Traveling through Japan: A list of essentials

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

In my recent trip to Japan, there were essential items that I had to have (or wish I had!) with me at all times even as we made some simple daily trips to local parks and shrines.   We’ve addressed key items that you should pack when you are traveling to Japan here.  This list of essentials is a supplement to that post to help you pack your daily bags when traveling through Japan.

Plastic bags

You will need to carry around one or two plastic bags (grocery bag size) with you every day.  You definitely do not need to buy one.  Once you begin shopping in Japan, they will give you plastic bags for everything you buy – EXCEPT in many grocery stores where they’ll charge you 5 to 10 Yen per bag.  You will not see many trash bins in public in Japan. So, you’ll need to hold onto your trash until you come across one – usually in a train station – or until you get back to your hotel room.  As you get a plastic bag from shopping, just hold onto them to use as trash bags or to reuse at the grocery store.

Watch

Unless your phone is always easily accessible, wearing a watch is highly recommended.  My phone always inevitability falls to the bottom of my bag every time I really need it!  So, it would have been so much more convenient if I was wearing a watch.  You’ll need to check the time constantly to see how soon the next train or bus is coming or just to ensure you are on time for everything.  It’s all about punctuality in Japan!  Since most of the train and bus timetables are in the military time, it will be convenient to have a watch that displays the military time, like these:

Towel/Handkerchief

We mentioned a handkerchief as one of the essential items to pack when traveling to Japan.  But the recent trip really confirmed that many public restrooms still do not have paper towels, automatic hand dryers, nor sometimes, hand soaps.  With that in mind, pack a simple towel/handkerchief and a hand sanitizer OR disposable hand sanitizer wipes.  Keep in mind that if you opt for the disposable towels or wipes, you may be carrying the trash until you can find a trash bin to throw them out.

Change purse

Because cash is still king in Japan, you WILL accumulate a lot of change.  The last thing you want is to have loose change spilling out of your pocket every time you take out your phone or train ticket. Once you have all your coins in one spot, it’s easy to begin using them as you shop.  Instead of a bulky wallet, I had a change purse like this one below that can also hold bills and a credit card to carry with me at all times.  Something with a side pocket could come in handy if you need a place to put your bus or train tickets that you’ll need to be able to access quickly. 

If you want to keep your tickets, passes or prepaid IC cards organized and accessible, plus a place to keep some loose change, here are some good options:

ProTip: When you visit temples and shrines, it’s a common practice is to throw small coins (1, 5, 10 yen) into the offering box before you pray. I used that opportunity to unload some of the accumulated change!

Map app

Google Maps app probably is the most used app to help travelers around Japan. But Google Maps app was not useful when it comes to the train/subway/bus routes.  There were many instances in which Google Maps just didn’t give us the optimized route. Many people have mentioned that these two apps below were also useful since they include train schedules and JR Pass (if you plan on using it) compatible schedules.

Japan Travel

• Apple iTunes
• Google Play

Japan Official Travel App

• Apple iTunes
• Google Play

Pocket WiFi or SIM Card

If you plan on using your mobile phone to access the Internet, you’ll need to determine most economical option.  First, check your mobile phone service provider’s international roaming plan for the price.  Then compare that price against having either a pocket WiFi or a SIM card.  

While most hotels offer free WiFi, you may want an access to WiFi as you travel around Japan.  This is particularly true if you plan on relying on an app to help you get around using various modes of public transportation.  It’s also a must-have if you want to keep your friends and family up-to-date on social media! 

Pocket WiFi is a great option especially you have multiple travel companions since you can share it by sharing the activation code.  SIM card may be a better option if you think you may not always stay as a group while you travel.  Or, if you are concerned about one or some of you getting lost or separated, having the individual SIM cards may give you the peace of mind you need.

Many providers make the pick-up and return of these pocket WiFi’s and SIM cards in Japan extremely easy.  To make it convenient for you, it’s best to order them before the trip. Then, you can pick them up at the major international airports in Japan as you arrive or some vendors will deliver them directly to your hotel.  That’s one less thing you need to pack with you!

Socks

If you are not wearing a pair, you should at least carry a pair with you at all times.  Chances are, you will be taking your shoes off and will need to put on a pair of slippers – in tourism spots, in some restaurants, at ryokans, or in someone’s house.   Slippers are shared by many, many people. And I’m not sure how often they are sanitized…

Japan Rail Pass

Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass, is an essential item if you are planning to see Japan as much as you can during your stay. It can provide an economical way to travel by allowing you the unlimited use of the Japan Railway network with minimal restrictions for 7, 14 or 21 days.

BONUS ITEM!

This is not a required item as you travel through Japan but we noticed that having this handy can really make someone’s day!

You do not need to tip for any service in Japan.  Providing exceptional service is expected.  As matter of fact, if you try to give the Japanese workers some money as a tip, they’d act uncomfortable receiving it. They might try to give it back. It’s just not the norm to take extra cash from customers.  So, instead of giving them a tip, every time we felt like we received an exceptional service (which was quite often!), we gave them one of these:

A simple bag consisting of various candy from home. The way their faces light up and they all act so surprised and delighted to receive something so simple is priceless!  Give it to them with a simple “Dōmo Arigato” and watch it make their (and your) day!  We gave these out to our hotel front desk staff, bus tour guides and drivers and some volunteer workers at the tourism spots that were exceptionally friendly and helpful.

Shop Related Products:

Pin it for later!