Preparing for an Executive MBA international trip is about much more than getting on the plane. It is about setting yourself up—logistically and mentally—to absorb as much learning as possible once you land in Japan.
Getting the logistics right
Before anything else, make sure the fundamentals are in place so you are not distracted by avoidable problems during the international trip. Confirm that your passport will be valid for at least six months beyond your return date and that you have complied with any visa or entry requirements relevant to your nationality. Build in time to check airline policies, seat selections, and baggage allowances so you are not troubleshooting at the airport. For example, Delta Airlines recommends these check-in times, see link. Also, see if you can complete immigration and customs forms online in advance. For Japan, here is the link.
Packing should reflect both the business and cultural portions of the itinerary. Bring professional attire suitable for formal meetings—think conservative, well-fitted clothing in neutral colors—as well as comfortable shoes and casual outfits for city walking and cultural visits. You should expect to walk 20,000 to 30,000 steps a day in Japan, so good shoes are important! April in Japan can be cool and rainy, so plan for layers and a compact umbrella or light rain jacket. A small daypack, universal power adapter, power bank, and any necessary medications in original packaging will all reduce stress once you are on the ground.
Planning for energy and health
International travel is demanding, and your schedule in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka will likely be full, with early departures, meetings, and evening events. Begin adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before departure to align gradually with Japan time, and think intentionally about hydration, light meals, and movement during the flights. Treat the travel days as part of your preparation, not downtime—what you do en route will affect your focus when the program begins. Also, watch your alcohol consumption while on the plane; the impact on your body is more intense than at ground level.
It is also helpful to plan for personal comfort routines you can maintain on the road. That might include a short morning stretch sequence, a simple breathing exercise for transitions between activities, or a consistent time each evening to disconnect from email. Protecting your energy in these ways will help you stay fully present in company visits and cultural experiences.
Adopting the right mindset
Beyond logistics, this international trip is an intensive leadership and learning laboratory. Approach it with a mindset of curiosity and humility, recognizing that norms around communication, hierarchy, and decision-making in Japan may differ significantly from those at home. Rather than evaluating those differences quickly, aim to observe, ask questions, and connect what you see to course concepts and your own leadership practice.
It can be powerful to set two or three personal learning goals before you leave. For example, you could focus on how Japanese organizations manage quality, how leaders build consensus, or how urban design in Tokyo shapes consumer behavior. Having these goals written down will guide your attention in meetings, on the street, and in conversations with classmates and faculty.
My personal learning goals for this international trip are: 1-how leaders build consensus, 2-how urban design in Tokyo shapes consumer behavior, and 3-how Japanese culture differs from other Asian countries that I have visited.
Preparing as a cohort
Finally, remember that you are traveling not just as an individual, but as part of an EMBA cohort representing your school. Aligning expectations in advance—around punctuality, engagement during visits, professionalism at social events, and inclusion of guests—creates a foundation for a strong group experience. A brief pre-trip discussion or workshop on norms and roles can help everyone board the plane with shared clarity.
When logistics and mindset are both thoughtfully prepared, you arrive in Japan with the capacity to notice more, participate more deeply, and turn the trip into a lasting inflection point in your development as an executive and a global leader.
Useful Links
https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel
https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips
https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanBusinessNews
https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanBusiness
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan
Japan official
https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm
https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web
US Dept of State
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport.html
Delta Airlines
https://www.delta.com/us/en/check-in-security/check-in-time-requirements/international-check-in
International Driver’s license (for Mario Karting in Tokyo)
Go to any full-service AAA office with a completed application, two passport photos, your valid U.S. driver’s license, and a $20 fee.
Mobile apps
Transit-Mobile Suica for iPhones (Android users may need a physical card-Welcome Suica at the airport)
Payment-Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPay
Navigation-Google maps
eSIM-Journey Japan eSIM
Translation-Google translate
Ride share & taxi-Go Taxi
Dining guide-Tabelog
Note: These links are informational only. They do not represent the official policy of my employer, Virginia Commonwealth University. Also, the accuracy and availability may change, so consider this a starting point for your pre-trip research.