Are you excited about your upcoming trip to Japan? Well, you should be – Japan is a fascinating country with diverse landscapes, rich culture, and world-known cuisine.

Read more: Essential Japan Travel Guide: Perfect Your Packing List for Every Season

But before you start your journey, I encourage you to review your bags together. A well-planned packing list can make all the difference and help your trip to be a smooth and enjoyable experience, save time, money, and avoid stress.

Essential Documents and Money

– Passport and Visa (Obviously)

The most important document is a travel passport that is needed to pass the immigration control. Depending on your document you can visit Japan without a visa (for a certain period of stay), otherwise, you will need to obtain a proper visa to enter the country in the Japanese consulate in the country of your residence.

All COVID restrictions are now lifted (as of summer 2024) and no vaccination certificates are needed to enter the country.

– Travel Insurance Documents

In most cases, it is not mandatory to have travel insurance, but it is always a good idea to have one if you don’t want to worry too much about medical expenses of flight cancellations.

Medical services provided to non-residents are billed 200% in Japan, whereas residents with proper Japanese medical insurance pay only 30% of the bills.

In my 20s I didn’t even know what travel insurance is, but after 40 I feel it is a necessary part of every journey.

– Currency (Japanese Yen) and Credit/Debit Cards

Cash is the king in Japan. Even now there are some gift shops and family restaurants that do not accept any digital/ credit card payments.

– Copies of Important Documents (Photocopies and Digital Copies)

I recommend having all your scanned documents on the cloud so you can access them anywhere with just a basic internet connection. Having a physical paper copy of your passport and visa is always a good idea.

By law you are always required to have your identification document with you in Japan. In most cases, this is not an issue, since there are barely any pickpockets or dangerous districts in Japan, but in some situations, you would rather want to have a paper copy with you.

– Japan Rail Pass Voucher

If you plan to visit other cities in Japan except for the city where you landed, you should get a Japan Rail Pass that can save you a lot of money while traveling all over Japan with comfort.

You have to book it in advance if you want to have a good discount.

– International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention 

If you are planning to drive in Japan, you have to check if you are eligible to drive and under what circumstances here. In general, only the proper form of IDP under 1949 Geneva Convention allows you to drive with some exceptions and only for 1 year period. Make sure to obtain it before your trip, as it cannot be issued in Japan.

Personal Belonings

– General Clothing for a Season and Location

Japan, unlike many countries, has well-defined seasons that can be very different in terms of climate and weather. A hot wet summer is the opposite of a dry and cool winter, and a mild autumn is the opposite of an ever-changing spring. Also, there is a monsoon rainy season, a typhoon season, as well as tropical Okinawan climate or snowy Hokkaido weather…

Japan is known for its modest dress culture, especially when visiting temples or shrines. My recommendation is to have a casual comfortable dress at all seasons.

– Comfortable Walking Shoes

Visiting Japan in general involves a lot of walking, which means that good walking shoes are a must. In general, 10,000 steps are guaranteed if you leave a hotel room.

– Weather-Appropriate Outerwear (Jackets, Raincoats)

Monsoon season or guerilla rains can ruin a day if you are not prepared. Most good hotels have umbrellas that you can take for a day, but these umbrellas are usually too big and too heavy to carry around all day. Moreover, strong wind can break any cheap umbrella in seconds, so I would recommend getting a foldable, light, and elastic umbrella for this journey.

– Socks and Underwear

Since I travel a lot I always take 1 pair of socks and a set of underwear per day for my trip. But no more than 7 sets – to cover one week.

Street laundry shops and hotel laundry are available pretty much everywhere in Japan.

Toiletries and Personal Care

– Basic Toiletries

I wouldn’t recommend bringing anything with you unless this is something you can’t live without and know that it is not easy to find elsewhere. Toothbrushes and paste, shampoo and conditioner, body soap, and other basic toiletries are available in every hotel or at any convenience store for a decent price.

Most of Japanese public restrooms have toilet paper and hand soap.

The only thing that I can recommend bringing is wet hand/face tissues. In any case, you can buy it in every convenience store in Japan.

– Personal Hygiene Items

Deodorant, razor, contact lens and sanitary products are non-negotiables for any trip. Also, these products can be easily found in Japan 24/7 in big cities.

– Skincare products

When it comes to moisturizers, UV cut (sunscreen), and face creams – Japan has a lot to offer for any age or type of skin.

However, this is different for decorative cosmetics because most products are made for the Asian market, where skin tone whitening and pale color palettes are extremely popular.

Please remember that for international flights, liquids must be carried in small containers of less than 100ml each and placed in a transparent bag.

Medicines and Supplements

You can bring a one-month supply of prescription medicines and a two-month supply of over-the-counter medicines without special permission. However, some controlled substances require an import certificate. Always carry your medications in their original packaging along with a prescription or doctor’s note, and be aware that certain ingredients may be restricted or prohibited.

Japanese supplements are known for their quality and safety, with a strong focus on stamina and beauty. Popular options include collagen for skin and joints, probiotics for digestion, and various herbal extracts. Beauty supplements, especially those targeting skin care, are a big deal here. Just remember to buy from reputable brands and check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Gadgets and Accessories

– Smartphone with Charger

Now it is nearly impossible to travel without a smartphone. As for the charger, I would recommend to get the whole piece with the plug just in case you need to use it outside your hotel room.

– Data SIM card or E-SIM or Virtual SIM card

You can get a physical SIM card only at the airports, so if you miss this option, it’s not easy to get any data SIM anywhere else.

Most of hotels and public places, restaurants and trains have WIFI, but the connection is still unstable and takes time to establish.

One of the options is to buy an e-SIM with a data package if your smartphone supports one.

– Universal Travel Adapter or Type-A Adapter

In Japan, you’ll mostly encounter two types of plugs: Type A and Type B. Type A has two flat parallel pins, while Type B has the same two pins plus an additional grounding pin. However, Type B plugs are very rare in Japan. The electrical system in Japan runs on 100V with a frequency of 50/60Hz.

Most hotels will have adapters ready at reception and USB-A outlets available in rooms.

I can recommend having a universal travel adaptor.

– Camera and Extra SD Cards

Photo gear and memory cards are a part of any journey whether you want to have some quality photos for your memory or for your Instagram account.

In case you need assistance with hiring a photographer, inquire to me and I will be delighted to help.

– Portable Power Bank

It is not common to ask to charge your phone at a restaurant but in most cases, staff will allow you to charge your phone.

Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to have a power bank with you. Just be careful not to put it into a checked baggage.

– Other Necessary Electronics (Laptop, mini PC, tablet)

If you need to stay connected for work or other purposes, consider packing a laptop or tablet. Just remember to pack the necessary adapters and cables.

Special Items for Japan

– Travel Guides and Maps

Since I didn’t prepare my own travel guide yet, I can recomment to have a Lonely planet Japan – a great guide book for all times.

– Phrasebook or Translation App

I’d say just few phrases will be enough for a short trip – you can usually find them in any guide book.

Japanese very much appreciate any efforts when a foreigner tries to speak their language. They will encourage that and might even engage in a conversation.

– Omiyage Gifts (Optional)

If you visit someone who is living in Japan for a long time, it is a good idea to take a small gift with you. Usually that is something from the place you come from – a local souvenir, or better a local delicacy – sweets or cookies.

– Other Items

Some other items might include reusable shopping bag, business suite and business name cards (very essential for a business trip),

Remember to check the airline’s carry-on and checked luggage restrictions for any specific items you plan to bring. Additionally, you can purchase most of listed items in Japan if you forget or run out, but it’s always better to be prepared.

Don’t forget to download our packing checklist for convenience! And stay tuned for more tips and insights to make your Japan trip unforgettable

Happy travels, and we hope to see you in Japan soon