The Ultimate Japan Travel Checklist
Everything You Need for a Smooth & Memorable Trip
Planning a trip to Japan? Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s neon streets, soaking in Kyoto’s hot springs, or hiking Mount Fuji, packing right is key. As someone who’s traveled to Japan multiple times (and learned from every mistake),
I’ve created this comprehensive checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared—without overpacking.
Travel Checklist for Japan- Land of Rising Sun
Quick Facts – Japan
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | Japanese (English is spoken in major cities) |
| Religion | Shintoism and Buddhism |
| Currency | Japanese Yen (JPY) |
| Capital | Tokyo |
| Visa | Visa-free for many countries; eVisa available |
| Climate | Varies – temperate, humid subtropical, and subarctic zones |
| Power Plugs | Type A / B (100V, 50-60Hz) |
| Apps | Google Maps, Suica, Uber, LINE, Hyperdia |
📋 Essential Travel Documents
✅ Passport (must be valid for your entire stay)
✅ Japan Tourist Visa (if required—check your country’s rules)
✅ Printed Hotel & Flight Confirmations
✅ International Driving Permit (if renting a car)
✅ Travel Insurance (covers medical emergencies & theft)
✅ IC Card (Suica/Pasmo) – Preload for trains/buses (or use Apple Pay Suica)
Pro Tip: Store digital copies of important documents in a secure cloud folder.
👗 What to Wear in Japan
Japan’s weather varies by season—pack accordingly!
👕 Tops (4-5)
- Lightweight layers (spring/autumn)
- Moisture-wicking shirts (summer)
- Thermal base layers (winter)
- 1 modest outfit (for temples)
👖 Bottoms (3-4)
- Comfortable pants (jeans or travel pants)
- 1-2 skirts or dresses (if applicable)
- No shorts in onsens! (Pack a modest swimsuit for hot springs)
👟 Shoes
- Walking shoes (Tokyo involves 20K+ steps/day!)
- Slip-ons (for temples & ryokans)
- Waterproof boots (rainy season/snow)
Avoid: Loud shoes—Japanese culture values quietness.
🧴 Toiletries & Health Essentials
🚿 Travel-sized toiletries (100ml max for carry-on)
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Deodorant (hard to find in Japan!)
💊 Health Must-Haves
- Prescription meds (in original packaging)
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen is rare in Japan)
- Allergy meds (seasonal pollen can be intense)
- Hand sanitizer & masks (still common in Japan)
Pro Tip: Don’t pack a hairdryer—hotels/ryokans provide them.
📱 Tech & Gadgets
🔌 Universal Adapter (Japan uses Type A/B plugs)
🔋 Portable Charger (10,000 mAh or less for flights)
📱 Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM (Ubigi/Sakura Mobile)
🎧 Noise-canceling headphones (trains can be loud)
💻 VPN (for accessing some international sites)
Pro Tip: Download Google Translate (offline Japanese pack) & Japan Travel by Navitime for train schedules.
💰 Money & Payments
💴 Yen (¥) – Carry at least ¥20,000 ($150) in cash (many places don’t take cards)
💳 Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard widely accepted; Amex less so)
📱 Mobile Payments (Apple Pay/Suica works in convenience stores & trains)
Avoid: Exchanging money at airports (bad rates).
🎒 Daypack Essentials
- Foldable tote bag (for shopping—plastic bags cost extra)
- Umbrella (compact & waterproof)
- Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe)
- Tissues & wet wipes (many restrooms lack paper towels)
🚫 What NOT to Bring
❌ Too many shoes (2-3 pairs max)
❌ Large luggage (trains & hotels have tight spaces)
❌ Valuables you’d hate to lose (pickpocketing is rare, but better safe)
❌ Strong perfumes/colognes (Japanese etiquette favors subtle scents)
✈️ Last-Minute Checks
✔️ Check Japan’s customs rules (restrictions on meds & souvenirs)
✔️ Download offline maps (Google Maps works well)
✔️ Learn basic Japanese phrases (“Arigato,” “Sumimasen”)
✔️ Pack an empty bag (for souvenirs like Kit Kats & matcha treats!)
Final Tip: Japan has amazing convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)—don’t overpack snacks!
Where in Japan are you visiting? Comment below for personalized tips! 🇯🇵✈️
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