Planning a Trip

Much of the anxiety associated with travel comes from a fear of the unknown -- not knowing what to expect can give even seasoned travelers butterflies. Just learning that Tokyo's hotels provide a yukata (cotton robe), for example, may prompt you to leave your pajamas behind. In any case, Japan doesn't require the advance preparations that some other Asian destinations require, such as visas for most nationalities or inoculations, but if you use prescription drugs, you'll want to bring enough to last the trip. However, keep in mind that information given here may change during the lifetime of this guide.