If you plan a trip to Japan, you must know what to pack.
Maybe you are planning a tour of major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto?
You may also want to try a hiking trail or two in one of Japan’s mountainous areas.
Packing the right items is vital to ensure a safe and unforgettable trip.
Japan is a great place but if this is your first time to visit, this list will help.
All international travel brings a sense of excitement and nervousness, so the best way is to ensure you are prepared.
Japan Packing List – Essential Items
Planning a holiday in Japan can be daunting, especially if this is your first trip. So forget the stress with my complete Japan packing list.
Passport and travel documents: Make sure you have an empty page and check with your home country to see whether you need a visa. United States (US) travellers do not need a tourist Visa if they plan to stay in Japan for 90 days or less.
Visa requirements for visiting Japan.
Travel Insurance Documents: In case of emergency, make sure you have these at hand
Flight tickets: Even in the age of electronic ticketing, having a paper copy to refer to and show airport staff is helpful.
Pen and notebook: You will be asked to note the address where you will stay on the plane to Japan.
Cards: Credit cards are accepted in most places, so make sure you have yours. Both Mastercard and Visa are accepted here. It is a good idea to tell your bank you plan to travel overseas so they do not block your card when you use it. You can also use debit cards, so please pack this to withdraw cash at a Japanese ATM. These are found in convenience stores, shopping malls, department stores, high-street banks, and post offices.
Spending money: Also, bring some Japanese yen when you arrive. The last thing you want is to use the terrible exchange rates at the airports to get some yen. A coin purse can help, too, when you are shopping.
Internal travel: Japan has an excellent public transportation system. A Japan rail pass is a good idea. You can get it before you leave or in Japan and use it at most train stations.
A large suitcase: For all the souvenirs you will buy for friends and family back home. A small carry-on suitcase for the flight and a day bag for when you are out and about.
Hotel reservations: Print out your pre-booked receipt, as it will help a lot when checking in. It will also help any taxi driver know where to take you if you do not speak Japanese.
Copies of Important paperwork: A copy of all your passport and credit card information. Photograph the back and front of your credit cards and the photo page of your passport with your cellphone. Send them to yourself via Gmail or another internet-accessible email address. You now have all the information and emergency numbers if you lose your cards or passport.
Electronics
Mobile Phone: A charger for your mobile phone and a universal plug adapter will ensure you can always keep in touch. Local SIM cards are available on Amazon.
Portable power bank: Needed to recharge your electronic devices while on the move.
Wifi: Japan has free Wifi is some hotels and cafes but not everywhere. And some free wi-fi services might require registration in Japanese! If you need to use the internet then get a pocket wifi for your trip.
Laptop: If you are planning on bringing this, do not forget your charger and plug adapter.
Useful apps: Before arrival, install any apps you think will be useful for your trip. Google Maps and Google Translate are especially useful.
Toiletries
A well-stocked toiletries bag can save you a lot of hassle and discomfort when you travel.
In Japan, you can restock at popular convenience stores such as 7-11 and Family Mart.
Large pharmacies can be found throughout town, especially near train stations.
They sell Japanese versions of most over-the-counter medications and pharmaceutical products.
When you ask for help finding something, speaking slowly is usually enough.
EVE is a good Japanese painkiller sold almost everywhere. This brings us nicely onto a very important section.
Bringing Your Own Medicine Into Japan
Certain prescription medicines that are legal in your home country may not be so in Japan.
Check before you leave and get any paperwork done to avoid hassle.
Please keep in mind that Japanese customs can be stringent when it comes to importing relatively common drugs and prescription medications such as opioids, psychotropics, painkillers, and certain antihistamines.
They can also be strict about medical supplies such as syringes. If you have any doubts, consult the following link;
Japanese Ministry of Health: Information for bringing medicines for personal use into Japan.
Clothes To Bring to Japan
Japan has four distinct seasons so that this list will depend on the time of year.
We have posts on things to do in Japan in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
The weather conditions vary greatly, both in season and location.
Trips to cities will need slightly different clothing to visiting rural areas.
Many items will be the same regardless of when you travel and you may be someone who feels the cold more than others.
Here is a comprehensive Japan packing list for clothing.
Japan in Spring
This is the best time to visit due to the country’s cherry blossoms and mild weather. It rains a little, so bear that in mind. Bring the following items .
Comfortable walking shoes: You will be walking, so make sure you have comfortable shoes.
A travel backpack is an excellent option If you plan to do a lot of walking.
Light clothing: A light jacket and layers of clothing for cooler temperatures.
Portable umbrellas: One per person is advised, along with a rain jacket.
Face masks: More are available for people who suffer from hay fever as the pollen is potent in Japan.
Beach: A swimsuit for the beach.
Japan in Summer
June is the rainy season in Japan, so avoid it if you can. After that, the summer heat and humidity hit. Summer is also a time of festivals and fireworks in Japan, so it remains a popular time for Japanese people to travel.
A small towel for wiping off the sweat or drying your hands.
Sunscreen to keep your skin safe
Insect repellent to keep mosquitos away
Sunglasses for your eyes.
Light, waterproof clothing in case of showers
Comfortable sandals for any outdoor activities.
Japan in Autumn
This time of year in Japan is famous for its fantastic foliage. The weather is excellent, and the humidity of summer is gone. Hot springs are great to visit anytime, but especially when the weather cools. Each onsen provides a towel, so you don’t need to bring one. September is typhoon season, so, while a nice time to visit generally, be aware of that.
Jeans and pants for the evening
Gloves and a hat for the evening, especially if you are going north.
A day bag for walking around
Comfortable shoes
Japan in Winter
The winter months in Japan can be pretty mild in the South and frigid if you venture further north to Hokkaido.
Long sleeves to stay warm
Jeans or pants
Scarves, gloves and any woolly hats
Insulated underwear and socks
Earmuffs
If you plan to ski or snowboard, you can rent equipment at most ski areas
Japan With Kids
Japan is a popular destination for travelling with kids. It is safe and has a ton of things to do. So any Japan packing list must keep the little ones in mind. Make sure you bring any medication they need and a portable water bottle for each child in case they get thirsty. Also, some small toys or books both for the flight and the hotel to keep them occupied.
Bonus Tip
When you arrive, get a Suica card as soon as you can.
Recommended: Buy the Welcome Suica card. The Welcome Suica is a travel and retail e-money card.
There’s no need to buy tickets from vending machines. Tap your Welcome Suica at the ticket gate to automatically deduct the fee. The Welcome Suica works on JR East trains, subways, and buses.
Travel Insurance for Japan
Are you considering travel insurance for your trip? The best option is to choose a reputable company like Safety Wings. This covers emergency medical care, lost luggage, trip cancellations, and more.
To End
And there you have it: a complete list of everything you need to pack for a comfortable, safe, and thrilling adventure in Japan.
Of course, you’ll need to customize your Japan travel packing list based on your destination, planned activities, and time of year.
But, hopefully, after reading this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of the must-pack essentials for your trip to Japan.
