Tokyo Acclimation Playbook
4 steps to get settled | 0 of 4 complete
🇯🇵Japan GuidePre-Arrival
Visa, pocket Wi-Fi vs eSIM, JR Pass decision, and cash planning
Visa and entry requirements for US citizens
US citizens can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days under the visa exemption program. Japan does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa, though a 'Digital Nomad Visa' launched in 2024 for citizens of 49 countries — US citizens qualify. The DN visa allows a 6-month stay and requires: proof of remote employment or freelance income, annual income above JPY 10 million (~USD 67,000), and health insurance covering Japan. For standard 90-day stays, you need only your US passport valid for the duration of your trip. Extensions within Japan are theoretically possible but rarely granted — most nomads do a brief visa run to South Korea (Seoul is 2.5 hours by air) to reset.
Pocket Wi-Fi vs eSIM — which to get
Japan has two reliable connectivity options. eSIM (recommended): Airalo Japan eSIM with 10–20 GB costs USD 12–18 for 30 days. IIJmio and KDDI also offer eSIM plans. Instant activation on landing, no physical device to carry. Physical pocket Wi-Fi: Rentable at the airport (Japan Wireless, Global Advanced Communications) for JPY 700–1,000/day with unlimited data — useful if you have multiple devices or travel companions. Local SIM: Docomo, SoftBank, and au physical SIMs require a Japanese address for monthly plans but tourist SIMs (IIJmio, Mobal) are available without one. eSIM is simplest for short stays.
Airalo
eSIM for 190+ countries
Decide on a JR Pass before arrival
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) covers unlimited travel on most JR trains including Shinkansen (bullet trains). Prices: 7-day JPY 50,000 (~USD 335), 14-day JPY 80,000, 21-day JPY 100,000. It must be purchased before arriving in Japan. It is only worthwhile if you are doing significant long-distance travel (Tokyo to Kyoto round trip alone costs JPY 29,000 without the pass). If staying primarily in Tokyo, skip the JR Pass and use the Suica IC card instead. Calculate your planned routes on Hyperdia.com before deciding.
Plan for a cash-heavy society
Japan is significantly more cash-dependent than most developed countries. Many restaurants, small izakayas, temple entry fees, and vending machines (everywhere) are cash-only or heavily prefer cash. Arrive with USD 300–400 converted to yen, or withdraw at 7-Eleven ATMs (reliably accept international cards, JPY 110 fee) or Japan Post Bank ATMs immediately on arrival. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are increasingly accepted in Tokyo but never assume. Convenience store (konbini) ATMs — 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart — are your most reliable fallback.