Table Of Contents

1. What to Pack
   • A good Coin Purse
   • Slip-on Shoes
   • Covid Masks
   • Download Offline Maps
2. Preparing for your Flight
   • Packing Your Carry-On
   • Pick the Right Seat & Upgrade to Exit Row
   • Skip the Middle Seat
   • Ensuring a Good Night's Sleep
     • Lavender
     • Melatonin
3. Use the In-Flight Time Wisely
4. Arrival & Immigration
5. Using Data/Wifi in Japan
   • eSIM
   • Wifi-Hotspot
6. Get some Cash
7. Transportation from the Airport
   • Public Transportation
   • Airport Limousine Bus
8. Grab a Drink from a Japanese Vending Machine
   • Reading the Vending Machines
9. Checking into your Accommodation
   • Capsule Hotels / Hostel
   • Ryokans
   • Japanese Hotels
10. Go for a Walk
11. Get Something to Eat
    • Vending Machine-Operated Restaurants
12. Buy your Suica or Pasmo Card
13. Visit an Arcade
14. Purikura
15. Find some Gachapon
16. Grab Breakfast at the Conbini
17. Customs to Keep in Mind
    • Don’t Tip
    • Be ready to bow
    • Don't Forget to Bring a Plastic Bag
    • Learn to Line Up
    • Slurping is Key
    • Ladies only subway cars
    • Pay your bus fare when you get off
    • Don't be scared of the mouth masks
      • Happy Travels Adventurers

What to Pack

For the most part, travelling to Japan requires some same things you pack for any other trip. But there are a few items I wished I had had with me the first time I arrive. And was sure to pack these the next time I travelled to Japan. So I wanted to make sure to share a few of them!

A good Coin Purse

I’m not much of a purse person, to begin with. I travel everywhere with a backpack and wallet. But in Japan, you’ll need so many coins at all times! You’ll need coins for vending machines, some restaurants, temple donations, arcade games and more! Fumbling through your wallet or bag to find the exact change can be painful. With the addition of a small coin purse, I could easily find the right amount I needed at a moment’s notice.

Slip-on Shoes

Make sure you pack a good pair of slip-on walking shoes. Many restaurants and hotels require you to remove your shoes when you enter. Anything with complicated laces will slow this process and become quite irritating when you’re still tired from the long flight. And make sure these aren’t cheap shoes either. You will be walking a lot in Japan so you definitely should invest in a very comfortable pair.

Covid Masks

Although Japan has finally reopened its borders to international travellers, they still have stringent rules around wearing masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Masks are required indoors unless you are not talking and are more than two meters apart. When you are in restaurants, you are requested to wear your mask when you are not eating or drinking.

You do not need to wear a mask outdoors, but if you are in close contact with someone outside, it is recommended to wear a mask. You will still see lots of people wearing their masks outside. I would always lean on the side of being considerate and follow the locals to see what they are doing and do the same. While there are plenty of places to buy masks all over Japan you never want to be caught without one. So be sure to pack a few and carry them with you at all time.

Download Offline Maps

Downloading some offline maps will definitely help you with navigating your way around the notoriously complex street systems in Japan. Even if you have access to wifi/data on your trip, maps often load slowly. Plus they tend to use a lot of data. Downloading offline maps before you leave for the various cities you’re visiting will save you a ton of data and time. Also, be sure to download the Navitime app which will give you transit directions in English for any train and metro journeys you might take while in Japan.

Preparing for your Flight

Packing Your Carry-On

These days, checking your luggage has become a thing of the past. Not only is it almost always an extra few hundred dollars, but the amount of times flights have lost my luggage is climbing up into the double digits. This has resulted in packing a carry-on bag, more and more important, in ensuring everything you brought with you makes it to your destination. For tips on how to pack the perfect carry-on for a long-haul flight, read this post!

Pick the Right Seat & Upgrade to Exit Row

Depending on where you’re setting off from, you’re most likely looking at a 13-hour flight to Japan. If you don’t have the cash to splurge for first class (and let’s face it, whoever does,) see if you can upgrade your seats to the exit row. For my last flight, it was an extra $150 to book the exit row. And it was some of the best money I ever spent.

Exit row gives you ample legroom, lots of space to get up and stretch. Plus. there is no one in front of you to recline their seat down on top of your head. The exit rows tend to be a little colder, as your seated beside the door, so always pack a light scarf with you. And you can always use your coat as a blanket. Some airlines even provide blankets free of charge on long-haul flights, so never be shy to ask for an extra one if you need it. Be kind and make friends with the flight staff, and you’ll have all the more of an enjoyable flight.

Skip the Middle Seat

If you’re travelling with two people, another money savings hack that will work every so often is booking the window and the aisle seat. Instead of booking the middle seat and aisle/window. When other people are booking their seats, they will almost always skip choosing between two people. So if your flight isn’t 100% full often, you’ll find the seat will be free, and you’ll be able to spread out. And if someone does show up and you want to sit beside your flying partner, everyone will jump at the chance to switch from the middle to the aisle or the window. This won’t work every time, but trying is never harmful.

Ensuring a Good Night’s Sleep

If you’re planning on getting any sleep on the plane (which hopefully you are), there are a few essential items to bring. These will ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of getting some shuteye. The flights usually are good about turning off the lights when it’s time to readjust your sleep schedule. But if the person next to you is reading and has the lights, it’s important to ensure you have a good eye mask. That way you can shut out the light and try to adjust to a new time-zone.

Lavender

Another thing I do to lull myself to sleep is to bring a travel-sized bottle of lavender spray. I just transferred this Lush Twilight spray to a tiny travel perfume spray atomizer. Before getting on the flight I spray a little on my neck pillow and scarf. This soothing scent helps calm me down during any turbulence and puts me to sleep once I’m nice and relaxed.

Melatonin

If you need an extra bit of help getting to sleep, you can take a small dose of melatonin. While I don’t recommend this for the long term, it is a great way to help readjust your sleep pattern temporarily.

Noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones are a great way to ensure any noise will be blocked out and you can simply sink into a good night’s sleep.

Use the In-Flight Time Wisely

When you aren’t sleeping, spend this time reviewing your Japanese phrase book. About a month before your trip I would recommend downloading apps like Duolingo, to help learn some key phrases. But during the long flights, it’s a great time to have a little crash course in the language.

Japanese is such a beautiful language; I only grazed on the surface. But it’s important to at least try to learn “please,” “thank you,” “hello” and “goodbye.” I was thrilled with how much I could retain and even how even speaking a few words would bring huge smiles to people’s faces. It was definitely worth the time I put into it.

Arrival & Immigration

Before you land, you’ll be given an incoming passenger card to complete and give to the immigration officer. It’s a simple card with how long you’ll be there and where you’ll stay. Make sure you have the addresses of your accommodations written down or screenshotted on your phone as you won’t have wifi in the air.

Once you land in Japan, you’ll most likely be a bit jet-lagged and tired despite your best efforts to get some sleep. But luckily for you, Japanese airports have some of the best signage in the world and making your way to immigration and baggage claim a seamless process. Signage from the plane to get to immigration is all in Japanese and English.

Once you arrive at the immigration desk, they’ll check your card (make sure you didn’t miss any information), take your picture, and index your fingerprints. Don’t worry; this happens with everyone; you’re not being singled out. And that’s all. You’re ready to head into the city!

Using Data/Wifi in Japan

Japan can be pretty daunting for new or first-time travellers. And having access to the internet for directions, translations, and more can be key for your comfort. But roaming with most phone plans is extremely expensive. Luckily, there are many other options to ensure you have the internet at your fingertips.

eSIM

My newest favourite option for international travel are eSIMs. Most new phones will have both a physical sim and what’s called an “eSIM.” Before eSIM, most people would buy a physical sim, but this was often time-consuming and much more difficult to set up.

An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card stored on your device rather than in a physical card form. An eSIM allows you to activate and manage your mobile service directly on your device without needing a physical SIM card.

To set up an eSIM, you will also need an active mobile plan from a carrier that supports eSIM. I use Nomad as my provide. They make setup super easy, and their rates are excellent. 20 GB will cost only $34 USD, which is tons of data. Most likely, you won’t need that much. You can use my code: LAUR66NY, to get $3 off your next eSIM purchase. You will need to turn off your physical SIM and phone number associated when you activate your eSIM, so be sure you download an app like Whatsapp to keep in touch with your contacts. Since Whatsapp will still work with your new eSIM.

Wifi-Hotspot

Another option is to use what’s called “pocket wifi.” Pocket wifi devices are portable internet you can pick up or purchase in Japan. They are just like a mobile hotspot. Ninja Wifi was my favourite provider as their speed was excellent, and it costs about $30 US for five days. The more time you rent the device, the cheaper it gets daily. I would never travel to Japan without one of these since free wifi is really hard to come by in Japan. Definitely don’t rely on that as your main internet access method. When you’re done using it, they come with a pre-paid envelope to mail them back to the company. So just place it inside and find the nearest mailbox to throw it into.

Get some Cash

If you didn’t go to your bank before leaving to get some local currency, you’ll want to hit up the ATM in the airport. Despite Japan being considered a modern country, there are different ways in which it feels much more old-fashioned. One of these ways is that most places only accept cash. Credit cards are only generally accepted for large purchases.

All those little ramen shops you are dying to visit won’t know what to do with your credit card. Cash is king in Japan. And you always want to ensure you don’t run out! You don’t want to miss out on a unique street snack that’s only available seasonally at this one location, and you find yourself out of cash! If you’re worried about carrying around so much cash for fear of being robbed, don’t be. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.

Transportation from the Airport

Public Transportation

Transportation to and from the airport in Japan is very convenient. Although your first thought might be to grab a taxi, these are generally the most expensive method of transportation. In big cities like Tokyo, and Osaka, you’ll be able to take the train directly from the airport and get to the city’s centre in no time.

Airport Limousine Bus

If you’re looking for a more direct route into the city my favourite method is taking the Airport Limousine Bus. The Airport Limousine Bus service takes passengers from the arrivals terminal to hundreds of drop-off locations around Tokyo. No matter where you’re staying, you’ll find a drop-off location minutes away. I like the bus service better than the trains from the airport because it’s a lot less stressful. The train system in Japan can be overwhelming at the best of times, and post-long-haul flight, the airport limousine bus is a breeze! You just go up to any of the orange kiosks in the arrivals terminal and select your destination. It’s good to research their site in advance since there are many options for destinations.

Tickets cost around ¥1000 ($10 US) and maybe a little more or less depending on the distance from the airport. The airport limousine buses have free wifi on board, and I loved getting a good first look at the city as we drove in. The underground trains don’t give you this amazing viewpoint as you enter the city.

Grab a Drink from a Japanese Vending Machine

While waiting for your bus or train to arrive at the airport, pass the time by exploring the Japanese vending machines! As soon as you step off the plane you’ll see them everywhere. It might seem silly, especially to Japanese people for whom these are ubiquitous, but I’m obsessed with these. Japan is the mecca of vending machines. I am fascinated with the way they work, the way they look, and especially the unique treats inside. Old, new, big and small and full of all sorts of goodies.

The vending machines we found at the airport were relatively standard compared to those in the city’s hub. However, seeing drinks I’d never even heard of was still exciting. Mostly, you can surmise what kind of drink it is from the images on the packaging. But you’d be amazed at how many different flavours and varieties there are!

Reading the Vending Machines

The colour of the buttons on the vending machine denotes whether the drink is hot or cold. Red for hot, blue for cold. That’s right, hot beverages like tea and coffee come right out of a vending machine! Grab yourself a warm can of coffee and give that a try for the first time. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious these are. Coffee is just the thing to keep you from crashing on your way to your hotel. And staying awake a little bit longer is key to preventing jet lag. The worst thing you can do is fall asleep as soon as you see that bed and find yourself wide away at 2 am.

Checking into your Accommodation

There are multiple options for accommodation in Japan. 

Capsule Hotels / Hostel

Capsule hotels are no doubt the most trendy option. These are very inexpensive and a one-of-a-kind experience. Capsule hotels are small, modular structures that contain individual capsules stacked one on top of another. Each capsule is a tiny room that provides just enough space for a person to sleep, typically with a bed, reading light, and power outlet. Some capsule hotels also have communal areas such as showers, toilets, and lounges. They are great for solo travellers or anyone wanting to save as much yen as possible.

Ryokans

Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns with rooms that offer guests tatami mats, futons for sleeping, and communal hot springs or onsens. They often have a minimalist design and are meant to provide guests with a serene and peaceful environment. Ryokans are known for their hospitality and attention to detail, with staff often going out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. These often come with luxurious dining experiences often served in your room. They are pretty pricey so maybe someplace you want to splurge on for a single night.

Japanese Hotels

My recommendation for first-timers is a hotel. While perhaps that might sound a little boring, hotels are often a great place to stay that’s both slightly familiar and a new experience. The staff in many of these hotels don’t speak much English. But are all incredibly helpful with the use of a little bit of non-verbal communication. 

Prepare yourself in advance for the size of a Japanese hotel room. The rumours are true, and most hotel rooms are shockingly tiny in big cities like Tokyo. There is often not even room for your luggage without it being in the middle of the room. Be sure when booking your hotel room you ask for a “western style bed” since traditional Japanese beds are hard as a rock. Also, if you book a room with a “double bed,” expect it to be tiny. All the bed sizing in Japan is smaller than in North America, so it’s always advisable to size up. The best option for the price is to book a room with two singles and push them together! This is actually what most Japanese travellers do.

Despite how comfy your room might look, drop your bags and head out the door right away, don’t give yourself a chance to get comfy and lulled into sleep.

Go for a Walk

One of the best things to wake you up and keep that jet lag at bay is a walk around the bright neon lights and visual sensations that is Japan. By this time of the day, most businesses will be closed. The sidewalks are clamouring with young teens playing arcade games, giggling nervously at the women dressed in maid costumes advertising their maid cafes. Dozens of Salarymen in white button-ups and black slacks are just getting their night started and gregariously piling themselves into bars, singing along loudly to whatever K-Pop is blaring on the radio inside.

There is nothing like your first time walking down the streets of Tokyo, especially in a busy neighbourhood. Soak it all in but don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed. That’s natural, particularly if this is your first time in a huge city. If you’re looking for a break from the crowd, duck down a small side street or alley. You’ll be immediately met with peace and quiet, as even the loudest Japanese partier is also always very respectful of their residential neighbours.

Get Something to Eat

You’ll undoubtedly be excited to dive into Japanese cuisine after a long day and nothing but airline food. My advice for the perfect first-time meal is a bowl of ramen. Ramen shops are all over the place, and there is no such thing as a bad bowl of ramen. So you don’t need to worry about researching where to do it; just find a shop that catches your eye and head inside.

Vending Machine-Operated Restaurants

Most small ramen shops operate with a vending machine kiosk. At the front of the restaurant, you’ll see a huge vending machine with different coloured buttons, each with pictures of ramen and perhaps a few side dishes. The buttons will also display the price of the meal. Put your money into the slot at the top and press the button of the meal item that catches your fancy. Out of a small slot at the base of the vending machine comes a little paper ticket with your order printed on it, in Japanese, of course, and any change from the bill you put it. If there is a line, get in the queue to wait your turn to be seated. If there’s no line, head right inside and take a seat.

Then all you need to do is give your ticket to the chef, who will prepare the meal as indicated. This might seem strange, but it’s an ingenious way to cut down on staff and allow the chefs, who also act as the waiter and server, to get your order without ever having to touch dirty money. One of the best parts of a ramen shop is sitting at the counter and watching the cooks at work. They effortlessly perform this dance, filling bowl after bowl with hot broth and whipping around the bar, grabbing stacks of toppings with deft movements to create your food fantasy!

Buy your Suica or Pasmo Card

After filling up some food, head to the closest train station to grab your Suica or Pasmo Card; a Suica or Pasmo card is a metro pass that you load up with the money to use on the train. You can simply swipe your card when entering and exiting any train station. Your fare will automatically be calculated and deducted from your card. This makes it so simple to travel on the metro since the Japanese subway system requires you to pay different fares for different distances.

If you don’t have a Suica or Pasmo card, you’ll have to figure out which fare you’ll need to pay for every trip you take based on the distance. Armed with these cards, you’ll be ready to hop on the metro the next day without fighting the morning crush of people. Just check the balance frequently to ensure you have enough money on the card. To purchase a new card, you just head to any machine in the station with the words “buy a new card” on it. The signage is in English and Japanese, and the machines themselves have English menus making it easy to buy or refill your card.

Visit an Arcade

After picking up your Suica cards, seek out an arcade! These behemoth arcade buildings are sometimes up to six floors of fun, each offering something different. Taito and Sega are reliably the best options for arcades. The first floor of most consists of UFO catcher machines, while the upper floors each have different sets of video games to play with friends or on your own. Some levels felt more like casinos, full of smokers playing digital slots or the Japanese gambling obsession Pachinko. The machines all cost a few hundred yen to play, and you can either pay with coins or tap your Suica card to have the money deducted from there!

Purikura

In the basement of these arcades, you’ll find dozens of these Purikura photo cubicles, each from a different company offering a unique experience. Purikura is where you can get those classic Japanese printed photos, add text and stickers, and give your face the “anime” treatment. The Purikura experience costs 500 yen ($5 US). Once you drop the coins inside the payment machine, the screen will direct you to your starting photo booth. Unlike photo booths in North America, where you step in and just take your picture, these use a green screen. The camera will direct you (almost always in English and Japanese) to pose and take pictures. The camera moves around, so you get different options from portrait mode to full body and sometimes animated GIFs.

Once you finish your photoshoot, you’ll be directed into another booth where you’ll get to decorate, alter, and add filters and text to all the photos you took. Often this process is timed, so keep an eye on the clock. Afterwards, your photos will be arranged into a collage (often picked by you) and printed out at the station where you initially put your coins. It was great fun trying out different poses and spending as much time as we were allowed decorating the photos into something absolutely ridiculous. Trust me, this will make for an incredible first Instagram of your trip!

Find some Gachapon

Gachapon refers to little vending machine capsule toys. The word ‘Gachapon’ is onomatopoeia for the sound the crank makes when you use the machine. These devices each contain different sets of toys, and you never know which item from the set you will receive. It’s totally random. Most sets include some rare items which become sought-after collector treasures. The toy sets change frequently, so there’s always something new to buy. My inner child (and let us face it, current adult) was immediately drawn to all the ‘Sailor Moon’ sets.

I decided to go for the most expensive machine, where you could get one of 5 different Sailor scout wands. I got Sailor Jupiter’s – my favourite Sailor Scout – and had a lot of fun back at the hotel putting the wand display together. There were toy sets of little cats sitting on rice cookers, tiny replicas of vintage buckets, Pokemon cookie toys and lots of Japanese characters often themed along with the next holiday. These make for small, cheap souvenirs to bring home for friends and family, as they are wonderfully weird and always unexpected.

Grab Breakfast at the Conbini

By this time of night, if you’ve managed to stay awake, it’s time to head back to the hotel. But before you do, stop into a ‘conbini’ (Japanese convenience store) to grab a few items for breakfast. 7-Eleven, Circle K, Lawsons and FamilyMart are the most common stores you’ll find on every corner in Japan. Breakfast in Japan is taken on the go, so you won’t find many restaurants open early in the morning. Picking up some items for a little in-hotel picnic is a great idea to help take it easy on your first morning.

My favourite treats to buy for the morning are an egg salad sandwich (honestly one of the best things you can eat in Japan, sounds weird, but TRUST ME), a baked sweet treat filled with matcha, a can of coffee or latte to crack open in the morning for instant caffeine, and a ball of onigiri. This array of treats is sure to give you a reason to get up in the morning, no matter how tired you feel.

And with that, your first day in Japan comes to a close. Hopefully, with all these tips, you’ll have an incredible first few hours that will result in minimal jet lag and leave you excited for the rest of your time in Japan! Below I’ve listed a few important customs to keep in mind which might surprise you as you experience Japan for the first time. Culture shock is part of travel, but don’t let it overtake you. Embrace it and even try to see if you can follow along with the culture and customs while visiting this incredible country!

Customs to Keep in Mind

Don’t Tip

Tipping isn’t something that is part of Japan’s consumer culture. They believe good service should be something you always should be provided and not something that is earned through money. If you leave money on the table, don’t be surprised if the waiter takes you down the street thinking you might have left it there accidentally. A great way to show your appreciation for excellent service is to learn a few Japanese phrases to tell your waiter, chef or receptionist how much you appreciate their service.

Be ready to bow

Bowing is a sign of respect in Japan, so don’t be surprised to have people bow to you at your hotel, coming onto the bus or even just on the street if you’ve had a particularly lovely interaction. Can foreigners bow, you ask? Most Japanese people don’t expect foreigners to bow, but I found them whenever I simply mimicked exactly what their bow was like; they seemed to respond very positively and loved I made an effort.

Don’t Forget to Bring a Plastic Bag

Garbage cans are one of the most challenging things to find in Japan. The only public place where you can reliably find these is outside of convenience stores. But don’t let that make you think they’ll be garbage all over the place. No, Japan is the cleanest country I’ve ever visited. Locals carry their trash with them until they can find a trash can or often until they get home so they can adequately sort it. Play with the locals and ensure you have a plastic bag to carry your garage and that you’re not ruining their clean streets.

Learn to Line Up

Lineups in Japan are a way the city manages its deluge of people. Everyone is very respectful of the line. There are never any budding or large random groups, everyone takes the idea of lining up seriously, and you should too. Large masses of people taking the subway daily are efficiently organized into two or three lines making even the busiest commute very coordinated. Keep your eye out for lines as they often signify something popular that you wanna jump into. Most often, it is related to food, and you’ll never be disappointed.

Slurping is Key

In North America, slurping might sound rude or low-class, but in Japan, it is a sign of your appreciation for the food. Slurp loud enough that the chef in the back can hear you are going at it!

Ladies only subway cars

During certain times of the day, there are designated carriages for women on the subway. This is to keep them safe in full vehicles. The signs identifying these cars are in pink paint on the floors of the metro, so keep your eye out if you’re a male traveller and don’t want to get on these by accident, an embarrassing affair which we might have experienced once or twice.

Pay your bus fare when you get off

Japan is one of the only places I’ve visited where you have to pay for your bus far when you get off, not when you get on. When you get on the bus, you’ll enter through the back doors, and when you get off, you’ll exit through the front, where you can either pay the ash fare or swipe your Suica or pasmo card.

Don’t be scared of the mouth masks

If you see people wearing mouth masks, don’t be scared. They’re not an Ebola patient or a hypochondriac. These masks are worn to prevent other people from getting sick if you’re coming down with a cold, flu, or even allergies. Even if you’re the slightest bit under the weather, the Japanese plop one of these masks on, more for your protection and out of respect for others. They sell these everywhere, so if you feel like you’re getting sick, you should also don one.

Have you travelled to Japan before? How did you manage your first few hours in the country? Did jet lag get the better of you? Leave your experiences in the comments, or let me know if you’re planning to visit Japan and what other tips and tricks you’d like to learn!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post First Time Travelling to Japan? Here’s our Ultimate Guide for Your First Day in Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Documents
2. Comfort
3. Entertainment
4. Sleeping
5. Health
6. Food

Documents

Despite almost everything being available online, there is a sense of security that I find comfort in to have all my important documents printed off and tucked away someplace I can easily access them. Even the best traveller is at risk of having their phone stolen, so it’s nice to have hard copy backups. I print off all my hotel confirmations, boarding passes, travel insurance information and any further transit connections which have been booked.

In places like Toyko, having a printed copy of your hotel address in both English and Japanese can be helpful if you ever get lost. You simply have to point to the address on the paper, and any non-English speaker or cab driver will be able to help you to your destination. The last is my travel wallet. I have a large wallet with lots of different pockets to keep all my receipts and bills organized and the large size is useful since different countries have all sorts of different sizes of bills as well as your passport.

Comfort

Once you’re settled in your seat, it’s time to get comfy. While I always dress as nicely as possible before getting on the plane (once upon a time, looking and being nice at the ticket counter might grant you an upgrade – although this hasn’t ever worked I still keep trying) after I’m seated or shortly before getting on the plane I like to change into a comfy and warm pair of leggings.

Compression Socks

I also make sure to bring a pair of compression flight socks with me. Yes, this might make me sound like an 80-year-old woman, but they do work to keep your legs from getting too sore on the long flight. If you’ve managed to snag yourself the prized exit row seat, you might be faced with a very cold ride. Being near the door has its advantages, but it certainly has downsides too, generally, these seats are cold and LOUD. Flights overall can be on the cool side so bringing a scarf with you is important for helping you stay warm throughout the flight. I tend to bring infinity scarves with me since they wrap around nicely and also can act as a makeshift hat if it gets super cold.

Neck Pillow

A good neck pillow is something to invest in. While you can get cheap blow up ones in the airport (which are better than nothing) a pillow with great neck support and a thick cushion will prevent your neck from incredibly sore the next day and help you sleep or just stay comfortable on the plane. Lastly, and trust me on this one, is a change of underwear. Unless you plan on not checking any luggage there is always a chance that your luggage might get lost and the last thing you want after a 24 hour day of travelling is not to have fresh underwear. Not the most elegant of conversations but trust me, it takes up a tiny amount of space and is well worth the thought.

Entertainment

A 15-hour flight comes with A LOT of downtime. While you might be able to sleep part of that time away, some of us have trouble getting any sleep on aeroplanes. So to combat the boredom, having a bag full of distractions is key to making that time fly by. In the last few years, podcasts have become my #1 choice of in-flight entertainment. With so many different podcasts to choose from you can find one on almost anything you’re interested in.

I also try to download a few episodes which talk about the city I’m about the visit to give myself a head start on where the best food, entertainment and experiences are. 

Download Movies in Advance

If you’re not a podcasting type, a movie might be more up your alley. The airlines these days usually have lots on offer on their in-flight entertainment systems, but it’s always good to bring a selection of your own. I’ve seen too many cases where someone’s tv in their seat didn’t work, and they had to sit there the entire flight bored out of their mind. Netflix and Amazon Prime both now have great options for downloadable content so well before leaving, look into which shows you want to download and clear out plenty of space on your iPad. I also love to download language books and guides on my iPad as PDFs to brush up on my conversational phrases before landing.

Listening Devices

Getting an earphone splitter is key if you’re travelling with a friend or loved one so you can share in what you’re watching. Plus if you’re running low on battery, it means only using up the power on one device. Plugs and portable chargers are another thing you want to make sure to grab. Even the newest devices might not last an entire 15-hour flight, and you never want to count on there being a power outlet at your seat on the plane. My power bank charges my iPhone up to three times, and I’ve never needed more than that.

Reading Material

A traditional book or magazine is also something I treat myself too in the airport since tactile media isn’t something I frequently have the time to delve into. Bringing your travel guidebook on the plane is also a great idea to help finish making any last itineraries plans you might have left to the last minute. I also keep a notebook, pen and Post-it notes with me as well since I’m a blogger and always want to keep track of the things I did and any hidden gems I want to make sure to share.

Sleeping

If you’re planning on getting any sleep on the plane (which hopefully you are) there are a few key items to ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of getting some shuteye. The flights usually are good about turning off the lights when it’s time to readjust your sleep schedule but in case the person next to you is reading, or the lights have been kept on, it’s important to make sure you have a good eye mask to block out the light.

I always bring a little travel sized bottle of lavender spray. This is the Lush Twilight spray which I just transferred to a travel sized bottle. I put a little bit of this spray on my neck pillow, and scarf and the gentle scent helps calm me down during any turbulence and puts me to sleep once I’m nice and relaxed. In Japan, you can also buy these heated lavender-scented eye masks which are incredible for relaxing your eyes and putting you to sleep.

If you need an extra bit of help, take a melatonin. While I don’t recommend this for the long term, it is a great way to help readjust your sleep pattern. I don’t love the way ear plugs feel, but if you don’t mind them, they’re a great way to keep out the sound of a crying baby.

Health

A 15+ hour flight wreaks havoc on your body. Whether it is all the gems, the dehydration or even just sheer exhaustion, your body isn’t going to be at its best. But these are some great things to help bounce back and fight off sickness. I’m prone to getting nauseous on flights so I always make sure to keep a few anti-nausea pills with me as well as an ibuprofen in case of headaches. I also pack one or two lozenges since the dry air can irritate your throat. A packet of emergen-C powder mixed with water can help prevent any cold germs you might be picking up while travelling.

Your skin takes a beating on the plane so having a good face moisturizer and hand cream are important to keep your skin feeling healthy. If you don’t feel too embarrassed, you can even bring a face mask to do while the rest of the passengers are asleep. Although you might look a bit funny, your skin will thank you.

After you wake up from a hopefully restful sleep, a quick trip to the bathroom to brush your teeth, wash your face wash and hand will do you a lot of good in helping you wake up and preparing you for the day ahead.

Food

A bottle of water is mandatory. You need to drink at least 250ml of water for each hour your flying. These collapsible water bottles from Vapur are the best for not taking up space once they’re empty.  

While they sell food on the plane, it’s usually not the greatest and very expensive. Bringing some snacks with you is a good idea in case you’re hungry when the food cart isn’t around. A bag of nuts, energy or granola bars are great for snacking. Babybell cheese is wrapped in wax, so it doesn’t go off as quickly and is an excellent shot of protein.

If your ears tend to pop on the flight make sure you buy some gum before arriving at the airport – the stuff in the terminal is widely expensive.

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