“What should I pack for Japan?”

Pack light! Japan has excellent stores for anything you forget. Here’s what you actually need to bring.

Must-Bring Items

“What’s essential?”

Absolutely necessary:

• Passport (obviously!)
• Power adapter - Japan uses Type A plugs (same as US/Canada). Voltage is 100V
• Prescription medications - With original packaging and doctor’s note
• Comfortable walking shoes - You WILL walk 15,000-25,000 steps per day
• Credit/debit card - Plus some cash for small shops

Important but Available in Japan

“What can I buy there if I forget?”

Easy to find in Japan:

• Toiletries - Drugstores everywhere, high quality
• Umbrella - Every convenience store sells them
• Chargers and cables - Electronics stores and 100 yen shops
• Clothes - Uniqlo is your friend
• Sunscreen - Japanese sunscreen is world-famous quality

Packing Tips

“Any specific advice?”

Clothing:

• Layers are key (weather changes quickly)
• Easy-to-remove shoes (you’ll take them off at temples, restaurants, homes)
• Modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered)
• Comfortable socks without holes (you’ll be showing them a lot!)

Tech:

• Portable battery pack - Long days out
• eSIM or pocket WiFi - Set up before arrival
• Universal adapter if you’re from EU/UK/Australia

Random essentials:

• Small towel - Useful everywhere (many bathrooms don’t have hand dryers)
• Plastic bags - For separating shoes, wet items
• Day bag/backpack - For daily sightseeing

What NOT to Pack

“What should I leave behind?”

• Heavy guidebooks - Use your phone
• Too many clothes - Laundromats are everywhere, cheap
• Full-size toiletries - Japanese products are excellent
• Expensive jewelry - Japan is very safe, but keep it simple
• Large suitcase - Trains and hotel rooms are compact

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Travel with small bags (space is limited everywhere)
• Always carry a handkerchief/small towel
• Wear comfortable shoes daily
• Buy what they need as they go

Extra Travel Tips

1. Pack for half the days - Coin laundry is everywhere (¥200-400 per load)

2. Leave space for souvenirs - You WILL buy more than expected

3. Uniqlo is your backup - Affordable, quality basics everywhere

4. Japanese electrical outlets - Two flat prongs, same as North America

5. Ship luggage ahead - Takkyubin service sends bags to your next hotel for ¥2,000-3,000

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