🗾 Japan Travel Planning Tools
After 2 decades of visiting Japan, I’ve learned what info travellers actually need when planning a trip. These tools cut through the noise and give you straight answers to the questions I get asked all the time.
Planning a Japan trip can be overwhelming – I get it. There’s so much conflicting information out there, and it’s hard to know what actually matters. These tools are based on real solo & couple trips as well as family ones, not generic travel advice. They’ll help you make smart decisions without spending hours researching every little detail.
Budget & Money Tools
JR Pass Calculator
Work out if the JR Pass is actually worth it for your itinerary. Add your trips and see the comparison instantly – no spreadsheets needed.
Use Calculator →Budget Calculator
Get a realistic daily budget based on your travel style. Includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities – with actual costs, not fantasy numbers.
Calculate Budget →Cash Calculator
Figure out how much yen to withdraw based on your trip length and plans. Japan’s more cashless now, but you still need some.
Coming SoonPacking Tools
Winter Packing Checklist
Don’t freeze your bum off! Get a custom packing list based on when you’re going and what you’re doing. From Hokkaido snow to Tokyo winter.
Coming SoonLuggage Size Calculator
Will your bag fit in a coin locker? On the shinkansen rack? Find out before you lug a massive suitcase around Japan.
Coming SoonKids Packing List
Everything your kids actually need for Japan (not the stuff Pinterest tells you to bring). Sorted by age and season.
Coming SoonTrip Planning Tools
Best Time to Visit Quiz
Answer a few questions about what matters to you (weather, crowds, costs, cherry blossoms) and get personalised month recommendations.
Take the QuizDay Trip Calculator
From Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto – see travel times and costs to popular day trip spots. Helps you decide what’s actually doable in a day.
Coming SoonIC Card vs JR Pass Tool
Not every trip needs a JR Pass. Compare the costs for your specific route and see which option makes sense.
Coming SoonFamily Travel Tools
Activity Finder by Age
Input your kids’ ages and get suitable attractions. No more showing up to places only to find out your toddler can’t do anything.
Coming SoonKid-Friendly Restaurant Map
Find restaurants with high chairs, kids menus, and space for prams. Because not every izakaya is kid-appropriate.
Coming SoonInteractive Playground Map
Parks and playgrounds across Japan where your kids can burn off energy. Trust me, you’ll need this.
Coming SoonMore tools coming! I’m constantly building new resources based on questions from readers and what I wish existed when I was planning my early Japan trips. Got a tool idea? Shoot me an email – if it’s genuinely useful, I’ll build it.