Off to Japan soon? Then you might be asking yourself, what will I need to pack for my trip.

Well aren’t we glad you are here, we have the perfect solution to your packing woes. You might want to consider packing everything we mention on this list, as they will definitely come in handy and make your life in Japan a whole heap easier.

Outside of the things mentioned on this list, you will need to have your passport, travel plans, toiletries, and the other essentials.

What to pack

Comfortable slip on walking shoes

In Japan, there are countless destination, restaurants, and other places you are likely to visit will require you to take off your shoes. Even going into most houses in Japan, you are expected to take your shoes off at the door. to save yourself time and a lot of hassle,

Now keep in mind, we aren’t saying sandals are the best option in Japan, but you will be taking your shoes off

You’re likely to be doing a ton of walking around Japan as trains can only get you so far. So, one thing to keep in mind while selecting your shoe is that they need to be comfortable for long periods of time, and something that you are confident will withstand a lot of use.

A Japanese-English Dictionary or Phrasebook

Destination

Check-in date

Sun 29 Dec 2024

Check-out date

Mon 30 Dec 2024

I don't have specific dates yet

Even if you think you’re Japanese is flawless, or your confident with your ability, you should seriously consider getting an English-Japanese dictionary. It can be in the form of a physical book, or it could be a free app like JED (Perfect for offline use).

You never know when you might need to research a work or Kanji. You will probably make the most use out of one of the dictionaries at a restaurant as you might not be familiar with some of the dishes, and will prove invaluable to have that kind of material so you don’t end up accidentally ordering Ox testicles, when you wanted a bowl of ramen.

Bring some cash

Before hopping on your flight, make sure that you head to your local currency exchange place, and get some local currency before heading to the airport.

Keep some with you, and some in your suitcase for safe keeping, but importantly, do not keep all of your money in one place.

We recommend carrying between 20,000-50,000JPY on you, in cash before arriving in the country. This is more than enough to sustain yourself for a few days in the event something goes wrong.

We also recommend not having all of your yen on you, or in your suitcase. If you can, get a travel VISA or Mastercard. Most major banks should offer a similar service, in which you can load currency onto a visa card. Have the most of your money on this card, and use the card to access an ATM to grab out whatever cash you need, whenever you need it.

Convenience stores are great places to find ATMs that accept most types of international travel card. From personal experience, the 7-11’s in Japan usually have an ATM compatible with foreign travel cards. Familymart and Lawson convenience stores are more hit or miss with how reliable they are with international cards.

One key thing to note is that Japan is a largely cash-based society, and most places still rely on cash transactions. Cash is very important to have on you. The use of electronic cards is improving, but is still limited.

Bring a small bag you can use as a coin purse

With the abundance of cash use in Japan, you tend to accumulate a lot of coins very quickly, seemingly with every purchase you make.

These coins both fill up and weigh down your wallet, and can make carrying your wallet a burden. Having a coin purse is a great way to keep your wallet feeling slim, as well as ensuring that coins aren’t going to spill out overtime you open your wallet.

If you don’t have a coin purse, we highly recommend you packing one before leaving to Japan, as you will start accumulating coins with your first purchase.

If you want to keep your coins down, try where possible, to pay with exact change to limit the amount of coins you will get in return upon purchasing something. Furthermore, if you want to spend your coins, using them in vending machines (usually accept 10,50,100, and 500 yen coins), or at automated self checkouts at supermarkets.

Bring the appropriate clothing for the season.

Most people are actually quite surprised of both how hot and how cold Japan really gets.

In the summer, temperatures soar to the high 30’s, with humidity making it feel like the low 40’s in some of the major cities. While in the winter, major cities can get down to 1°C, and much much lower the more northern you go.

It’s important to do the research before you go to Japan. If you go during November – March, you will likely need some warmer clothes, particularly during December-February. Whereas the other months, you are definitely not going to want winter clothes, so pack something lighter. You can always buy clothing in Japan if you pack inappropriately for the weather.

A good quality backpack

A good backpack is pretty key for travelling Japan, and should be on every packing list. These backpacks come in handy in more ways than one, and really should be brought with you.

If you plan on going out shopping, out for a hike, or just exploring your local area, backpacks are great for keeping your belongings safe while out and about. As a tourist, you need to have your passport on you at all times in Japan, but carrying in your pocket just isn’t a good idea.

Backpacks usually have plenty of safe storage places for essential belongings like passports and wallets. There are even secure backpacks which can only be opened when taken off your back, which are perfect for keeping passports safe while on the go.

A good, quality backpack is essential for Japan. Good stitching on key areas will help keep your items secure, and easy to carry. The last thing you want is for a cheap backpack to break under the strain of a few souvenirs, or a packed lunch. One of our readers had a cheap back break with the weight of a water bottle and a DSLR camera, which is less than ideal.