10 Things Before Check-in at IGO HOTEL | Pre-arrival Checklist
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10 Things Before Check-in at IGO HOTEL | Pre-arrival Checklist

IGO JournalJune 3, 20265 min read

From passports and transit cards to luggage, Wi-Fi, and room keys—10 most common questions before checking in at I GO HOTEL. Everything you need to know in one guide.

Table of Contents

  1. Before Departure | 3 Things
    1. 01|Passport and Visa|Visa-free up to 90 days
    2. 02|Booking Confirmation Email|Print or Screenshot
    3. 03|Cash and Credit Card|JPY 10,000-20,000 + IC Card
  2. Arrival Day | 4 Things
    1. 04|Airport to IGO HOTEL|Narita vs Haneda Routes
    2. 05|IC Card (Suica / Pasmo / Welcome Suica)
    3. 06|Luggage Storage|Pick up after arrival at I GO HOTEL
    4. 07|Network|Choose 1: eSIM / SIM Card / WiFi Device
  3. Upon Check-in | 3 Things
    1. 08|Check-in|From 15:00 / Smart Lock
    2. 09|In-Room Amenities|What to Bring, What You Don't Need
    3. 10|Emergency Contact|Hotel and Taiwan Office
When staying at IGO HOTEL for the first time, most guests start checking "what do I need to prepare" just one or two days before departure. This checklist brings together the 10 items most easily overlooked—from your passport to the card key lock, from IC cards to currency exchange. These are the details that truly affect the smoothness of your first night. We recommend reviewing this list three days before departure, and checking it again when packing your luggage.
Open Passport and Travel Notes
Trip preparation starts with a single passport

Before Departure | 3 Things

01|Passport and Visa|Visa-free up to 90 days

Passport holders from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea are eligible for visa-free entry to Japan for short-term tourism for up to 90 days. Before departure, please confirm that your passport is valid for at least 6 months (while Japan technically only requires your passport to be valid at the time of entry, some airlines may have stricter requirements).

E-visas and holders of special residence status require separate confirmation. Post-COVID entry vaccine/health checks have been completely abolished, though customs spot checks may still be conducted.

02|Booking Confirmation Email|Print or Screenshot

After booking IGO HOTEL, you will receive a confirmation email containing your reservation number, check-in date, and room type (apt-2ldk). We recommend printing a copy or taking a screenshot to your phone before departure, as customs may occasionally ask for your accommodation address.

The confirmation email also includes check-in/check-out times (standard check-in from 15:00, check-out by 11:00).

03|Cash and Credit Card|JPY 10,000-20,000 + IC Card

Japan remains a cash-first market. We recommend bringing 10,000-20,000 yen in cash for small restaurants, local shops, and shrines. Most chain stores, convenience stores, and IGO HOTEL accept credit cards.

We recommend exchanging basic Japanese yen cash in Taiwan before your trip. Airport exchange rates are less favorable, so it's better to use banks in the city.

Arrival Day | 4 Things

04|Airport to IGO HOTEL|Narita vs Haneda Routes

Narita Airport: Take the Narita Express to Shinjuku (approximately 80 minutes), then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line for one stop to Shin-Okubo. Alternatively, take the Keisei Line to Nippori and transfer to the JR.

Haneda Airport: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line (approximately 50 minutes). For late-night arrivals, we recommend taking the airport bus directly to Shinjuku West Exit.

Shinjuku Street and Taxis
Routes from Narita and Haneda Airports to Shinjuku

05|IC Card (Suica / Pasmo / Welcome Suica)

IC cards are accepted on all trains, buses, and convenience stores throughout Japan. Welcome Suica is the tourist version (expires in 28 days, no deposit required). You can purchase it at JR ticket machines at the airport.

If you frequently use Apple Pay, you can add Suica directly to your Apple Wallet and charge it from your smartphone without needing a physical card.

06|Luggage Storage|Pick up after arrival at I GO HOTEL

You can have your luggage delivered from the airport to the hotel through Yamato Transport's airport counter service. Delivery arrives the next day. Highly recommended for early arrivals who want to travel light and explore the city freely. Approximately ¥2,000-3,000 per item.

I GO HOTEL can accept package deliveries on your behalf. Please notify the hotel via email before your arrival.

Airport Baggage Claim Area
Luggage Delivery from Airport to Hotel

07|Network|Choose 1: eSIM / SIM Card / WiFi Device

eSIM is the most convenient option (ready to use immediately upon arrival, no return required). SIM cards are more affordable but require card swapping. WiFi rental devices are ideal for sharing among multiple people with 8-10 hours of battery life.

IGO HOTEL rooms come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, so mobile data is primarily needed for getting around and navigation while out. For a 3-5 day trip, eSIM is the best choice.

Upon Check-in | 3 Things

08|Check-in|From 15:00 / Smart Lock

Standard check-in is from 15:00. If you arrive early, you can store your luggage at the hotel and enjoy lunch first. Check-out is before 11:00.

IGO HOTEL features a smart lock system. Upon check-in, you will receive a password or app link. Please make note of it and ensure your smartphone screen brightness is not too dim.

Hotel Corridor
Please note the smart lock passcode in advance

09|In-Room Amenities|What to Bring, What You Don't Need

IGO HOTEL apt-2ldk room includes: shampoo, body soap, conditioner, towels, hair dryer, slippers, Wi-Fi, Smart TV, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, ironing board, and safe.

We recommend bringing your own: toothbrush and toothpaste (due to environmental considerations, the hotel does not guarantee daily replenishment), contact lens solution, medications, and a power adapter or converter plug (Japan uses Type A two-flat-pin plugs, which are compatible with Taiwan's standard and can be used directly).

Hotel Room Window View
See amenities list in check-in information

10|Emergency Contact|Hotel and Taiwan Office

Please keep the contact email/phone number and booking number of I GO HOTEL on hand. Should any urgent situations arise during your stay in Japan, please feel free to contact the hotel for assistance with communication.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan 24-hour Emergency Assistance Hotline: +81-3-3280-7917. For emergency medical services, call 119 for an ambulance. For police, call 110.

Shinjuku Station Architecture
Note the hotel phone number and emergency contact information
10 items might seem like a lot, but spending just 1 hour organizing before departure and checking off your list while packing can prevent most unexpected situations. If you're still deciding on a room type, IGO HOTEL apt-2ldk comes with a kitchen and washing machine, making it perfect for 4-person extended stays and family trips.
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