Congrats on planning your first trip to Japan! We know planning the trip itself can be overwhelming, so we put together a comprehensive guide on essential items to include in your luggage. From travel necessities to clothing essentials, shoes, accessories, and a few random items, we’ve got you covered!
Travel Necessities
- Passport: It’s a no-brainer, but just a friendly reminder to double-check your passport and make sure it’s valid for at least six months before it expires!
- Cash: When exploring Tokyo and other major cities in Japan, you’ll find these nifty ATM-like machines that let you exchange your money hassle-free. No need to hunt for a fancy currency exchange place. They accept different currencies like USD, CAD, AUD, and more. These come in super handy, especially when you visit awesome spots like the Tsukiji Fish Market where cash is king.
- Credit card with no international fees: Good news! Most restaurants in Japan, unless they’re super tiny or street stalls, happily accept credit cards. You can also swipe your card for transportation expenses like taxis or train tickets. Just make sure to check with your bank about any international fees so you can save those extra yen.
- Hand soap sheets: While most Japanese public toilets will have soap, we did come across a few that didn’t have any at all (usually at shrines or areas outside of the city). We like to carry these hand soap sheets around just in case!
- Medicine: While you can totally find pharmacies and places to grab stomach or headache meds in Japan, we get it if you’d rather not stress about asking for help or relying on Google Translate. Pack those trusty meds for an easy peace of mind.
Clothing Essentials
Layers
Japan’s weather can be kinda unpredictable, so definitely pack layers. These pieces are more versatile, and you’ll want to be prepared for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings:
- Lightweight jacket or windbreaker
- Cardigans or sweaters
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Packable rain jacket
- Scarf (especially in cooler months)
We love using UNIQLO HEATTECH for colder days, and their AIRism for cooler days for easy, seamless layering.
Basics
Everyone in Japan is fashionable, but you’ll want to be comfortable throughout your days of exploring. And keep in mind you’ll likely be rewearing different pieces, so being able to mix and match your outfits will help a lot!
- Comfortable jeans and/or travel pants (like trousers)
- Neutral-colored tops for easy mix-and-match
- Tees and tank tops
- Casual dress or skirt
- Other lightweight, wrinkle-resistant pieces
Shoes and Accessories
- Walking shoes: You’ll likely be walking more than 20,000 steps a day, so choosing the right travel shoes is so important! Opt for a comfy white chunky sneaker that pairs well with any outfit. We love the New Balance 9060s, New Balance 530s, or HOKA Bondi 8s if you’re looking for something more athletic.
- Umbrella: Keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially if you’re visiting in spring when rain showers can be frequent. It’s a good idea to bring a compact umbrella that easily fits in your bag, like this one we found.
- Small backpack or crossbody bag: Since you’ll likely be out exploring all day, a comfortable and appropriately sized bag is essential. We love the moon bag from UNIQLO for its practicality and style.
- Packable bag: It’s always handy to have a packable bag with you, especially when you stumble upon irresistible souvenirs or unexpected beauty finds. These bags are lightweight and foldable, making them perfect for any extra (and unplanned) things.
Miscellaneous
- Portable charger: This saved our butts countless times during our Japan trip! Trust us, you’ll lose track of time when you’re out exploring for more than 12 hours without heading back to the hotel. Don’t forget to pack a portable charger like this one that can give you multiple charges and keep your devices alive. It’s a total lifesaver!
- Coin purse: Unlike the US, Japan is a cash-friendly country where you’ll frequently use yen coins for various things. To avoid those loose coins jingling around in your bag, grab a zipper pouch to keep them in check. It’s super handy for quick vending machine stops or whenever you come across an irresistible gacha game! We love cute ones like these, which you can also find all over Japan.
- Fabric refresher: This is the secret weapon against smells that might cling to your clothes after a long day of exploring, especially since you’ll likely find yourself rewearing clothes often. Just a quick spritz and you’ll feel as good as new! We were happy to see that most of the hotels we stayed at actually provided this in your room.
- An extra carry on: Be prepared for souvenir shopping sprees and extra goodies by packing an extra carry-on bag. This was our life saver on our way back home! You really don’t realize how many things you accumulate throughout your trip. It’s your ticket to bringing back all those travel treasures without stressing about space. You can also buy one while in Japan at places like Don Quijote or MUJI, or get one ahead of time (like this one on Amazon)!
We know that the planning process can feel overwhelming, so we hope this guide of what to pack on your first trip to Japan helps! Check out our other blog for additional packing essentials and insider tips to make your journey even more incredible. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable experience in Japan, filled with amazing sights, delicious food, and memorable moments!
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