The Ultimate Quick List of What to Pack for Japan and Tokyo – Including Printable

If you are reading this article I expect that you have already completed booking your trip to Japan and are in the final stages of thinking about what you need to pack for your trip to Japan – some of you are looking at this article for the first time three months before you depart and for others you may be departing tomorrow and doing a last minute scramble!  It is an exciting part of any trip as your departure date becomes imminent.

This Japan packing list is relevant to all travellers to Japan, regardless of whether you are backpacking Japan, travelling solo, mid level or luxury, so please check it out to ensure that you are ready to depart.

Click here to download our Japan Packing List two page printable.

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Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What to Pack for Japan and Tokyo

Japan and Tokyo Travel Essentials

Below is my recommended packing list of essential things to bring to Japan for any trip.

1. Japan Travel Bag

When selecting your travel bag for your trips to Japan, a good general principle when considering your travel bag for Japan and Tokyo is to pack as light as you can manage.  This is also a valid strategy for a business trip to Japan.

A common question is what size luggage to bring to Japan.  Most visitors to Japan will utilise public transport during their visit, which requires lots of walking, climbing steps and getting around.  The Japan and Tokyo public transport system can get quite crowded and you may only have limited space to store your luggage.  As a result you should plan to take only small and medium size wheeled or backpack style travel bags and a small hand held bag, satchel or backpack.  And carefully consider what to bring to Japan.

For further information about what kind of travel bag to purchase for your trip to Japan click here to check out our recommended soft and hard shell luggage options for Japan.

2. Lightweight Folding Tote Bags for Japan

If you are like us you will end up doing some shopping in Japan – we were not prepared for overflow so ended up having to waste time searching for shops to purchase additional luggage while we were on our trip.  I therefore also recommend that it is worthwhile to purchase a couple of additional soft foldable tote bags so you have them ready to go if you also succumb to purchasing additional items.

Click on the below links to check out the color options and pricing for soft foldable tote bags:

3.    Passport and Visa for Japan

Ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months remaining before it expires, otherwise you risk not being allowed to enter Japan on arrival.

Check on this link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan to see which nationalities require a visa.

Matsumoto Castle in Japan
Matsumoto Castle in Japan

4.    Trip Registration

Take action to register your trip details with your government registration service.  This action is important to ensure that if an incident occurs while you are overseas that they know which of their nationals are travelling in that country and can follow up to ensure you are ok.

While you are looking at your government website, also check if there are any travel advisories you should be aware of for Japan.

5.    Drivers Licence and International Drivers Permit (IDP) for Japan

If you are planning to hire or drive a vehicle in Japan you will also need to carry both your Drivers Licence and an International Drivers Permit (IDP).  Click on this link to find out more about where to purchase an IDP.

6.    Flights to, from and within Japan

You should ensure that you have confirmed your flight details to and from and within Japan and have a printout of your flight arrangements with you.  I recommend re-checking these details in the week prior to your trip to ensure that your flights have not changed since you made your booking.

7.    Japan Accommodation

If you have not already made accommodation arrangements in Japan, I suggest that do some research before you depart to ensure that you will have options on arrival.  Ensure that you have the specific address details for each accommodation available.  Japanese street names and numbers are very difficult to navigate, so also ensure that you have the address available in your phone GPS map tool.

My recommended accommodation booking sites for Japan include Booking.com.  Pre-load the accommodation apps from your accommodation sites with your account and booking details on your smart phone – they will usually have a map option to help you find your accommodation.

8.    Arrival Airport Transfer to Hotel in Japan

I also recommend that you pre-book an airport transfer direct to your accommodation on arrival – after a long haul flight it can be very difficult to learn how to use the Japanese public transport system (as we found out!) when you are tired so give yourself the option to ease into the train system when you are well rested and through the initial culture shock.

I have also developed a set of articles to help you work out the best way to transfer between Narita Airport and the following major areas in Tokyo.  Click on the article below to see the options which will best suit your situation (note that some articles are located on Japan Travel Planning and some articles are on Pretraveller).

See details below for arrival in Osaka and travel to both Osaka and Kyoto

  • For Osaka and Kyoto you will arrive in Kansai International Airport (KIX). A range of airport transfer options are available including private transfers.

9.    Travel Insurance for Japan

If you have not already made arrangements to purchase travel insurance, pre-departure is the best time as most insurance policies will not enable you to purchase a policy post departure.  If you have any pre-existing medical conditions you will need to take action early to obtain a policy – sometimes before you book your flights to ensure that you can get coverage.

Travel Insurance for Residents of the USA

If you live in the USA, we recommend that you check out Travel Insurance Master, which provides comparisons of a large selection of travel insurance products to help you find the one which suits you best.  

Click here to check out your insurance options with Travel Insurance Master

Travel Insurance for Residents of Australia

If you live in Australia, we recommend that you check out the following insurance options:

Click here to check out your insurance options with World NomadsCover-More and Travel Insurance Direct

Travel Insurance for Residents of the United Kingdom

If you live in the UK, we recommend that you check out Moneysupermarket, which provides comparisons of a large selection of travel insurance products to help you fins the one which suits you best.

Click here to check out your insurance options with MoneySuperMarket

Travel Insurance for Residents of Other Countries

For residents of other countries, check out World Nomads for their competitive travel insurance policies. World Nomads provides travel insurance coverage for people from over 150 countries.

10.    Prescription Medicine and Toiletries for Japan

You may not have thought about medicine and toiletries when considered things to pack for Japan, however this is an important topic to understand early to enable you to take action if required.

If you require prescription medicine ensure that you have refilled your medication scripts prior to your departure. 

Be aware that Japan has strict controls on what medications and medical equipment can and cannot be brought into Japan. Check out this link for further information and ensure that you comply with the stated requirements.  You need to apply for import permission at least one month before you depart so don’t wait if you have any medications which are on the controlled list.   Your local Japan embassy should also have a specific application process for your country, so ensure you check out their website.

Bring your standard toiletries with you to Japan, however be aware that toiletries are readily available in convenience stores and pharmacies which are very common.

11.    Japan Rail Pass

When travelling in Japan many visitors purchase a Japan Rail Pass. My recommended option to purchase your National Japan Rail Pass is through the Japan Rail Pass website.  The advantage of using this purchase option is that they ship your voucher direct to your door anywhere in the world.  You can purchase National Japan Rail Pass options include 7, 14 and 21 day passes, in either First Class (Green) or Second Class seats.  For further information click through to my dedicated article on how to purchase the cheapest Japan Rail Passes.

Click here to see the latest JR Pass Prices

12. Japan Local Public Transport Card

Another very useful item to plan to purchase after arrival is a local ‘tap on tap off’ public transport card for Japan.  These cards work for intra city travel on most trains, trams, buses and ferries.  You can easily top up the funds on your card at every Japan train station.  Most machines have an English language option and you can only use cash to top up your card.  As you go through the tap on and off machines they display your remaining funds.

The major options are a Suica Card, Pasmo Card and an ICOCA Card. Suica is the main card used in Tokyo and Icoca is the main card used in Kyoto/Osaka.  You will pleased to know that you can purchase any one of these cards, as all three cards can be used in a large range of towns across Japan.

Click here to pre-order your adult Suica Card through the Rakuten Experiences website, you can pick up from either Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport or downtown Tokyo.

13. Japan Guidebook and Maps

A Japan guidebook is very handy to both plan your trip and to decide what to do each day of your trip.  Check out my article on the Best Japan Travel Guide Books for a great range of the latest and greatest guide book options.

14. Money for Tokyo and Japan

Japan is quite unique in terms of how you need to manage your money compared to any other country I have visited.  They key thing to understand is that the only places you can draw cash using a credit or debit card from outside Japan are from an ‘International Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)’.  International ATMs are only available inside 7-11 convenience stores or at post offices. Few other ATM machines will work.

15. Cell, Smart or Mobile Phone and Charger

I would definitely recommend you take your cell, smart or mobile phone and charger with you to Japan.  We used ours extensively to help us get around.  A tablet would also be useful, however be aware that tablets are rarely seen in Japan – most of the locals only use smart phones.

If you plan to use your home SIM card follow this list before you depart:

  • Check out the international calling and data costs – so you have no surprises!  If you need to look for other options to hire a SIM card or a pocket Wifi device you can get more information further below in this article – note that you need to pre-order these items before you depart.
  • Contact your phone provider to ensure that you have international roaming activated, otherwise you will not be able to use your phone in Japan.
  • Check whether your phone is locked to your SIM, and clarify whether you have the option to install another SIM card in Japan.
  • Clean out the memory on your phone.  Delete old and unused apps, transfer photos, videos etc to your computer and delete them from the phone.  If you plan to use your phone for photos, check out whether you can purchase an additional memory card for your phone and buy the largest one you can afford.
  • Load Japan specific apps onto your phone as detailed below.
  • To prevent bill shock ensure that you turn off mobile data on your phone as you depart on your flight to Japan.

16. Recommended Phone SIM Card and Pocket Wifi for Japan

I have put together a detailed article to help you find the Best Online Pocket Wifi Rental In Japan For Tourists, click on the link to work out which option will suit you best and to make your booking.

A range of data only SIM cards are also available.  Check out our detailed comparison article on the Best Prepaid Data Sim Card in Japan for Tourists to work out which option will suit you best and to make your booking.

Sakura Mobile Sim Card

17. Recommended Phone Applications for Japan

The main cell phone applications which we used regularly through Japan are detailed in my article on Top 16 Smart or Cell Phone Apps for your Trip to Japan – I suggest you check them out and download them before you depart.

Top 16 Phone Apps for Your Japan Trip

18. Backup Cell Phone Battery for Japan

When you travel you are likely to be out and about most days, using your phone as a camera and to assist you to get around.  The last thing you want is for your cell or smart phone to run out of charge.  I therefore recommend that when considering what to take to Japan that you purchase a backup battery to carry with you as you travel.  Amazon has a good range of options available at the following link – click here to see the backup battery for cell phone options available.

If you already own a backup battery I suggest that before you depart you check it is still functional and able to hold charge – I find that the typical life for my cell phone backup batteries is 12 months before I start to notice that they don’t hold their charge as long.

19. Japan Travel Adapter or Plug

A key item to purchase before you depart is a Japan adapter or plug.  Options include a single plug to match your home country power plug type, however you can also purchase Japan plugs which can take on or more USB devices.

Be careful if buying cheap versions of these plugs – we purchased a couple of multi-USB plugs while we were in Japan and found that they got very hot and were unable to charge multiple devices at once, which could be a fire risk.

Amazon has a good range of devices – click on this link to choose the Japan Travel Adapter on Amazon which suits you best, and based on how many devices you plan to carry with you as you travel.  Another useful option is a small power board which can plug into a single Japan travel adaptor.

20. Camera for Japan

When considering other things to buy before going to Japan you may not have considered how you will take photographs.  Most travellers will want to take photos during their trip to Japan, so ensure that you consider what kind of camera you wish to use during your trip.  I have put together a detailed article with recommended camera options and accessories for Japan – click here to check out the best camera options for your trip to Japan.

21. What to Wear in Japan

Japan Weather

Japan weather is quite variable depending on what season you travel in and which parts of Japan you travel to for your Japan trip.  For detailed information about the seasons, temperatures and rainfall  in Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo and more generally in Japan please click through on this link.

What Not to Wear in Japan

The overall Japanese clothing fashion style is modern but modest – so avoid necklines which are too low and shorts and skirts which are too short.  In addition, if you plan to visit temples during your visit be aware that they have a dress code so plan to be modest and respectful.

What to Wear in Tokyo and Japan in each Season

  • What to Wear in Japan in Spring – March, April and May.  Clothes to wear in Japan in Springtime include trans seasonal options, as the weather is changeable and may be cooler in the evening.  If you are travelling in the mountain areas plan for the weather to be cooler.
  • What to Wear in Japan in Summer – June, July and August.   Clothes to wear in Summer include lightweight and cool clothes, with extra rain gear for the first half of Summer.
  • What to Wear in Japan in Autumn – September, October and November.  Clothes to wear in Autumn include trans seasonal clothes, with extra rain gear for the first half of Autumn.
  • What to Wear in Japan in Winter – December, January and February.  Clothes to wear for a Japan winter trip include clothing with coats, boots, beanies, scarves and gloves. If you are planning to go skiing or snow boarding then you will also need to pack your ski clothing and apres ski gear.

22. Best Walking Shoes for Travel in Japan

Ensure that you pack well worn in and comfortable footwear for your visit to Japan.  For mostly urban adventures a good pair of sports shoes or other walking shoes will suffice.

If you will be hiking along trails or in the snow then ensure that you have a better quality waterproof hiking shoes.

Be aware that in Japanese accommodation that you will be expected to remove your shoes before you enter and wear the provided slippers inside.

23. Pre-purchased Tickets for Japan Tours and Activities

You can pre-purchase tickets for most attractions in Japan before you depart.  below is a summary of key activities you may be interested in visiting.  My recommended website to purchase most tickets and short tours in Japan is the Klook website – they are a reputable travel agency who are an authorised seller of tickets, tours, transport and wifi.

  • Having a Mario Kart experience is very popular with most tourists to Japan – where else can you dress up as your favourite character and drive a Go Kart around!  You may not realise that due to its popularity there are now ten locations around Japan where you can have this experience.  Check out my article on Where to Book Mario Kart in Tokyo (and Japan more broadly) to find the option which suits you best and to make your booking.
  • Some events such as sumo wrestling and baseball sell out a long time in advance, so if you are planning to attend these events check out the following articles: How to Purchase Sumo Wrestling Online Tickets and How to Buy Yomiuri Giants Baseball Tickets in the Tokyo Dome.
  • If you are planning to visit Universal Studios Japan  be aware that you need to decide whether to purchase an Express Pass or a Royal Pass – they regularly sell out – check out our article on How to Purchase Universal Studios Japan Online Tickets for everything you need to know to plan your visit to USJ in Osaka.
  • If you are planning to visit Disneyland and/or Disneysea Resorts in Tokyo be aware that you can pre-purchase your tickets online before you arrive in Japan.  The best online option to purchase your Disneyland and Disneysea tickets is via the Klook website.
  • The Klook website also offers a vast range of other tickets and tours for your visit to Japan, so click on this link to check out their website to see the available options and prices.  Specific Japanese destinations for which Klook sells tickets and tours include Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Kumamoto.  Favourite tour options for our readers include day tours from Tokyo to Mt Fuji and Hakone.
Sumo Throwdown!

Sumo Throwdown!

24. Japan Long Haul Flight Essentials

There is a good chance that you will be flying long haul to Japan – think flights any longer than 7 hours duration.  Long haul flight Japan travel essentials are as follows:

What to Pack for Japan and Tokyo

Japan and Tokyo Packing List Printable

Click on this link to download our printable two page Japan Packing List (which doubles as a Japan travel checklist) to help you easily tick and flick to ensure you don’t forget anything.  This packing list for Japan has been customised specifically for this destination, so make sure you check it out.

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Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

11 thoughts on “The Ultimate Quick List of What to Pack for Japan and Tokyo – Including Printable”

  1. One thing I would add is MEDICATION. I read all the documentation around this and it was overwhelming. Some common over the shelf drugs and presecription drugs that are common in Australia are highly regulated and often banned in Japan. It’s good to know what you can and can’t take in and also apply to bring in some prescription medication if you need it.

    Love that you included the Olympus PEN. It is my go to camera for travelling these days.

    • Thanks Leah, I appreciate you reaffirming that Japan is very strict on what medication you can take in. In the article there is a whole section to address this issue, including a link to the authoritative government site which details what is and isn’t allowed.

      And i loved your review of the Olympus PEN camera – I am very tempted to buy one as well so I included it as a recommended camera option in this article.

  2. WOW! How very in depth & informative! Thank you so much for this article i found it super useful, very appreciative of the tips!
    Thank you

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