking.com app are not eligible for this promotion. Pay through this Booking.com Link provided by YouTrip instead!
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How To Get Ready For Your Japan Trip: Check out our YouTrip Perks for some discounts and cashback to save more! Terms and conditions apply.
3. Where To Visit: Attractions Galore
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We have a list of Japan travel articles for you to take inspiration from. From mouthwatering delicacies to late-night diners, and even travel guides, we aim to make planning easy. Just choose your pick!
📚 Read: Japan’s Reopened For Travel: Hot Spots To Visit
📚 Read: YouTrip’s Japan Road Trip Guide To Takayama
📚 Read: YouTrip’s Tokyo Food Guide: What To Eat In Tokyo Japan 2022
📚 Read: YouTrip’s Guide To The Best Late-Night Tokyo Diners 2022
Don’t forget to reserve tickets to your attractions and even your Japan Rail Pass beforehand!
🎟 Through your YouTrip card, get up to 5% cashback on Klook within 45 days after checking out!
How To Get Ready For Your Japan Trip: For more guides to Japan
4. Pick Your Season!
Image Credits: Washoku World Challenge 2020
When’s the best time to visit Japan? This boils down to individual preference! From winter to summer, there’s always plenty to do and see. Here’s what you can expect in each season:
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Winter — the season for all the Olafs of the world. Head to Japan in the wintertime for skiing, snow sports activities, snow festivals, and relaxing onsen resorts! During New Year’s Eve, the Japanese celebrate Omisoka by eating noodles at midnight. They also munch on Osechi-Ryori — traditional cuisine of colourful dishes packed together in special boxes called Jubako, while drinking sake to commemorate the New Year. But be mindful that it does get pretty crowded this time of year.
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Spring in Japan means the season of cherry blossoms! With these beautiful pink and white blooms sprinkled in every corner of your eye line, Spring is no doubt the best time to have outdoor picnics and bask in the country’s spectacular sights and immense natural beauty. The end of April also marks the beginning of Japan’s Golden Week in which most of the country is on vacation, signifying Japan’s peak period which you may want to avoid on your travels.
Read: YouTrip’s Sakura Forecast: Japan 2023 Cherry Blossom Season
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Ahh, good ol’ summer. In this season, Japan comes to life with fireworks, plenty of regional festivals, and neverending fun in the sun. Treat yourselves to some Yakiniku, chilled Somen Noodles, and a frothy cup of ice-cold beer to get in the mood. After all, you’re on vacation.
Tip: August is when most Japanese return home to partake in Obon Rituals — a Japanese holiday dedicated to family and their late loved ones.
🍁 Autumn (September – November)
Autumn — the perfect season to bless your eyes with the warmth of red, orange, and yellow hues. Kyoto shines best during this season as its iconic maple and ginkgo trees boast striking transformations. Held at the beginning of October, don’t miss out on attending the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival which celebrates the autumn harvest with processions of Mikoshi Floats, Dragon Dances, and Dutch-inspired rituals.
Take notice that a majority of Japanese have their holidays in late September!
How To Get Ready For Your Japan Trip: Read up on where to enjoy the seasons in Japan
5. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
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Pack warm! Especially if you’re heading to Japan during the winter season. It’s time to stock up on some winter essentials! Thick woolly coats, thermal undershirts, warm long pants, knit caps, windbreakers, boots, snuggly scarves — the works. Some ways you can stay comfy (and toasty warm) in your new winter wear apparel for a good deal:
🛍 Zalora offers a 15% discount + 5% cashback on a minimum spend of S$100 when you pay with YouTrip and apply ‘YOUZAL22’ during checkout
🛍 Get 4% cashback within 45 days at Uniqlo when you checkout with YouTrip
How To Get Ready For Your Japan Trip: Get your Zalora winter wear here
6. Always Pack An Extra Bag
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Pack an extra foldable travel bag in your suitcase for those Japanese goodies and Don Quijote steals! Trust us, you’re bound to need one. Japan has a way of making you buy souvenirs you didn’t even think you need (guilty!).
How To Get Ready For Your Japan Trip: Click here to shop for your affordable travel essentials
7. Get Familiar With Basic Japanese
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We’re not asking you to become a fluent Japanese-speaking pro in the span of a month! But it would be good to be familiar with some basic phrases.
💬 Konnichiwa – Hello
💬 Sumimasen – Excuse Me
💬 Onegaishimasu – Please
💬 Arigatou – Thank You
💬 Doitashimashite – You’re Welcome
💬 Gomennasai – I’m Sorry
💬 Hai – Yes
💬 Iie – No
💬 Ohayo Gozaimasu – Good Morning
💬 Konbanwa – Good Evening
💬 Oyasuminasai – Good Night
How To Get Ready For Your Japan Trip: Learn more basic Japanese phrases here
8. Get Travel Insurance (no doy!)
When travelling, it’s good to expect the best but always be prepared for the worst! Get yourself a substantial travel insurance policy that is best suited to your needs! Jet-set on your travels with ease with HLAS COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Enhanced Plans with YouTrip and enjoy savings of up to 65%. Better safe than sorry!
How To Get Ready For Your Japan Trip: Read up more on the nitty-gritty of HL Assurance X YouTrip Travel Insurance here.
Get Prepped For Your Next Japan Getaway!
Now that you’re an expert on how to get ready for your Japan trip, you’re all set to shop online and lock in the best Yen rates while you’re at it! Why not share this info with friends and family who aren’t yet in the know?
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