Japan Packing List

Japan is a comfortable, well-organized destination where most things you forget can be bought cheaply at a convenience store. That said, a few items specific to Japan are worth packing ahead of time. This list covers the essentials and a few Japan-specific additions.

Documents

Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates)
Return flight booking confirmation
Travel insurance documents (if applicable)
Accommodation confirmation/address in Japanese (useful if showing a taxi driver)
JR Pass exchange order (if purchased)
Emergency contact list — separate from your phone

Electronics

Phone + charger (Japan uses Type A plugs, same as North America — most EU/UK travelers need an adapter)
Universal plug adapter if needed (or buy one in Japan for ¥500–1,000)
Power bank — temples, parks, and trains may not have charging points
eSIM activated before departure (or arrange Pocket Wi-Fi pickup at airport)
Portable umbrella — Japan’s weather changes quickly; compact umbrellas are cheap at convenience stores too

Money

Credit/debit card with low foreign transaction fees (Visa/Mastercard widely accepted at chains)
Some yen in cash — 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign cards reliably
IC card loaded with ¥2,000–3,000 for trains and buses (get one at the airport)

Clothing

Japan’s dress code is generally casual and practical. A few considerations:

Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk significantly more than at home
Slip-on shoes — temples and some restaurants require removing shoes; slip-ons are easier
Layers in spring and autumn — weather shifts quickly
Modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered for some shrines)
Lightweight rain jacket — especially in June (rainy season) and typhoon season (September)

Health

Any prescription medication you need — bring more than enough for the trip
Basic cold/flu medication from home if you have a preferred brand (some foreign medications aren’t available in Japan)
Sunscreen (available in Japan but limited in high-SPF foreign brands)
Hand sanitizer — widely available in Japan at shop entrances

Japan-Specific Items Worth Bringing

A small daypack or tote — luggage forwarding services let you send main bags ahead, and temples/sights require leaving large bags at entrances
Tissue packets — public toilets don’t always have paper; though convenience stores sell them for ~¥100
Coin purse — Japan uses coins up to ¥500 (worth about $3); you accumulate them fast

What You Don’t Need to Bring

Hairdryer — virtually every hotel provides one
Towel — hotels provide towels; ryokan often provide yukata robes too
Toiletries — convenience stores stock everything you might forget
A translation phrasebook — Google Translate’s camera mode handles menus and signs