Japan 
You stand at Arlanda with your boarding pass in hand and realize that you no longer have a physical wallet, just your mobile phone. In Japan 2026, this can surprisingly work quite well, but only if you are aware of four things: Suica, yen, eSIM, and how to take the shinkansen with your large suitcase.
Japan 2026: How to Avoid Hassles with Suica
Suica is Japan’s most useful travel card and effectively acts as a small payment wallet for trains, subways, buses, many kiosks, and some restaurants. If you have an iPhone, you can add Suica to Apple Wallet and load it with a card directly on your phone, often within minutes of landing. Android works as well in some cases, but it is more dependent on the model and region, so a physical Suica or Pasmo is a safe alternative if you are unsure.
At Narita and Haneda, there are ticket machines and service desks where you can purchase or top up the card. Expect to want at least 3,000 to 5,000 JPY on the card your first day if you are heading into Tokyo, changing lines, and buying something quickly at a konbini.
One detail that saves time in 2026 is that many stations in the Tokyo area have clearer signage for IC cards and top-ups, but queues can still get long during rush hours and major holidays. If you can, top up in advance while you are standing still, for example at the airport or at a quieter station before you start changing lines.
Top up your Suica before you go down into the subway for the first time. Many stations have good coverage, but you do not want to be at the gate with 1 percent battery.
Yen 2026: Cash is Still Your Best Friend
Japan is more card-friendly than before, but cash is still practical, especially at smaller ramen places, temples, local buses, and some ryokan. Do not exchange large sums at Arlanda. Instead, withdraw yen in Japan, most commonly via 7 Bank ATMs in 7 Eleven, which usually accept Swedish bank cards.
As a guideline: a bowl of ramen in Tokyo often costs around 1,000 to 1,500 JPY, a quick Suica tap through the gate in central Tokyo can be 180 to 240 JPY per trip, and a coffee at a chain can land around 400 to 650 JPY. For a normal first day with transport, food, and small purchases, having 10,000 to 15,000 JPY in cash usually feels appropriate.
A simple trick is to divide your cash into two piles. Keep a small daily cash amount easily accessible and the rest in your bag or at the hotel. This reduces stress when you are at a small ticket counter, a temple, or a bus where everything moves quickly.
eSIM in Japan: Get Data Without Chasing Wi-Fi
Japan has a good mobile network in cities and on many train lines, but free Wi-Fi is uneven and sometimes requires registration. With eSIM, you can be up and running as soon as SAS lands in Tokyo, without searching for a desk in the arrivals hall. Check at home that your mobile is unlocked and supports eSIM.
A Japanese data package of 10 to 20 GB is sufficient for Google Maps, translation, bookings, and uploading pictures, even if you are active. If you are traveling out into the countryside, for example parts of Tohoku or small islands in Okinawa, it is smart to have offline maps ready.
In 2026, it is also more common for travel apps, tickets, and QR codes to be stored on your mobile, so stable data does more than just provide maps. Download what you need before departure and enable roaming restrictions if you tend to accidentally activate your Swedish operator.
Save the address of your accommodation in Japanese characters as well. Taxi drivers and some hotel signs are easier to match that way.
Traveling with Luggage: Shinkansen Requires Planning
Taking the shinkansen is the easiest way to travel between major cities, but large suitcases are a classic pitfall. On the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen, luggage with total dimensions over 160 cm and up to 250 cm must be placed in designated areas that you book along with your seat. If you show up with a large suitcase without a reservation, you may need to pay a fee on board and you risk having to move.
If you are traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto with a 28-inch suitcase, it is often safest to book luggage space directly. The alternative is to use takkyubin, Japan’s extremely reliable luggage delivery service, and send your suitcase from hotel to hotel. It usually costs around 2,000 to 3,500 JPY per item depending on distance and size, and typically takes a day.
An extra tip is to think about where you will change trains. Large stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Kyoto are convenient but can be crowded. If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, it may be worth choosing departures outside of rush hour or spending a few extra minutes finding the right carriage position on the platform, especially if you have reserved luggage space.
Quick Reference Table for Your Japan Trip 2026
| Topic | Concrete Guideline in Japan | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Suica Starting Balance | 3,000 to 5,000 JPY | Covers first day’s travels and small purchases |
| Cash First Day | 10,000 to 15,000 JPY | Temples, small restaurants, and some buses |
| eSIM Data | 10 to 20 GB | Maps, translation, bookings without Wi-Fi |
| Large Shinkansen Luggage | Over 160 cm total dimensions | Requires reserved space or fee |
| Takkyubin per Suitcase | Around 2,000 to 3,500 JPY | Avoid carrying, especially during transfers |
Small Details That Make a Big Difference in Japan
Here are five things I always double-check before I board the train or enter an izakaya:
- Have a small pouch for coins, they come quickly.
- Learn to say Sumimasen, it opens doors.
- Stand on the left in escalators in Tokyo, but on the right in Osaka.
- Do not eat or drink on local trains, shinkansen is more relaxed.
- Save receipts if you shop tax-free in larger department stores.
Visa and Entry for Swedes in 2026
With a Swedish passport, you can normally enter for a short tourist stay without arranging a visa in advance. For tourism, landing permission is usually granted for up to 90 days. The airline may ask for a return ticket and an address in Japan, so have your first hotel night and a rough travel plan easily available to show.
If you have a layover or combine Japan with other countries, also check that your passport is valid throughout your stay and that you have a margin for any delays. I usually check the latest updates close to departure, and VIZA.se can be a quick place to verify what applies specifically for Japan before you book your trip.
If you get Suica sorted, a bit of yen, stable data, and your luggage on the shinkansen, Japan suddenly feels easy. The rest is just choosing your first konbini snack and letting the journey begin.
