Wise and Revolut give you mid-market rates with transparent ~0.5% fees. Roughly ¥6,000 saved on a $1,500 trip. Order before you fly and you'll skip the counter queues entirely.
Also: get online the moment you land
Japan eSIMs from ~$10/week. Install before departure, connect 1 minute after landing.
Get an Airalo eSIM ↗Decide between the big options before you fly — FX cards, eSIMs, pocket WiFi. Each guide leads with a verdict, then backs it up with the data.
Counter exchange or 0%-FX card? ~¥6,000 gap on a $1,500 trip. The core choice.
Read the comparison →The two big 0%-FX cards. Wise wins on long trips, Revolut on short ones.
Read the comparison →Metered Airalo or unlimited Holafly. Decided by how much data you'll burn.
Read the comparison →eSIM or pocket WiFi router. Number of travellers and phone model decide.
Read the comparison →Both sell JR Pass, USJ, and local tours. Inventory and pricing differ.
Read the comparison →JR Pass for inter-city, Subway Pass for Tokyo only. Combining both is often cheapest.
Read the comparison →Harry Potter and Nintendo World are USJ-exclusive; Disney is family-friendly. Comparison for a one-park trip or both-park itinerary.
Read the comparison →Agoda for inbound from Asia, Rakuten for ryokan / onsen inventory. The same hotel often differs by ¥500-3,000 between the two.
Read the comparison →Tokyo + Tohoku itinerary saves ¥30,000 with JR East Pass. Add Kansai or Kyushu and the full JR Pass wins.
Read the comparison →Both ship a physical SIM with a Japanese phone number. English support vs the NINJA 3-product ecosystem.
Read the comparison →Wise wins on FX, Amex wins on lounge and insurance. They don't compete — carrying both is optimal for frequent travelers.
Read the comparison →