When going to Japan, ofcourse you’re going to need yens.
As stated before, you’ll need cash, and not all bankcards will work there.

So you have 2 options; get the yens in your country or take cash with you and change it in Japan.
Now what I noticed is getting the yens in your own bank is the best option.
Be sure to check with your bank how long upfront you need to order them. Mostly it will take a week, but most banks have only one day a week of delivery.
For example; my bank has foreign currencies delivered on thursday. All orders need to be done before Thuesday evening of that same week. Meaning I had to order 1,5 week to 2 weeks before my departure.
On having a good exchange rate, you’re better off at your bank too.
A hint; order and change at the counter an as large amount as possible at once, don’t fragment it in seperate changes or orders, make the seperation (for different people or purposes ex.) afterwards. The larger the amount the better your exchange rate will be!

When you can’t get all the money at your dispossal early enough to get it changed into yen at home, then the best idea is the get cash into Japan and change it at the airport OR if you’re certain your bankcard will work there change it from your card. Go to Narita’s website here to see the daily exchange rate for cash & card and possible accepted cards. The rate is better for cards, but its a risk ofcourse.

With all the fuss around traveling these days, it’s very important to get all the necessary documents and papers together and to have it all ready well in advance of your trip since these things (bureaucracy) take up the most time.

Be sure to have a valid traveling pass (passport). If you have a Belgian traveling passport (this is for many others too, but be sure to check your country is on the list) it  just needs to be valid for your stay in Japan (NOT an additional 6 months as before) This was descided on February 2008. You need a valid passport for the duration of your stay and a plain ticket that proves your stay will not be longer than 3 months. Make sure your haircut fits the picture

Whatever you do, don’t burn your fingertips, as you will have to press both of your thumbs onto a registration device during customs check!

If you travel alone, then keep a card or document on you that holds your home adress, bloodtype and religion, just in case some unforseen things happen to you.

In order to keep an overview of everything, make a traveling plan on paper:
It should encompass financial details, transport possibilities and a plan of sightseeing things you want to visit. Add + 30% to 40% to the amount for inconveniences as they will always occur. Then go to the bank and take out the amount of money in Japanese Yen. Because in most, if not all, shops and restaurants (and dojo’s) you can pay in cash only!

A credit card is only convenient if you can withdraw cash somewhere. Make sure it’s a visa or american express and not a mastercard! YOU CANNOT WITHDRAW CASH WITH A MASTERCARD!!! (I speak out of experience hehehe).