Japanese culture is very particular about their lifestyle. They take pride in being organized and efficient. They also value cleanliness and orderliness.
Packing for Japan requires a bit of research and preparation. There are certain things that you should consider before packing your bags.
Think about how long you will be staying, the activities you have planned, the season, if you need medication, and if you are traveling across the country.
Once you have all this figured out, it is pretty easy to pack for a fantastic trip across Japan (see also ‘How To Prepare For A Trip To Japan‘). So, let’s get started.
Clothes
The first thing you need to think about when packing for Japan is what clothes to bring (see also ‘How Much Cash To Bring To Japan‘). You should definitely bring some casual clothing. When visiting Japan, you will most likely spend time at home or with friends. It is best to wear something comfortable.
You can’t go wrong with jeans and t-shirts. Bring a few pairs of pants and shirts in different colors. Also, don’t forget underwear! You never know when you might end up doing laundry.
You will probably want to bring a jacket as well. The weather in Japan varies greatly from one region to another. In general, it gets cold during winter months.
But, there are many places where you won’t need a jacket. For example, Tokyo has an average temperature of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you plan on going outside, you may want to bring a hat. Hats help keep you warm in the summer and cool in the fall and spring.
If you are planning on hiking, you’ll want to pack sturdy shoes. Shoes that are waterproof are ideal. You shouldn’t worry too much about bringing a pair of sandals. You can buy them once you arrive.
Important Documents
Before leaving, make sure you have copies of important documents such as passports, visas, and plane tickets. This way, if anything happens while you’re away, you won’t lose any important information.
Make sure to bring your passport. Keep it somewhere safe. Don’t leave it lying around in plain sight. If someone steals it, they could use it to enter the country illegally.
Bring your visa. You can apply for a visa online through JAL (Japan Airlines). Once you receive your visa, print it off and put it in a separate place.
Bring your plane ticket. Make sure you have enough money to purchase a new ticket if necessary.
Medication
When traveling abroad, it is always good practice to carry some basic medications. You should bring along any prescription drugs that you regularly take.
It is also a good idea to bring over-the-counter medicines. These include pain relievers, antihistamines, cough syrup, and other common items.
Don’t forget to pack your vitamins. Many people don’t realize that Japan doesn’t have vitamin stores like we do back home. Vitamin supplements are essential for maintaining health.
Toiletries
It is recommended that you bring toiletries with you. This includes toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, etc.
You can find these products in convenience stores and department stores. They usually sell small bottles for under $5.
Whilst Japan sells toiletries, their fancy (and sometimes crazy) packaging might confuse you, so it is easier to have it with you already.
Also, make sure to turn off your cell phone before you board your flight. There are often long lines at international airports. Your phone’s battery will die quickly (see also ‘Do I Need A Power Adapter For Japan?‘).
You will want to take pictures whilst in Japan, so there is an option of taking a camera. However, if you want to have less stuff with you, a cell phone doubles up as a camera these days.
Leave Space For Gifts
Whilst it is normal to want to pack a suitcase close to bursting with stuff you might need (such as a silly amount of underwear), you will want to leave some space for the possibility of buying gifts. From candy and magazines, to clothing and collectibles, you will find a lot of cool stuff in Japan.
Don’t regret not giving yourself some space to bring some of that stuff back. You will find that Tokyo especially will leave you wanting to buy a lot of stuff!
Other Items
There are many things you should consider bringing along. Here are just a few:
An umbrella – rainy days can be very unpredictable.
Insect repellent – mosquitoes can be annoying.
Earplugs – noise pollution is a problem in Japan. Bring ear plugs when sleeping if in a big city like Tokyo.
Money belt – you never know what might happen. Having extra cash on hand is always helpful.
Travel guidebook – You can find one in most bookstores. It will come in handy if you lose battery on your phone or if you don’t have a signal.
Laundry detergent – if you are staying longer and will need to do laundry, then take some with you or buy some whilst in Japan.
Waterproof bag or backpack – the weather can be unpredictable, so make sure all your valuables are safe from the weather. A raincoat is handy too!
Wristwatch – whilst your phone is convenient to tell the time, it’s even better to have it on your wrist.
Wallet – you may want to keep your passport and credit cards in this.
Sunscreen – it is really important you protect your skin whilst out and about, especially during summer months.
Final Words
Japan has a lot to offer. If you’re looking for adventure, culture, food, and more, then you’ll love visiting here.
However, traveling around Japan isn’t easy. The language barrier is a challenge, but it is something you can overcome. Even so, it is also an exciting place to visit, and certainly one to tick off the travel bucket list.
Hi, I’m Aura Ruggeri and I want to make sure that no one makes the same mistake that I did.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, do exactly that - plan! Read up on all of the amazing things to do here to make the most of your time. I can bet that you’ll still return home feeling like you could’ve explored much more.
