The Really-Useful Japan Packing List You Need For Your Trip

Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Choosing a Bag for Japan

This is easy, take the smallest suitcase you can get away with. You’re going to be walking up more steps than you think, hotel rooms are smaller than you think – and, if you travel on the Shinkansen you’ll either need to book luggage space (see more on this in our longer post on the rules for taking luggage on bullet trains), put your bag in front of your knees – or lift your bag above your head.

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The Bag I Use

I just traveled for a month to Japan with a Delsey Clavel (that’s it in the foreground of the picture above and opened up in the picture below) which worked really well. I had seven dresses, a month of undies, two pairs of shoes, all my gadgets and toiletries, and still had room to bring back Mouse Ears from Tokyo Disney! and it’s super light to start with.

Check out prices here.

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Other Useful Luggage Tips

Packing cubes deserve the hype. I hadn’t used them before this trip, I always thought they were just something travel bloggers tried to sell you to make money, but, no, they are brilliant – especially if you’re moving from hotel to hotel. Pick a set with lots of different sizes and I liked having woven straps to keep things in place like this set has.

If you take a backpack, make sure you take it off your back on trains or busy stations so you’re not hitting passing folk every time you turn to try and work out where the heck you’re going.

Luggage transport services are brilliant. If you do decide that the stairs are too much, ask your hotel about shipping your luggage from place to place.

If You Need to Buy a New Suitcase in Japan

If you’re planning to buy a lot of souvenirs, either pack a foldable bag that you can unfurl when you need it – or, you can pick one up in one of the Don Quixote stores you find everywhere.

If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, Don Quixote can also help, but a shot called Ginza Karen is generally recommended as another inexpensive option. You’ll find it at 1-15-6 Ningyocho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0013.

Footwear To Pack For Japan

We’re starting here because it’s the thing that can make or break your Japan trip. Get the shoes wrong and you’re going to be in trouble so…

Pack comfortable shoes. Well-worn in comfy shoes! This is not a time to test out a new pair – I once took a pair of plimsols I’d walked miles in before, but within two days of walking 20km, I had blisters the size of 50p pieces on my feet. It was not good.

Ideally, pick shoes that are also easy to slip on and off as you will be taking them on and off when you go into temples and some hotels and restaurants.

Good Shoes to Consider

Running shoes or sneakers are fine but if you want a more stylish shoe that you can walk in, have a look at Vionics which come highly recommended by friends who spend a lot of time walking around Walt Disney World. They have extra cushioning and support built into the sole which make them good for walking long distance.

Whatever you pick though, break them in.

How Many Pairs of Shoes Do You Need?

This is commonly asked in a lot of Japan planning groups – after all, they’re one of the clothing items that weigh the most and we’ve already discussed the value of packing light for Japan.

I’m in the ‘take two pairs of day shoes’ school of thought. If you do get a blister, or another sore spot, alternating your shoes will help take the pressure off it – and if one pair gets wet, you won’t have to put on wet shoes the next day.

Consider a Shoehorn

Not something you normally pack, but, if your comfiest shoes don’t come on and off easily, or, if you have trouble balancing on one leg or bending to put a shoe on, this is going to make getting your shoes back on much easier and faster.

Some restaurants will have a shoehorn for guests, but if you have your own you’ll be in and out quickly wherever you have to remove your shoes. there’s a lightweight travel shoehorn here

What Not to Pack: Stilettos

Most Japanese women don’t wear skyscraper heels, they tend to stick with a low-heeled pump (or a massive platform!). Add that to the fact that you’re going to walk a lot and generally, you don’t need heels – even if you’re going to a nice restaurant.

If You Need to Buy Shoes in Japan

If you get there and something happens that means you do need to buy some more comfy trainers or another shoe, you might have problems getting shoes that fit larger feet – but try Zara, H&M, and ABC Mart.

If You Get Blisters

I got blisters on my latest Japan trip too – again, in a pair of shoes I’d worn a lot. I just don’t think you can avoid them when walking these distances.

The good news is that you can easily buy plasters everywhere – even 7-11 and Family Mart sell them. Mine got pretty bad and so I went to a proper drug store where I found the Band-Aid padded blister plasters and, surgical tape which meant I could keep all my plasters in place.

A picture of my Japanese care kit is here in case you need to show someone in the chemist!

Every day I started checking for hotspots and applying plasters and padding where it was needed!

The red thing is a foot roller to help fight aches and pains! Rolling your feet resets the rest of your body and I’m really glad I packed it! That one is a Carnation Pediroller from the UK, but you can find other brands online.

I also packed a spiky ball and ended up buying a brilliant massage stick in a shop called Hands, both can make a big difference with recovery if you’re walking for miles. Oh, and you HAVE to know about Japan’s magic leg patches. They’re so good I wrote a whole post on them.

Take Clean Socks

These get their own heading because you will never go anywhere else in the world where your socks are more likely to be on display than in Japan.

And if you do have to take your shoes off, socks are more polite to expose than bare feet. If you’re wearing sandals that don’t allow for socks under them, carry socks in your bag to slip on if you have to remove your shoes.

You can rinse socks in your hotel room so you don’t need to pack heaps of pairs, but do keep them clean.

If You Need to Buy More Socks

Daiso or the 100 yen stores are a good cheap place to check. Again, ABC Mart can help with more sports-style socks.

What to Wear in Japan During the Day

Most Japan trip packing lists itemize things at this point – I’m not going to do that as I don’t know what you like to wear.

I travel with 5 lightweight,non-crease, dresses for a fortnight and add tights if it’s cold, and a pair of sandals if it’s hot but that’s probably not going to work for you – just as saying take a pair of leggings and two pairs of black pants with tops won’t work for me and so I wouldn’t attempt to give you specifics either – but, I will offer up general suggestions.

If You Want to Fit In

The most important thing when it comes to packing for Japan is that the clothes you choose are comfortable to sightsee in.

But, some people do want to also fit into the culture of the place they’re traveling to – and if that’s you, I’d say think smart casual when packing for Japan. People there do tend to look quite neatly put together.

Leggings are fine but maybe go for a longer top over them. Jeans and shorts are okay – but, again, maybe with a nice T-shirt or top rather than something more casual.

Also, note that while you’ll see short skirts and skimpy shorts in Tokyo (although these usually have tights underneath them), bare shoulders and cleavage are less common. And things are a bit more conservative in Kyoto.

A good way to get an idea of how to feel comfortable is to look at street videos on YouTube, that’ll give you an idea of what people wear locally where you’re traveling to. The Japan 4k account on YouTube has a good selection.

I’ve not noticed this myself, but some people say they have felt out of place in Japan wearing bright prints or patterns so maybe look at more neutral colors if you think that will bother you.

To be honest, chances are you’re going to stand out in some way on your trip. I’m blonde and that immediately makes me stick out no matter how I’m dressed, so don’t stress out too much about it.

Dressing for Temples and Shrines

Despite my saying most people don’t bare shoulders, for the most part, Japan isn’t like some other countries where you’re not going to be let into a temple if you have your knees or shoulders on show – however, you’re still visiting a place of worship, so it’s a good idea to keep clothing respectful on days where you’re visiting temples and shrines.

That means no short shorts or skirts and you should have your shoulders and any cleavage covered.

One temple that does have a dress code is the incredible Nanzoin temple just outside Fukuoka. They will turn you away if you’re not dressed correctly.

The Nanzoin Temple Dress Code

They ask that you have tattoos covered and that your clothing covers your upper body up to, and including your shoulders and your lower body down to your knees. Crop tops or anything else that reveals your stomach is also a no-no. See the full list of rules here.

Think Layers

No matter what time of year you’re visiting Japan, pack layers – you can pile on extra if it’s cooler or you encounter icy air conditioning. And vice versa.

What to Wear in Tokyo at Night?

You might be wondering if you need to bring extra clothes to dress up in Tokyo or Kyoto at night.

If you’re just going for drinks or dinner in an izakaya or local ramen shop then you can just wear what you wore during the day.

If you’re going to a more high-end restaurant, most other people there will probably be in business wear – shirt and trousers for men (jeans are not widely worn in the workplace) and a smart dress or trousers and a nice top that you might wear for an evening work function for women.

But do check if anything more formal is required as some places do require jackets – Le Chateau de Joel Robuchon and Collage at the Conrad in Tokyo are just two examples.

If there is a dress code it will usually be on the restaurant’s website, and often in English if it is a restaurant with an international reputation.

Remember, if it’s a traditional Japanese restaurant, even if you’re sitting in the Western dining room, you may be asked to remove your shoes.

How Many Clothing Changes to Pack?

One of the best ways to pack light for Japan is to pick outfits you can wear anywhere and more than once – remember unless you’re on a tour, no one is going to see you again, so it doesn’t matter if you wear the same thing 3-4 times on a trip (and even if you are on a tour, no-one cares!).

One concern you might also have is that some places in Tokyo still allow smoking, however, there’s something about the ventilation that means it doesn’t seem to be a problem in Japan.

If however, you do leave an Izakaya smelling of smoke, you can buy Febreze in Japan and a quick spritz should neutralize the odour.

Here’s what it looks like there. I’d suggest trying to find it in one of the big chemist’s stores as they sell all sorts of household products. If you can’t find it, show someone the picture and they’ll help you.

We also found a few of the hotels on our last trip (like the Citadines Namba in Osaka) actually supplied a refreshing spray.

A lot of hotels also have laundry rooms where you can do washing, so if you get stuck, you can run a load through the machine (although this can cut into exploration time).

Maybe try doing this after a long day of sightseeing when you might not mind a night chilling out in your room or near your hotel. I also found it was a good way to slow down my over-enthusiastic planning and give myself a break.

They usually have laundry powder built-in (which is what the crossed-out bit means) so you don’t need to buy or pack that.

Or book a serviced apartment which usually have a washing machine. There are a couple of good suggestions for these in this post on the types of hotel in Japan.

What Not To Pack: Workout Kit and Swimsuits

Unless you are extremely fit or need to lift weights on your trip, chances are you are not going to get out for a run or visit the hotel gym on your trip. It’s not unusual to walk 15-25km a day while sightseeing, the steps mount up and you’ll probably be too tired to exercise as well.

Also, you won’t need a swimsuit unless your hotel has a pool. If you’re going to an onsen, or your hotel has an onsen, you will be expected to go in nude so don’t bother packing your swimming kit.

If you’re umming and ahhing about packing your kit, leave it at home!

How to Pack For Japan in Summer, Winter, Spring, etc

For fear of stating the stupidly obvious, the type of things you need to pack change depending on what time of year you’re traveling – and also, where you’re staying in Japan.

Japan is a massive landmass and the weather differs hugely from end to end. What you might need in Nagasaki in winter is very different from what you need in Osaka, Tokyo, or Sapporo!.

Generally, the south of Japan is warmer than the north and so, you can get away with packing lighter in the south.

I went to Kyushu in February and got away with a long-sleeved t-shirt under a dress, tights and socks, a cardigan, a thinnish coat, gloves, and a scarf – and I live in Australia where under 20C is jumper weather.

But I was a bit chilly once I arrived in Osaka to fly home – and Tokyo during the same week was snowing. Further North was full-on ski season! Check the specific weather for where you’re traveling and pack accordingly.

What to Pack for Japan in Summer

If you’re traveling to Japan in Summer expect extreme humidity. You will perspire so you might want to take a few extra tops (or see my note below about the super-antiperspirant I always travel with).

You’ll find all sorts of products and gadgets to help keep you cool in Japan’s summer – from simple parasols to cooling sprays or even fans that you wear around your neck. If you’re struggling, head to a branch of Hands (a store that sells pretty much everything) and see what’s on offer.

June and July in Japan are also rainy so you’ll need to make sure you have a lightweight coat that’s going to keep you dry (but don’t pack an umbrella as you can buy them in any 100 yen store).

If you’re traveling in a rainy period, definitely pack more than one pair of shoes.

Or look at a very waterproof pair like the shoes and trainers from Vessi.

This is also one time when the Ziploc trick below can become very important.

What to Pack for Japan When It’s Cold

If it’s cold, you’re going to want layers – if you get to Japan and suddenly realize you’re freezing, head to Uniqlo.

Their Heattech range uses your body heat to create warmth but is small and light to pack – there’s a huge branch just by Shinjuku station. If you want to pick some up before you go, then check it out here.

Also, look for a fantastic piece of Japanese clothing called a Haramaki. This is like a little scarf for your middle and the theory is that keeping your internal organs warm heats the rest of your system.

I have one that I use when it’s cold in my house and I do notice my hands and feet get warmer. You can buy these before you go to Japan on Amazon – or pick one up there.

If You Need to Buy New Clothing in Japan

If you’re on the smaller size, you’ll be able to check out all the cool shops, but, if you’re larger than a size 12-14 (UK), you might find it hard to find large enough sizes in every store. Head to Western brands with names you recognize as they tend to stock larger sizes – again, that means Zara, Gap, H&M, or Uniqlo.

Local store Sakazen also offers more western-sized options -and has a ‘Big Size’ section for men.

The sizing thing can work in your favor – I once picked up a bargain skirt in French Connection in Tokyo because it was a size 14!

What if You Have a Tattoo?

If you have tattoos you’ve probably read that you won’t be allowed in onsens or pools in Japan, but, when planning your Japan packing consider that you might want to cover them with clothing in some other places too.

Admittedly, Tokyo particularly is becoming more accepting of tattoos, particularly on those who are clearly tourists – when I visited Thermae Yu spa in Tokyo, they were trialing a system allowing female tourists to visit with tattoos, men could do so if their tattoos were a certain size and they showed their passports – but if you’re going to stay in a ryokan. some ban those with tattoos so you’ll need them covered.

Also if you’re visiting a temple, staying somewhere more rural, or out for dinner at a more exclusive restaurant, you might want to pack something that covers your tattoo (or use concealer or a plaster on a smaller tattoo) just out of respect.

How to Cover Tattoos in Japan

There’s a great post on dressing for tattoos in Japan from TaraMoss.com who has sleeve tattoos – and she’s a big fan of arm covers.

You can buy solid-coloured ones of these (usually used for outdoor sports) on Amazon or try these more dressy ones – you’ll also find these in Japan if you get there and start to feel a bit conscious of your tatts. Again, have a look in Daiso for a selection.

Wearing Cosplay and Other Styles

Japanese street style fashion is famous all over the world and the word Cosplay originated there so, you might be wondering if it’s okay to dress up in Cosplay or other more individual styles from Japan like Lolita or Gothic Lolita and whether you should bring your looks to get some amazing photos.

The answer for Cosplay is surprisingly, no. It’s not the done thing to wear Cosplay in public in Japan (find a detailed post on this here). If people are going to a convention, they tend to get changed when they get there rather than travel in costume.

As for other styles, It seems like it’s totally fine to wear Japanese styles, particularly in areas like Harajuku or Nakano.

Check the Tokyo Fashion site to see what everyone is currently wearing and find the latest shop openings (but I guess you already know that).

Packing Toiletries for Japan

If you’re travelling light you might not want to pack your normal bottles of shampoo and shower gel and the good news is you don’t have to.

Japanese hotels are generally very well equipped – especially if they aim at business travelers who will travel light – and you’ll usually find shampoo, shower gel or soap, toothbrushes, razors, and combs in the room, or, by the front desk where you just pick up what you need.

I’m very fussy about conditioner, so I always take a tiny bottle with me, but I brought it back virtually full as the ones supplied in most hotels worked as well for my hair.

Unless you’re very fussy about your brand, you can either use what your hotel gives you or, pick up bigger products when you get there. However, saying that there are a few toiletries you might want to make sure you pack for Japan including…

Antiperspirant

Expats living in Japan say the local brands don’t work the same as the ones they are used to – and that will matter if you’re there in the humid months of June and July

If you’re keeping things light, have a look at Perspirex – it’s a tiny bottle but you only have to apply it every couple of days. It’s seen me through Japan visits and Australian summer trips – do NOT use it on freshly depilated skin though, I learned that the hard way!

Anti-Chafing Products

Another tip I learned from Disney forums, is if you’re on the heavier side, you might want to pop this on before you go out walking for the day as it can help stop rubbing that can cause painful chafing. You can buy it here.

A lot of people also recommend Gold Bond Medicated Powder

Also, look at anti-chafing shorts which you wear under your normal clothes

Hand Sanitiser and/or a small towel

As I explained in my piece on first-timer tips to Japan, one surprising thing you might notice is that you don’t always find towels in public bathrooms in Japan so bring something to wipe your hands on if you don’t want to be constantly wiping them on your clothes.

You can also buy these mini towels in Japan, they’re called Tenugui.

A Facemask

Even before you know what hit, the Japanese would wear face masks to protect others around them if they had a cold or sniffles, please do the same. Either bring your favourite from home, or, you can stock up locally.

What Not to Pack: Heavy Perfume

Some high-end Japanese restaurants like Nihonryori-Ryugin say that anyone smelling noticeably of perfume or aftershave will not be allowed in as they say it spoils the aromas of the food.

However, I also spotted this ‘no perfume’ sign on one of the izakaya in Memory Lane in Shinjuku on this trip.

Where to Shop for Toiletries

Don’t panic if you do forget something. Many hotels supply toothbrushes, combs, and mini tubes of toothpaste.

You’ll also find basic shampoo and shower gel. For anything else, you’ll find big chemist-style stores (a bit like Priceline, CVS, or Superdrug, depending on where you’re coming from) all over Japan and there’s always someone who can help you find what you’re looking for.

Carrying Medications Into Japan

One essential thing you have to know about packing for Japan is that some medications are not allowed and others need you to fill in a form called a Yakkan Shoumei or sometimes you’ll see it referred to as a Yunyu Kakunin-sho.

You’ll also need one of these if you’re traveling in Japan for a longer period and want to bring more than 30 days’ worth of medication with you.

And it’s not just controlled or prescription medications either – medications that contain pseudoephedrine are banned which means things you might not think twice about packing normally, like Nurofen Cold and Flu, Sudafed and Vicks inhalers, are banned in Japan.

This document explains things simply.

Gadgets and Gizmos

There are the obvious gadgets and gizmos that you might want to pack like your phone for maps, your camera (if you still carry a separate one), and something to watch/read on the plane and then there are a couple of extra things to buy before going to Japan.

A Travel Adaptor

Japan uses a flat two-pinned plug, so any country will a different plug configuration will need an adaptor to make most items work. However, see the note below about things you might not want to pack even if you can make the plug fit.

If you forget, ask at your hotel reception or go to one of the big electronic stores like Bic Camera.

Phone Power Bank

If you’re using your phone as a camera, to help you get around with a service like Google Maps and a couple of useful apps like the train planning app Navitime (see more about Navitime here) or Google Translate, you might find your phone is running out of charge before you get back to your hotel at night.

A power bank lets you refuel on the run – I can’t be without mine in Japan.

Ideally, you’re looking for something that fits in a small bag or even your pocket.

I used this Anker one on my trip and it lasted really, really well – in fact, Mr Japlanease bought one halfway through our trip and had it delivered to his hotel as he decided he preferred this one to his one! I could get 3-4 full charges out of it before it needed recharging.

Multi-Port Charger

I also brought a multi-port USB charger as I was carrying a lot of devices, but, to be honest, I wouldn’t take it again when I’m traveling solo as I think I used it twice in a month – more hotels now have a couple of USB ports in the room which allows you to charge more than two devices at once.

However, if there are two or more of you in the room and you’re both trying to charge phones, Wi-Fi devices, tablets, or Kindles – it could be a good investment.

Pick the best one for your device configuration here.

A Note About Hair Straighteners in Japan

Japan’s voltage is 100V and this is lower than many other countries (it’s 230 in the UK, Europe, and Australia for example), I didn’t know why this mattered until I started seeing chatter on forums about packing hair straighteners.

Hair straighteners can take ages to heat up in Japan, and others, including some types of GHDs, won’t work at all. To work they’ll need dual voltage – to find out what that means, and what you need if you really want to take them, have a look at this guide to using hair straighteners in Japan

Hairdryers might also not function so well in Japan, so leave yours at home and just use the one in your hotel and expect it to take longer to dry (this is my hair – I’m the one on the right – I know your pain – here I just go out with it wet and it dries, but I won’t do that in Japan because I’d look like a hobo!).

US readers might not have the same issues as your voltage is closer to that in Japan (but you will still need an adaptor) but check the piece above to make sure.

Another option is to buy a straighter/hair dryer in Japan – Bic Camera sells them and you’ll find branches of this all over Japan.

If you want to check out brands – straightening iron is (apparently) this in Japanese ストレートアイロン but you can also type straightening iron into the search bar. And it’s pronounced su-to-rai-to-a i-ron

Hair dryer is this ヘアドライヤー but it’s pronounced very similarly so you should be okay.

Other Stuff

Lastly in our packing list for Japan come a few other bits and bobs you might want to think about taking with you.

Wallet or Coin Purse

Japan is less of a cash society than it was – but you will need to have some cash on you as small restaurants, shrines and a few surprising places like Daiso don’t always let you use cards.

If you’re used to just flashing your Apple watch at everything you’re going to make sure you pack a wallet to keep your cash, change, and your train card.

You will also pick up a lot of change, a coin purse can come in very handy (again, Daiso or the 100 yen store is a good place to pick one up).

Currency Card

While you should always have some cash on you in Japan, a currency card like Revolut or Wise can help you with bigger purchases.

You can load yen onto them before your trip (making it a great way to save for your trip or take advantage of high exchange rates) and then use them as a debit card on your trip where people do take cards, or draw out cash at the ATM.

I used Wise on this trip and it worked well.

Another option if you don’t want to carry cash is to load your cash onto your transport card. See more about that in our post on where you can use cards in Japan – and where you might need cash.

Passport Case

Again, not normally something to worry about as once you arrive somewhere your passport is (hopefully) normally residing in the hotel safe, but, it’s actually Japanese law to carry your passport at all times (and yes, people do get asked for it).

Plus, if you’re using the Japan Rail Pass you need to have your passport on you and a cover can stop it from getting bent and battered.

This one is stylish and neutral – or, if you want to feel like you’re traveling to Japan, pick a cuter one like the selection at Kakao and Friends.

Or, just bring a Ziploc bag and put your passport and rail pass in that together. This will also prevent them from getting wet if you (and they) end up in one of Japan’s notorious downpours.

Rail Pass Voucher

If you are buying a Japan Rail Pass (if you’re not sure yet, then read this post on how to tell if the Japan Rail Pass is worth it for your trip) you will be given an exchange voucher that you then swap once you get to Japan. Don’t forget it. You won’t get another one.

Hotel Address

It’s a good idea to have this saved on your phone, or printed out, in Japanese writing. It’s essential if you are going to get a taxi to your hotel but will also come in handy if you get lost.

SIM card or Portable Wi-Fi

If you want to use Google Maps, having your own wifi makes things so much easier. You can order these in advance and pick them up at the airport – or have them shipped to your house.

I used to prefer a SIM card and usually ordered mine from Klook to pick up at the airport as it means someone can help me set it up if I get stuck. You have to do a couple of strange things to set up a SIM card for Japan and the only time I did order one in advance from someone else, it didn’t work for about five hours.

If you prefer to use portable wifi, you can order that at the same time as your Japan Rail Pass here.

On my latest trip, I tried an eSim and this was really helpful as it meant I was connected to the internet the second I landed in Japan. I used Ubigi and was very impressed

If you’re not sure which is best for you, have a look at our post comparing all the ways to get online on your trip.

Business Cards

Okay, you probably won’t need these if you’re just on holiday, but if you are doing any kind of business while you’re in Japan, you will need a decent supply of cards.

So, there you have it – the totally specific list of things to take to Japan. If you’re still wondering about any other elements of what to bring to Japan then please join our Facebook Group and ask them there.

Oh, and if you like the little packing lists scattered around this post, they are one of the planners that we offer in the Japlanease Etsy shop – head over there to see more designs or to purchase our packing list.

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