Hi Hokkaido travelers,

What’s your must-have travel item? Mine is a pair of earplugs. I can’t sleep without them even at home... (a fate of living with a husband who snores!)

If you are planning your FIRST trip to Japan, you need to know a few specific things that will come in handy during your trip.

Here’s a quick checklist for you so that you won’t miss anything. I also included some money-saving tips for you 🤭
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Local SIM card

It’s a true essential! You can either purchase them at airports in Japan or order online via Klook beforehand. Unlimited data for 5 days costs about 3,500 JPY (23 USD).
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Plug adapter

Electrical outlets in Japan are type A, with two flat plugs (as in the United States).

✅ Pro tip: Instead of bringing multiple plug adapters, bring one tap extension. That way you need only one adapter!
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JR pass & train ticket

Order your train pass before your trip to avoid hassles buying tickets from a machine at the station. Here are my guides to JR pass & Hokkaido regional passes and bullet trains.

💰 Money-saving tip 1: A JR pass can save you a lot of costs as it allows you unlimited rides across Japan, including the bullet trains.
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Car rental

If you’re planning to drive, book a car in advance, especially during high seasons or on weekends. Check Rentalcar.com or Klook to compare prices from different companies.

​Rentalcars.com has an extensive network of car rental companies worldwide and comprehensive customer reviews.

​Klook is an all-in-one travel booking platform, including car rentals, train tickets, tours and many more. They have many deals and competitive prices in the Asia region, including Japan.

✅ Pro tip: Add an ETC card (Electronic Toll Collection) when you’re booking a car. It costs just about 300 JPY (2 USD) and will save you from dealing with payments at tolls on highways. Instead, you can just pay the total fees during your trip when returning your car.

💰 Money-saving tip 2: The ETC card will also give you a 30% discount on toll fees during weekends, outside the big cities (like Tokyo and Osaka). Of course, it’s applied in Hokkaido!

💰 Money-saving tip 3: If you will be using highways a lot, check out Hokkaido Expressway Pass. It will allow to enjoy unlimited highway access for 3,700 yen for 2 days up to 11,500 yen for 14 days.
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International driver's license & IDP

In addition to a driver’s license from your home country, you need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Japan. It can only be obtained in your home country beforehand, which could take 1-2 weeks. IDPs are valid for 12 months. Check details with the automobile association in your country.
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Travel itinerary

Haven’t planned your trip yet? Check out my itineraries and travel planners.
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Hokkaido day tours

If you’re looking for an easy way to visit multiple tourist attractions, joining a day tour is the most efficient option. You can find many programs departing from Sapporo here.

Hope you feel ready to fly to Japan now✈️

Happy trip planning!

Best,
Yuuka

P.S. my top recommended​ resources

✅ List of Hokkaido itineraries
​✅ My Hokkaido travel planners
​✅ The best hotels in Hokkaido​​​

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