10 Essential Things to Pack for Japan That You’ll Likely Forget
Japan is a country where you can find almost anything at a 24-hour konbini (convenience store). However, there are specific items that travelers often overlook, only to realize their importance when they are already standing in the middle of Shinjuku or a quiet temple in Kyoto.
To ensure your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun is smooth and stress-free, make sure these 10 often-forgotten essentials are in your suitcase:
1. Slip-On Shoes
In Japan, you will be taking your shoes off constantly—when entering temples, traditional restaurants (izakaya), or even some fitting rooms. Wearing shoes with complicated laces will quickly become a hassle. Trust us, slip-ons are a lifesaver.
2. Small Plastic Bags (For Trash)
One of the first things travelers notice is how clean Japan is, despite the lack of public trash cans. Locals carry their trash with them until they get home. Carry a few small bags in your backpack so you aren’t stuck carrying a sticky bento wrapper in your hand all day.
3. Type A Power Adapter
Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat parallel pins) and a 100V voltage. If your devices use round pins or three-prong plugs, you’ll need an adapter. While you can buy them there, it’s much easier to have one ready as soon as you land.
4. Pocket Hand Towel
Many public restrooms in Japan do not provide paper towels or hand dryers to reduce waste. You’ll notice locals pulling out a small colorful towel from their pockets after washing their hands. It’s a smart habit to adopt while you’re there.
5. A Dedicated Coin Purse
Japan is still a cash-heavy society, and you will quickly accumulate a mountain of coins—from 1 Yen to 500 Yen. Without a dedicated coin purse, your pockets will become heavy and noisy, and you’ll struggle at the vending machines.
6. Personal Medications
Buying medicine at a Japanese drugstore can be difficult due to the language barrier and different regulations. While basic painkillers are available, specific cold medicines or stomach meds you trust are better brought from home.
7. Portable Wi-Fi or Travel eSIM
Relying on public Wi-Fi in Japan is a gamble. You will need Google Maps constantly to navigate the complex train systems. Whether it’s a physical pocket Wi-Fi or an eSIM, make sure your data plan is sorted before you leave the airport.
8. Deodorant
If you have a preferred brand of deodorant, bring an extra stick. Many Western travelers find that Japanese deodorants are "milder" and may not be as effective for those not used to the local climate, especially during the humid summer months.
9. A Reusable Eco-Bag
Since 2020, plastic bags at convenience stores and supermarkets in Japan come with a fee. A small, foldable eco-bag takes up zero space in your luggage but is incredibly handy for carrying snacks or unexpected souvenir hauls.
10. A Large Capacity Power Bank
Between taking hundreds of photos, using translation apps, and navigating the subways, your phone battery will drain faster than usual. A high-quality power bank ensures you don't get lost in a city where you can't read the street signs.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared doesn't mean overpacking; it means packing smart. By bringing these ten items, you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the incredible culture and scenery of Japan.
