In Japanese culture, there is a belief that God is everywhere – in mountains, trees, rocks, even in our sympathy for robots and Hello Kitty toys.
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Visiting Japan was one of the most beautiful culture shocks I’ve ever found myself lost in. Sometimes there were language barriers, sometimes I was legitimately lost, and other times I didn’t know what to do with my trash. Here are the best 12 packing essentials to help you through your amazing trip to Japan.
This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you!
1. Day Bag
Okay – I get it. Nearly everyone has some kind of day bag with them. But, hear me out – there’s some etiquette here. You want a day bag to help hold your souvenirs and maps and camera and snacks. Got it – but if you plan on taking public transportation, it’s considered RUDE to wear it. You simply take it off and let it rest at your feet/between your legs if you’re standing. You can also hold it on your lap if you’re sitting.
I enjoy Osprey backpacks myself. (<- Affiliate link) I love how they provide breathability and support so it’s easy to wear all day long.
2. Small Bag
It’s for your trash! Japan is so clean, and other than major metro stops in Tokyo and stations for the bullet trains, I did find it difficult to throw stuff away. I carried a small bag with me to hold onto my trash and I worried about it when I got back to the hotel.
I reused plastic bags I acquired throughout the week.
3. Personal Microfiber Towel
This was so useful when I went in August. The heat was unbearable – but this is also useful for washing your hands. Sometimes, there aren’t paper towels or automatic hand dryers around and if you feel the need to have something to dry your hands, carry one of these guys with you! Why microfiber specifically? It dries a bit quicker.
Micofiber towel (<- Affiliate link)
4. Pocketalk Language Translator
I learned a few phrases before arriving, and speaking English worked totally fine in major touristy areas. However, if you plan on branching out, and you aren’t fluent in Japanese – this guy is a bit of a life saver. Especially when speaking with older vendors, they don’t know any English. Having a digital translator helps keep the momentum of an organic conversation as best as possible, and you can still connect with someone, or get directions. (Which is what I used mine for!)
This Pocketalk Language Translator has a camera, too. (<- Not an affiliate link.)
5. Japan Taxi App
Download this and set it up before you go. I did find myself in a situation a few times needing a cab because the metro wasn’t stopping somewhere I specifically needed to be, or because the bus didn’t go to where I wanted to go and it was faster to grab a cab. Clean, friendly, and super prompt.
6. Tokyo Subway App
This app is awesome! Always used it during my time in Tokyo, it was wildly great. It’s offered in English, Chinese, Japanese, French, Korean, Thai, and Spanish. Navigating Tokyo via the subway became way less daunting because of this app. And it can be used offline!
7. Watch
Wear a watch. Sync yourself to Japanese time. This is crucial for using the bullet trains or any type of public transportation. If a schedule says a train is leaving at 12:31PM – they mean it. While I was there, the government issued an apology for one of the trains leaving 20 seconds earlier than it should.
Just to give you an idea of what you’re working with.
Japan made me prompt AF.
8. Universal Adapter
I love my universal adapter. It works wonders no matter where I am. Not only can you use it anywhere, but you can use it with any plug. There’s no need to worry about the type of plug at all – it’s totally brilliant. It also comes with 4 USB ports and 1 USB – C port!
Universal Adapter. (<- Affiliate link.)
9. Battery Pack
I used my phone a lot while in Japan. Between apps to navigate public transportation and checking the time, along with recording videos and taking pictures, I really pushed the limits of my battery. 100000% recommend making sure you have some extra juice in your day bag!
Battery Pack. (<- Affiliate Link!)
10. Good walking Shoes
This might seem like a no-brainer – or maybe it might seem like such an odd unique packing essential? I could spend weeks in Tokyo and never see enough. I walked a lot without realizing how far I’d gone and paid the price in my adorable mary-janes. There are also things that do require a bit of a hike, or are more of an incline than you think (looking at you entrance to the monkey forest in Kyoto….) and comfortable, supportive shoes will save you.
11. Japan Rail Pass
There are a variety of passes. If you plan on using ferries, public transportation, the bullet trains, etc. – do some research beforehand to see if they are part of JR. You pay one price for a JR Pass and you just flash that bad boy to go where you need to.
They are cheaper to buy beforehand. I repeat – they are cheaper to buy beforehand.
Do not wait until you’re in Japan to buy one, you will pay hundreds (USD) more.
My 7 day JR pass was expressed to me within 2 days here in the States. I was super prepared to take on the bullet trains!
GET YOUR PASS HERE. (<-Affiliate link. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you!)
12. Passport At The ready
If you’re like me, I know where my passport is at all times, but it’s safely tucked away. I used it quite a lot in Japan because of my JR pass and ended up keeping them wrapped together in my travel wallet because I knew they were both needed together. I’ve never been in a country where my passport was checked so frequently. It’s just part of their process, and here’s your heads up that it might happen to you as well!
Let me know how these unique packing essentials for Japan turned out – have a blast on your trip!
If you’d like to visit the Chureito Pagoda and see Mt. Fuji – you can find more details HERE.
Never Miss An Adventure.