What to book in advance when traveling to Japan

Thought you could travel to Japan without planning ahead? Think again. If there's one thing I highly recommend when traveling to Japan, it's booking certain things in advance. Japan is an incredibly popular destination right now, and many places sell out weeks ahead. Here’s what you should reserve before your trip to avoid missing out.

Hotels

This one might seem obvious, but book all your hotels in advance. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have - helpful if you’re looking for something specific. Early bookings also tend to be cheaper.

Shibuya Sky

When you're in Tokyo, Shibuya Sky is a must. This observation deck offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, including the iconic Shibuya Crossing from above. It’s a wildly popular attraction, and tickets—especially around sunset—sell out fast. Tickets go on sale 4 weeks in advance at midnight (Japan time). Want a sunset time slot? Set an alarm. Seriously. If you don’t, chances are you’ll miss out.

If you're flexible on timing, you can usually still grab tickets later on for earlier or later times.

Theme Parks (Universal Studios Osaka, DisneyWorld, DisneySea)

Theme parks in Japan are extremely popular. If you plan to visit on a specific day, make sure you book tickets ahead of time. Each park has its own release schedule, so do your research and be ready to book as soon as tickets drop.

At Universal Studios, you can also purchase Express Passes with your entry ticket. These are limited and sell out faster than regular tickets.

One exception: Fuji-Q Highland. This park doesn’t require advance entry tickets. You get in for free and pay per ride once inside.

Ghibli Museum

Getting tickets for the Ghibli Museum is harder than scoring seats for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. They’re usually sold out within one minute. I’ve tried several times and never succeeded - so my only tip: be prepared.

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM Japan time, on the 10th of each month for the following month. For example, on January 10th, tickets for February 1–28 go on sale. Note: Japan is 8 hours ahead in summer, and 9 hours in winter, so you'll need to be online in the middle of the night if you're booking from Europe.

Sumo Wrestling Tournaments

Another tough ticket: sumo. Tournaments are held several times a year across Japan, and they’re extremely popular with both locals and tourists. I once set an alarm in the middle of the night thinking I’d quickly buy tickets... nope. Sold out before I even blinked.

Check the official website for dates, locations, and ticket release times. But even if you're on time, prepare for the possibility that you still might not get them.

Theme Cafes

Love characters like Kirby or Pokémon? Then visiting a themed café might be your dream. Most of these cafés allow advance reservations - and yes, they book out fast too. Decide which café you want to visit, look up the reservation process, and book as early as you can. That gives you the best shot at enjoying one of these whimsical places.