Packing for Japan is easier when you know a few local quirks. You will take your shoes off often, walk far more than you expect, carry your own trash, and squeeze luggage into small hotel rooms and busy trains. This Japan packing list covers what to bring (and what to leave at home) for any season.
First, Check the Weather
- Spring (March to May): Mild days, cool evenings. Pack layers and a light jacket.
- Summer (June to August): Rainy, then hot and very humid. Light breathable clothes, a compact umbrella, and sunscreen.
- Autumn (September to November): Warm, then cool. Layers and a light sweater.
- Winter (December to February): Cold and dry in Tokyo and Kyoto, snowy in the north. A warm coat, thermals, gloves, and a hat.
See the best time to visit Japan for more on the seasons.
Travel Documents and Money
- Passport, and a visa if you need one. Check the Japan visa requirements.
- Printed or saved copies of hotel and flight bookings.
- Travel insurance details.
- A debit or credit card without foreign transaction fees, plus some yen in cash. 7-Eleven ATMs accept most foreign cards.
- A small coin purse. You will collect lots of ¥100 and ¥10 coins.
Clothing and Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes that are easy to slip on and off, because you remove them at temples, ryokan, and some restaurants.
- Clean socks without holes, for the same reason.
- Layers that you can add or remove between hot trains and outdoor sightseeing.
- Modest clothes for temples and shrines.
- Swimwear isn't needed for onsen, where you bathe without clothes, but bring it for pools and beaches.
Tech: Chargers, Adapters, and Data
- Plug adapter: Japan uses Type A sockets (two flat pins) at 100V. Most phone and laptop chargers work fine, but check hair tools.
- Power bank: You will use your phone constantly for maps and translation.
- A travel eSIM: An egoViet Japan eSIM gives you data from the moment you land, without renting a pocket Wi-Fi. Make sure your phone supports eSIM.
- Useful apps: Download the best Japan travel apps before you go.
Toiletries and Medicines
- Travel-sized toiletries. Hotels provide basics, and drugstores sell everything else.
- Any prescription medicine you need, in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription. Some common medicines, including certain cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine, are restricted in Japan, so check the rules before you travel.
- A small hand towel or handkerchief. Many public restrooms don't have paper towels or hand dryers.
- Hand sanitizer and tissues.
Handy Extras
- A small trash bag, because public bins are rare.
- A foldable shopping bag, as stores charge for plastic bags.
- A compact umbrella, or buy a cheap one at a convenience store.
- A day bag that doesn't take up much space on trains.
- Extra space in your suitcase for snacks, stationery, and souvenirs.
What to Leave at Home
- A huge suitcase. Trains and hotel rooms are small, and luggage delivery services are easy to use.
- Lots of cash. Cards and IC cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Anything you can buy cheaply in Japan, such as umbrellas, toiletries, and socks.
Ready to plan? See our Japan travel guide and tips for Japan on a budget.
FAQs: Japan Packing List
What plug do I need for Japan?
Japan uses Type A plugs with two flat pins and a voltage of 100V. Travelers from the US and Canada usually don't need an adapter, while most others do.
What should I not bring to Japan?
Some medicines are restricted, including certain cold and allergy medicines. Check the rules before you travel, and leave very large suitcases at home.
What shoes should I wear in Japan?
Comfortable walking shoes that are easy to take on and off, because you will remove them often at temples, ryokan, and some restaurants.
Do I need cash in Japan?
Some, for small restaurants, temples, and rural areas. In cities, cards and IC cards work in most places.