8 essential things to pack when traveling to Japan

This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

Preparing to go to Japan is not too different from going to any other developed, foreign country.  You need all your travel basics to keep your belongings organized and paperwork in order.  But beyond those basics, here are 8 essential things to pack for traveling to Japan to help reduce hassle and even sometimes embarrassment!

1. Comfortable walking shoes

In Japan, you’ll have to walk a ton.  Public transportation is fast, convenient and reliable, cabs are expensive, and there’s no Uber.  Also, keep in mind that you will be taking your shoes on and off more frequently because you will need to remove your shoes in people’s residence, many historical sites you visit, and even some restaurants.

Avoid wearing open-toe shoes especially when you know you’ll be going through the crowd, like the train station or shopping district.  I’ve been stepped on my toes so many times in the train station.  When that happens, don’t expect everyone to stop and apologize profusely either.  Japanese people, while they are some of the politest people, during the rush hour transit, move with a purpose.  And if your toes happen to get in their way, it’s your fault.

Some of my favorites as these are all easy to slip on and off:

2. Clean (presentable!) socks

Like I said above, you’ll be taking your shoes off a lot. Don’t get caught with dirty, sweaty, holey socks!

3. Water bottle

People in Japan tend not to drink a ton of water as we do in the States.  You’ll definitely notice this when you go to restaurants in Japan.  They may serve water but it’s usually in these cute little water glasses like what your daughter may use for a tea party with her dolls. And trying to get them to refill that water may not happen as frequently as you need it.  Water from the faucets is usually drinkable in Japan and there are vending machines everywhere, although plain water isn’t sometimes an option. If you drink a lot of water, it’ll be convenient to carry some in a water bottle.

4. Handkerchief

Yeah OK, no one carries a handkerchief anymore – maybe except in Japan! You don’t need to run out to buy a handkerchief to pack, though. Travel size hand/face wipes and tissues will come in handy. We’ve been to many small public restrooms without paper towels or soaps or restaurants without large napkins.  While we are on this topic, just one cultural lesson (I didn’t know this until recently!): It is considered rude to blow your nose in public in Japan. Especially, never ever use their linen napkins to blow or wipe your nose.  If it’s absolutely necessary, discreetly wipe your nose with tissues or hand/face wipes.

5. Cash (Japanese Yen) and credit card

You must carry some cash in Japan.  And it must be in Japanese Yen.  They will not accept any other currency.  As advanced as Japan is on many fronts, credit cards aren’t fully accepted everywhere.  Also, when it comes to credit cards, understand all the fees that may be associated with using your credit card abroad.

6. Appropriate clothing for Japan

Because Japan’s weather varies quite a bit by region and season, be sure to check the temperature and weather of each city you will be visiting.  If you plan to go into the mountainous areas, for example, the temperature will be much cooler.  Wearing comfortable clothes is a must but you’ll want to keep it on the conservative side.  Modesty is still very much a virtue in Japan.  So, if you wear tight, low cut or revealing clothes, don’t be upset if you get a long, uncomfortable (and sometimes not so subtle) stares. 

7. Souvenirs

If you are planning to visit someone in Japan, it is customary to bring a little souvenir.  It should be wrapped or in a gift bag if you are visiting anyone other than close friends or family.  What I get asked the most to bring from the States are: ground coffee, dried fruits, mixed nuts, chocolates, or uniquely American flavored snacks (like ranch or pizza flavored Pringles).  Anything unique from where you live can be a nice souvenir, too.  For example, from Ohio, chocolate covered peanut butter (“buckeyes”) or Ohio State gear.  Japanese people love the stories that go with the unique gifts. And explaining that the buckeyes are the state tree of Ohio can be a great conversation starter (or a long drawn, confusing conversation if you don’t have the next item!).

8. Japanese-English/English-Japanese translation app

English is a required class for Japanese children in junior high and high school.  However, many students learn English just for the purpose of passing the class and they are most likely learning it from a Japanese teacher.  So, many of them are not able to speak English fluently or understand beyond very simple English. Even if you know a little Japanese, having a simple English-Japanese app that has the offline capabilities will be extremely helpful.

Google Translate app seemed to work really well. Its camera mode is exceptionally handy in Japan since it can translate text by taking the picture of it via the app. Here are the links to Apple iTunes & Google Play.

Shop Related Products:

Related article: In our recent trip to Japan, we found additional items that were really helpful to have on our daily trips within Japan. Find out what these were in our supplement to this article!

Pin it for later!