22 Travel Essentials For Japan: What To Pack For Your Trip

This post is all about the travel essentials for Japan and what to pack for a trip to Japan

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been here before, it can be challenging to find the right travel essentials for Japan.

what to pack for Japan

Well, have no fear, I’ve put together the ultimate packing essentials for Japan including what to wear when traveling to Japan, what not to bring to Japan, and all the right travel essentials for Japan. From essential documents to must-have electronics, here’s everything you need to know!

This post is all about the travel essentials for Japan and what to pack for a trip to Japan

what to pack for Japan

Things To Know:

  • Japanese hotels are some of the smallest in the world, so pack light if you can

  • Make sure to leave room in your suitcase for some of the CUTEST souvenirs (seriously they’re adorable)

  • Don’t worry about packing a lot of beauty products or toiletries, you can find them there.

Bags & Suitcases

  1. Suitcase

I have dropped this entire suitcase down an escalator in Japan and it completely survived the fall. Plus it’s one of the cutest suitcases out there with amazing wheels and a TSA lock to keep all your items safe. Japan has amazing luggage forwarding services that make traveling a breeze, even with lots of luggage.

2. Packing Cubes

This is a packing essential for Japan and these are an amazing way to be organized and bring more travel essentials! Plus you can have separate bags for laundry and dirty shoes.

3. Bookbag

I have taken this exact bookbag all over the world and will continue to do so. It fits under an airplane seat, all of your laptop and essentials, and stores SO much. Plus it has a lot of different compartments making it super easy to use.

Clothing & Footwear

4. Comfortable Shoes

 
 

If you want to know what to wear when traveling to Japan, I have traveled the WORLD with these shoes and they are so comfortable yet chic. There is so much walking in Japan, prioritize fashionable yet comfy sneakers!

5. Crossbody Bag

A crossbody bag is a must for what to wear when traveling to Japan. I wish I brought a crossbody bag on my last trip, instead traveling through cities was such a hassle. Save yourself the trouble, and grab a good crossbody bag for your trip.

Electronics

6. Compact Camera With Flash

This is my favorite camera with a flash. It shoots in 4k, has an image stabilizer, and is the perfect camera for vlogging. It also has amazing flash for night time photos and fits into any purse or even a jean pocket!

7. ESIM

Long gone are the days when you need to register for a SIM card at the airport or carry around a wifi pocket. Instead, just grab an ESIM before your trip, install it, and start using it right when you land. Super easy and convenient, plus you can refill it online if you run out. Airalo is my favorite one to use and you can use CODE: FIONA6069 for $3 off!

8. Octobuddy To Take Some Amazing Videos

These suction phone cases went absolutely viral on tiktok, and for good reason. It makes it easy to prop up your phone and take a video anywhere you need to. Grab one for your trip to get all the cute photos and videos you need.

9. Universal Adaptor

This needs to be at the top of your list for what to pack for a trip to Japan, Japan uses type A and B plugs, so make sure to grab one beforehand. The mains power in America is 125V while in Japan it is 100V.

10. Portable Charger

From using Google Maps to taking lots of cute photos and videos, you’ll be using your phone ALOT in Japan. A good portable charger is a packing essential for Japan so make sure to include one in your bag so you can get home safely!

11. TSA Approved Travel Lock

Whether you’re staying at a hostel or moving your suitcase from hotel to hotel, make sure to get a TSA approved travel to secure your goods. Japan might be one of the safest countries in the world but we still let our guard down and got pickpocketed! Don’t let that happen to you.

12. Passport Holder

You will need your passport, cash, and credit card for some instances like buying a rail pass or eating out so it’s good to have everything all in one place. These little wonders can turn the chaotic journey into a smooth sailing adventure.

Toiletries & Beauty

13. Makeup Remover

I swear by these makeup removers and they’re SO easy to use and throw away! One is perfectly enough for your whole face and it’s super easy to pack.

Long-Haul Flights To Japan

14. Noise Cancelling Headphones

I will preach about these headphones to my grave, they are the absolute BEST noise-cancelling travel headphones out there and a travel essential for Japan.

15. Travel Pillows

This is essential for a 14+ hour flight to Japan, here’s my favorite one. It’s saved me from a 24-hour flight to Australia before and will definitely be a game changer for you.

16. Plane Phone Mount

This handy little tool will save your NECK for so many hours. Simply just prop up your phone case and you can watch all the movies and shows you love.

17. No Jet Lag Remedy

Chances are you won’t have too much time in Japan so every day is an essential. Combat your jet lag with these pills that help alleviate body stress and fatigue due to disruptions in the body’s natural clock rhythm.

18. Molded Eyemask

I love these eye masks because they’re comfortable and won’t ruin your makeup or eyelash extensions since they’re molded. .

Documents and Money

19. Debit Card
20. Cash

Add cash as a packing essential for Japan especially if you plan to go to Osaka or Kyoto. You can get away with just using a credit card in Tokyo, but in other places make sure you exchange before hand or there’s an ATM at the airport.

21. International Drivers Permit:

If you plan on renting a car or doing the Tokyo excursion where you dress up like Mario and drive around a go-kart, you’ll need an international driver’s permit.

22. Passport

Check out my post here for the 15 Things You Need To Know Before Going To Japan or the Perfect 5-day Tokyo itinerary

22 Travel Essentials For Japan: What To Pack For Your Trip
22 Travel Essentials For Japan: What To Pack For Your Trip
22 Travel Essentials For Japan: What To Pack For Your Trip

And there you have it! 22 Travel Essentials for Japan, your ultimate guide for packing essentials for Japan. Whether you're chasing cherry blossoms in spring, slurping ramen in Autumn, or simply chasing your wanderlust dreams, I hope this guide has armed you with all the essentials for an epic Japanese adventure.

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