Hello Hoomans! 👋

Packing for Japan can be surprisingly simple.

You don’t need to bring your entire house with you. 😂 But there are a few things that can make your trip much easier, especially because you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking, using trains and carrying your stuff around.

I spent 20 days travelling around Japan, and these are the things I’d actually recommend putting in your bag.

🎒 Japan Packing List

👟 1. Comfortable, Broken-In Shoes

This is probably my number one tip.

You are going to walk. A LOT.

Temples, train stations, shopping streets, viewpoints, neighbourhoods… it all adds up.

And please don’t take a brand-new pair of shoes just because they look good in your travel photos.

Wear a pair you’ve already broken in.

Your feet will thank you later.

🎒 2. A Small Day Bag

A small backpack or day bag is extremely useful.

Use it for:

Water
Camera
Power bank
Wallet
Passport
Small umbrella
Snacks
A small bag for your rubbish

Japan can be very clean, but finding a trash bin isn’t always easy.

So having a small bag to carry your rubbish until you find somewhere to dispose of it is a good idea.

💴 3. Some Japanese Yen

Japan is becoming increasingly cashless, but don’t rely entirely on your cards.

Keep some Japanese yen with you, especially when visiting smaller restaurants, shops or places where card payments may not be available.

I personally used cash quite a lot during my Japan trip.

If you’re wondering about the wider costs of travelling around Japan, my Japan Travel Cost guide covers accommodation, food, transportation and other expenses.

💳 4. IC Card / Transportation Card

For getting around cities, an IC card can make life much easier.

You can use it on many trains, subways and buses, and in some shops and vending machines.

But I also personally liked buying some tickets at the station counter because I could double-check that I was going to the correct station and exit.

That’s just my preference.

If you’re confused about Japan’s transportation system, have a look at my Japan Transportation Guide before your trip.

japan suica, IC Card / Transportation Card

🔌 5. Power Bank

Don’t underestimate this one.

You’ll probably be using your phone for:

Google Maps
Translation
Train information
Photos
Tickets
Restaurant searches

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll also be taking hundreds of photos. 😂

A power bank can save you when your phone starts complaining halfway through the day.

🔌 6. Travel Adapter

Japan generally uses Type A plugs, so depending on where you’re travelling from, you may need an adapter.

I’d rather carry one and not need it than arrive at the hotel with a dead phone and no way to charge it.

📱 7. Your Phone + Translation Apps

Your phone will probably be one of your most useful travel items.

Google Maps is incredibly helpful for transportation, while Google Lens can help translate menus, signs and other text.

I use a Samsung phone, and the built-in translation features were good enough that I used them throughout my entire 20-day trip.

So if your phone already has translation features, try them before buying or downloading five different apps.

📶 8. SIM / eSIM

Having mobile data makes travelling around Japan much easier.

You’ll want internet for maps, translation, train information and booking things.

An eSIM is convenient if your phone supports it, but physical SIM cards are also an option.

Whatever you choose, don’t arrive without a plan for getting online.

☔ 9. Small Umbrella

Japan’s weather can change, and rain can easily mess with a day of sightseeing.

A small foldable umbrella doesn’t take up much space and can be useful throughout your trip.

🧥 10. Pack According to the Season

Don’t pack for some imaginary version of Japan where the weather is always perfect. 😂

Japan has very different seasons.

Summer can be hot and humid, winter can be cold, and spring and autumn can change considerably depending on when you’re visiting.

Before packing, check the weather for the specific cities you’ll be visiting.

My Best Time to Visit Japan guide can also help you understand what to expect during different seasons.

🧦 11. Extra Socks

This sounds random, but hear me out.

You may have to remove your shoes at traditional restaurants, accommodation, temples and other places.

So having clean, comfortable socks is a surprisingly useful thing.

And nobody wants to discover a hole in their sock at the entrance of a beautiful Japanese temple. 😂

🥿 12. Easy-to-Remove Shoes

This is especially useful if you’re planning to visit traditional accommodation, restaurants or other places where shoes need to be removed.

You don’t want to spend five minutes fighting with complicated shoes every time.

🧴 13. Basic Toiletries

Bring your normal essentials:

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Skincare
Any medication you normally need
Sunscreen

You can buy many things in Japan, but having your essentials with you means you don’t have to waste the first few hours of your trip searching for them.

📓 14. A Small Notebook

This one is completely optional, but I loved doing it.

I carried a small ruled notebook and collected train station stamps whenever I found them.

It became a really nice little collection from my Japan trip.

If you like collecting small travel memories, definitely consider carrying one.

I think it will be more beautiful if the book was an Unruled Notebook

📷 15. Camera

Okay, this one is obvious.

But if you’re into photography, Japan gives you plenty to photograph.

Temples, streets, trains, vending machines, food, mountains, manhole covers…

Yes, manhole covers.

Japan has some surprisingly interesting designs, and I started photographing different ones during my trip.

⛺ 16. Bring Camping Gear If You’re Planning to Camp

If you’re planning to go camping in Japan, don’t forget to pack accordingly.

Bring your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and other basic camping gear you normally use. Japan has some beautiful places for camping, especially if you’re planning to spend more time in nature.

Just make sure you check the specific campsite rules and weather conditions before you go, because camping isn’t something I’d recommend doing completely unplanned.

If camping isn’t part of your trip, you can obviously skip this one. 😄

🗑️ One More Thing: Carry a Small Waste Bag

I’m repeating this because it’s genuinely useful.

Japan is incredibly clean, but public trash cans can be surprisingly difficult to find in some areas.

So keep a small reusable bag in your backpack.

Put your rubbish in it and dispose of everything properly when you find an appropriate place.

Simple.

What You Don’t Need to Overpack

This is just as important as knowing what to bring.

You probably don’t need:

Five pairs of shoes
Huge amounts of clothes
Your entire bathroom cabinet
A giant suitcase full of snacks
Every possible gadget you own

Japan has convenience stores, pharmacies, supermarkets and shops everywhere.

Pack what you actually need and leave some space.

Especially if you’re planning to shop. 😉

My Simple Japan Packing List

If you want to keep things simple, this is what I’d make sure I had:

Essentials

Passport
Yen
Cards
Phone
Power bank
Travel adapter
SIM/eSIM

Clothing

Comfortable clothes
Season-appropriate layers
Comfortable socks
Broken-in walking shoes

Day bag

Water bottle
Small umbrella
Camera
Power bank
Small waste bag
Translation/phone

Optional

Small notebook
Camera gear
Travel tripod
Extra memory cards

That’s honestly enough for most travellers.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to pack everything you own for Japan.

The two things I’d really emphasise are comfortable shoes and a phone with enough battery.

You’re going to walk a lot, navigate complicated-looking stations, explore temples, eat a ridiculous amount of food and probably take way too many photos.

So pack smart, leave some space in your luggage and don’t forget to enjoy the trip.

Because you’re going to Japan to enjoy it — not to suffer. 😂🇯🇵