Japan Packing List (26 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

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Japan can be one of the simplest places to travel – as long as you’re bringing a bag that’s packed with all the right stuff. As welcoming and convenient as the country can be, there are some special items that you’ll need to make your trip flow seamlessly. 

Creating a packing list for Japan can be daunting because it’s not the same for everyone. The season you’re visiting and the activities you plan on doing change everything. When I visited Japan in the dead of winter with plans to spend a lot of time outdoors, strategic packing saved me from a dreary trip. 

Taking all factors into account, I developed a comprehensive list of everything you’ll possibly need to visit Japan. You’ll find everything from the bare essentials that every traveler should pack to the proper clothing and items you’ll need for specific seasons. 

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Travel Essentials for Japan

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of my packing list here!

Travel Backpack

Your travel backpack is your lifeline on a trip to Japan, which is why you’ll want to invest in one that’s reliable and high-quality. Choosing the wrong one could result in being left stranded if it breaks. That’s why I brought my Topo Designs Global Travel Bag on my journey to Japan. 

I’ve taken this coveted bag everywhere from Portugal and Spain to more recently the United Kingdom and Japan. It hasn’t let me down yet and I’m always shocked by just how much stuff I can hold. Read my review of the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag for even more info.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes completely upgraded my travel organization skills. Each clothing item gets its own systematic spot in my luggage and I think it nearly doubles my bag’s capacity. 

I’ve been using this 8-piece packing cube set since I was a newbie traveler. I love how every size of bag is marked with symbols for the type of clothing it’s supposed to carry. It’s also very budget-friendly and comes in 17 different colors. 

First Aid Kit

From tripping on a sharp rock at the beach to getting a brutal headache mid-flight, carrying a first aid kit has saved me countless times. This first aid kit is an excellent option because it’s compact enough to just throw in your bag and it has supplies for a variety of emergencies. 

Camera

Step it up from the basic iPhone photos and bring a legit digital camera to Japan. It’s a very aesthetic country and you’ll constantly want to capture moments in high-quality photographs. The photo spots in Japan yielded some of my favorite pictures I’ve ever taken. 

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera has been my travel companion for around five years now. It’s an amazing investment for beginners getting serious. The battery lasts forever, the pre-set settings work well, and there are tons of other compatible lenses available. 

For instance, I got this Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens to take better portrait and low-light photos at my best friend’s wedding. It worked like a charm and gave me access to a whole new style of photography without buying a new camera. 

Day Backpack

Between day trips and spending hours on foot exploring the cities, a day backpack is a necessity in Japan. It makes it so much simpler to carry things like a water bottle, a jacket, snacks, and any souvenirs you pick up along the way. 

I’ve tested out at least three different Osprey day packs at this point, but the best of them all is the Osprey Arcane Roll Top Commuter Backpack. As soon as I saw the innovative design, I knew I had to try this pack out and it did not disappoint. 

I can fit way more stuff into the Arcane Roll Top bag than a traditional backpack. Its design is a theft deterrent since it is far too complicated for a pick-pocket to get into it. 

TSA Luggage Lock

The most obvious reason to grab luggage locks is that it’ll keep your checked bags nice and secure during your flight to Japan. However, they’re also useful because they provide a firmer handle to close a stuffed bag. 

These cable luggage locks are a trustworthy choice since they’re TSA-approved, durable, and they’re designed to fit a variety of luggage types. Plus, they come in every color from traditional black to lilac. 

eReader

The reality of visiting Japan is that there is lots of downtime when reading a book can be a major comfort – think public transportation, quiet restaurants, or waiting for hotel check-in promptly at 4 pm. 

Luckily, lugging around a bulky selection of books on your travels is a thing of the past thanks to eReaders. With the thin, lightweight Amazon Kindle, you can bring up to 6,000 books along with you to Japan. 

It’s an impressive device. The charge lasts for well over a month and you have access to an online bookstore with over 15 million books at your fingertips. My favorite part about the Kindle is that you can download samples of titles onto your device before committing to buying the whole thing. 

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Something about Japan that can surprise Americans is that the hotel rooms and their bathrooms are extremely small. A hanging toiletry bag can help to maximize the tight space, though. 

I was given this hanging toiletry bag for Christmas a few years back and it earned a permanent spot on my packing list. It stores an entire bathroom’s worth of hygiene products and it is totally waterproof. I love how effortless it makes organizing and that it comes with a detachable makeup pouch. 

Travel Journal

Writing in a travel journal is the only surefire way to recall all the intimate details of your adventure in Japan. 

While there are lots of options out there, this journaling notebook is a good pick for a big trip. It won’t break the bank purchasing one for each new adventure and it is thin enough that it won’t feel cumbersome to carry it around from city to city. 

Headphones

From the long flight to walking around new cities, you’ll be glad to have an escape in the form of headphones. They provide your own little private listening space wherever you go. 

I’ve bounced between a few different headphones, but I always seem to return to my tried and true Apple AirPods. Their quaint size and long-lasting charging capabilities (up to 30 hours with the case) make them ideal for travelers. If you’re an Apple user, the AirPods automatically switch between all your devices, too. 

Reusable Water Bottle

Considering that you’ll be doing a lot of walking during your visit to Japan, a reusable bottle is a must. Don’t worry – the tap water is safe to drink across the country and it’s widely available at public fountains. [Source] 

If you’re still a little squeamish about drinking faucet water, though, the Brita filtering water bottle will ease your worries. This BPA-free bottle attaches right to your bag and uses activated carbon to purify your drinking water before every sip. 

Hair Straightening Brush

In Japan where everyone is dressed to the nines, messy hair can make you stick out like a sore thumb. Unfortunately, attempting to carry a traditional straightener in your bag is a total pain.

That’s why the Drybar Baby Brush is such a godsend for long-haired travelers. This compact gadget fits right into a toiletry bag and it does a beautiful job of handling frizz and fly-aways. It also has some great safety features. For example, the brush automatically shuts itself off after an hour. 

Portable Power Bank

A portable power bank is essential for Japan. You don’t want to end up with a dead phone at the end of a long day when you need to head back to your hotel. 

My big problem with power banks is that they’re typically really cumbersome. The Anker 737 power bank puts that reputation to rest. It can charge large gadgets like laptops insanely fast, but it’s more petite than its competitors. 

The 737 comes with a practical travel pouch and a two-year warranty in case anything happens to it. It’s also TSA-approved, so you won’t run into any issues on your flight to Japan. 

Coin Purse

Most of Japan’s currency is coins. By the end of your first day in Japan, you’ll be carrying around more change than your wallet can bear. Bringing a coin purse will save you the headache of accidentally spilling your loot everywhere. 

This coin purse works well because the zipper closure is very secure. It can fit other things inside as well, like keys or ID cards, but it is still small enough it won’t be a burden. Additionally, it comes in any hue from bright pink to neutral brown. 

Passport Holder

In most destinations, I’d urge travelers to leave their passports safely at their hotel, but that isn’t an option in Japan. It is actually a law that visitors must have their passports on them at all times [source]. If you can’t present it upon request, you could face a fine or worse. 

That’s why anyone traveling to Japan should grab this durable RFID blocking undergarment neck pouch. It can be worn under your clothes, allowing you to effortlessly carry your ID at all times without worrying about it getting stolen or lost.

Checklist of Other Japan Essentials to Pack

• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Glasses, contact lenses, and contact solution  
• Laundry bag 
• Earplugs for sleeping
• Disposable face mask 
• Sunglasses
• Passport and photocopies of it 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Over-the-counter medication 
• Extra charging wires 

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Japan

Japan is one of the most fashionable countries I’ve ever visited, but you need to balance style with function. Since the weather varies drastically throughout the year, your clothes must look good and keep you comfortable at the same time. 

No matter when you’re visiting the country, these are a few key clothing staples you’ll need for Japan. 

Comfortable Walking Shoes

One of the best parts about Japan is that its cities and towns are so walkable. However, this means that a comfortable pair of walking shoes is an absolute necessity when visiting the country. 

These Adidas women’s sneakers and Adidas men’s sneakers are ideal shoes for travelers. Firstly, they are flexible enough to pack them in your bag without taking up too much space. Secondly, they’re both built with ultra-cushy soles that allow you to walk for miles without getting sore. 

Packable Jacket

This jacket has traveled with me to four countries so far and it’s quickly become my new go-to. Even if you’re visiting Japan during the warmer seasons, temperatures drop at night and the weather can be fickle. That’s why a reliable, portable jacket that fits into your bag with ease is necessary any time of the year. 

The Jack Wolfskin Pack & Go Jacket fits all the criteria for being a perfect travel jacket. It weighs practically nothing, but it’s made with down inside, so it’s still incredibly warm for how thin it is. The jacket folds up into a compact ball that can easily fit into your luggage.

Fanny Pack or Crossbody Bag

Japan’s streets can be overflowing with people and it makes carrying around a typical purse or tote bag a bit burdensome. Opting for a fanny pack or crossbody bag makes it much simpler to keep track of all your important belongings as you’re out and about. 

This crossbody fanny pack will work for the whole family since it comes in styles that can suit anyone from children to adults. 

It can be worn as either a crossbody bag or fanny pack depending on your preference and features theft-proof interior pockets to keep all your stuff safe. 

Jeans or Pants

A good pair of pants in your suitcase will be the fountain for creating functional outfits in Japan. These women’s jeans and men’s pants from Lee both fit the bill because they’re fairly priced and built for comfort. 

Lightweight Dresses

Even during the winter, it’s nice to have a dress or two in Japan for fancier dinners and other upscale experiences. The MOLERANI summer dress walks that line between attractive and pragmatic. It’s cute, but also loose-fitting and even comes with pockets!

Shoulder-Covering Shawl

A shoulder shawl can be very handy in a country like Japan where you’ll likely be visiting sites like temples that require modesty. They can also be useful at the beach or to dress up an otherwise casual outfit for a fancier occasion.  

This woman’s scarf shawl goes well with almost any outfit and radiates a classy aura. Plus, there are dozens of colors to choose from to suit your tastes. 

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Japan

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Japan? Here is a quick clothing checklist: 

• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 hoodie
• 1 sweater or cardigan
• 1-2 pairs of leggings 
• 1-2 pairs of tights 
• 1-2 bras
• 7-10 pairs of undergarments
• 7-8 pairs of socks 
• 3-4 shirts 
• 1-2 nicer blouses 
• 2-3 shorts or skirts 
• 1-2 pairs of pajamas 

Seasonal Items to Pack for Japan

Japan is a wonderland of snowy mountain peaks and scenic beaches depending on the time of year. In February, you’ll need to bundle up from the cold and even anticipate snow. Whereas May will bring a surge of rainfall across Japanese cities. 

Since the seasons change the weather so drastically across the country, you need to be prepared for the month you’re visiting. 

Here are my recommendations for seasonal items or clothing you might need in Japan:

Packable Rain Jacket

Japan’s rainy season is no joke and unprepared travelers are bound to be soaked most of their trip. Anyone visiting the country from May through early July should anticipate storms and bring along a resilient rain jacket. 

This packable rain jacket can get the job done. The outside of the coat is constructed from tough waterproof material and the inside is laminated to protect from even the heaviest storms. It even includes a little bag to pack it in for seamless travel. 

Packable Umbrella

During the rainy season, you’ll see more umbrellas than faces around Japan. They’re also popular during the summer to block out harmful solar rays. 

This windproof umbrella is designed with travelers in mind because it is so compact and weighs less than one pound. However, it’s also effective and high quality. The brand is so confident in its umbrella’s durability that it even comes with a lifetime replacement warranty. 

Portable Fan

Despite the frigid winter, Japan can also get brutally hot during the summer months. 

One simple way to combat these conditions is packing this portable neck fan. Unlike most travel fans, you don’t have to constantly hold this one up to your face because it conveniently drapes around your neck. 

Thermal Socks

Our bodies leak heat through the extremities, which is why it’s so crucial to keep your feet warm during the winter in Japan. These winter thermal socks are windproof and completely insulated to keep warmth in and moisture out. 

Swimwear

Most people don’t think of Japan as a beachy getaway, but it actually has some extraordinarily beautiful seashores. During the summer, you’ll want to have this women’s swimsuit or these men’s swim trunks to take full advantage of Japan’s coastal destinations. Both are quick-drying and available in sizes ranging from XS to 4X. 

Other Seasonal Items to Pack for Japan

So what seasonal items should you pack for Japan? Here is a quick checklist for Japan: 

• Beach coverup 
• Light-weight winter coat 
• Insect repellant 
• Moisturizing lip balm 
• Flannel or light jacket 
• Hat
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Face mask 
• Hand warmers 
• Waterproof footwear 

🖨️ Get a printable version of my packing checklist

Japan Packing Tips

Purchase travel insurance

A golden rule for going anywhere is protecting your trip and belongings with travel insurance. I’d never go abroad or even to another state without the protection of World Nomads travel insurance. 

Japan is a very safe country to visit. Yet, there is still always the possibility of injury, illness, natural disaster, or the immediate need to return home. In these instances, a solid travel insurance plan can save you a fortune and a lot of stress. 

Bring along or purchase trash bags to carry

Most Americans are used to finding public trash cans on every single block, but that won’t be the case in Japan. They’re nonexistent even in major cities and you’ll have to hold onto your trash until you come across a 7-Eleven or similar establishment. 

That’s why I’d always bring a box of trash bags with me to Japan. As silly as that sounds, it can make life a lot easier starting from day one in Tokyo. 

Get an Ubigi eSim card instead of a portable WiFi device

Many travelers urge visitors to get a portable WiFi device when they arrive at the Tokyo Airport. However, one of my favorite travel hacks for Japan was opting for an Ubigi eSim instead. 

Just download the Ubigi app and select a plan for the duration of your trip to Japan. This will allow you to have connectivity wherever you go without carrying around a bulky, pricey WiFi device. 

Pack modest clothing for visiting temples

Some of the coolest cultural attractions in Japan are the variety of temples across the country. However, these are still holy sites that should be treated with respect. 

As such, tourists should pack a few modest outfits or at least coverings to dress appropriately when visiting Japanese temples. The general rule of thumb is that your outfit shouldn’t be too skimpy and your shoulders should be covered when you go inside any of these structures. 

Do laundry at your hotel in the early mornings or late evenings

Most hotels in Japan will have laundry facilities on-site where you can wash your clothing yourself. All you’ll need is coins because most of the machines in Japan dispense detergent automatically. 

I discovered that these amenities are heavily used in the evenings, so I always did my laundry in the very early morning to avoid the rush. 

Use the baggage shipping service at Japanese hotels

For a low fee of around $15, my hotel or the nearest convenience store would overnight my luggage to my next accommodation. Even if it was located on the opposite end of the country. 

I took public transportation all over Japan and I can’t imagine attempting to navigate the busy trains while carrying all my belongings. That’s why the baggage shipping services offered in Japan were such a blessing to me as a solo traveler and I wish it existed everywhere now. 

Speaking of bags, check out Ruthie’s article on taking a suitcase vs. a backpack to Japan, and why there’s a clear winner.

Remember that Japan has distinct seasons that vary from very cold to brutally humid weather

Japan is one of those countries with very distinct seasons. Alter your packing list to accommodate the time and region you’re visiting. 

From May to July, your bag should include waterproof gear for the rainy season. From December to March, you’ll want strictly warm clothes because it can get into the negatives in regions like Hokkaido.

If you’re in Japan during August, you’ll need breathable, airy attire since temperatures rise and it gets extremely humid. 

***

There you have it – a fully packed bag with everything you need for a trip to Japan at any time of the year. 

Since your first stop will likely be the country’s capital, make sure you check out my complete guide on where to stay in Tokyo next. Thanks for reading and enjoy your trip to Japan. 

🖨️ Don’t miss our printable version of this Japan packing list!