Planning a trip to Japan is exciting, but knowing what to pack can be a challenge. Between bustling city streets, tranquil temples, high-tech conveniences, and cultural traditions, Japan offers a travel experience like no other. To help make your journey smooth and stress-free, we’ve put together a list of the top things every traveler should pack for Japan. From practical essentials to small comforts that will make your trip easier, these items will ensure you’re prepared for everything the country has to offer.
What to pack for your Trip
Comfortable Walking Shoes (Bonus if they are slip ons)
Japan is a place where you’ll inevitably end up doing far more walking than you are used to. 20,000 – 30,000 step days are the norm for tourists in Japan. Ensuring you have comfortable walking shoes is essential to prevent foot aches so that you can keep on going.
Additionally, there are numerous places in Japan where you are expected to be barefooted. From hotels to restaurants, shrines and temples, being barefoot is the norm. Which is why having slip-on shoes is also a great idea, allowing you to slide your shoes on and off as you go without having to stop and lace them up.
If you can find comfortable shoes for walking, that are also slip-ons, make sure to pack them.
A Japan Sim Card
Having WiFi on the go comes in unbelievably handy. From being able to translate via Google Translate or using a navigation app to get around, WiFi is key to ensuring a smooth and easy trip. And while WiFi can be easy to find if you know where to look, nothing beats the convenience of being able to connect to the local mobile data network from the moment you step off the plane until the moment you board to head home. If you phone or device can use eSims, then look no further than Airalo or Saily – Both world class eSim providers with affordable packages for all kinds of users, including unlimited data packages.
If you’re phone isn’t compatible with eSims, then you’ll want to check out SakuraMobile, one of Japan’s main tourist Sim providers.
A Translation app or phrasebook
While English is understood in major cities and tourist spots, you’ll quickly find that many signs, menus, and conversations are only in Japanese. Having a reliable translation app (like Google Translate) or a pocket dictionary makes a huge difference. It can help you read train schedules, order at local restaurants, or even ask for directions with ease—turning potential travel stress into a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Bring some cash
Before hopping on your flight, make sure that you head to your local currency exchange place, and get some local currency before heading to the airport.
Keep some with you, and some in your suitcase for safe keeping, but importantly, do not keep all of your money in one place.
We recommend carrying between 20,000-50,000JPY on you, in cash before arriving in the country. This is more than enough to sustain yourself for a few days in the event something goes wrong.
We also recommend not having all of your yen on you, or in your suitcase. If you can, get a travel VISA or Mastercard. Most major banks should offer a similar service, in which you can load currency onto a visa card. Have the most of your money on this card, and use the card to access an ATM to grab out whatever cash you need, whenever you need it.
Bonus Travel Tip:
Convenience stores are great places to find ATMs that accept most types of international travel card. Based on our experience, 7-11 convenience stores in Japan typically have ATMs that are compatible with foreign travel cards. FamilyMart and Lawson convenience stores are hit or miss when it comes to the reliability of their services with international cards.
One key thing to note is that Japan is a largely cash-based society, and most places still rely on cash transactions. Cash is very important to have on you. The use of electronic cards is improving, but is still limited.
Bring a small bag you can use as a coin purse
With the abundance of cash use in Japan, you tend to accumulate a lot of coins very quickly, seemingly with every purchase you make.
These coins both fill up and weigh down your wallet, making carrying it a burden. Having a coin purse is a great way to keep your wallet feeling slim, as well as ensuring that coins aren’t going to spill out over time you open your wallet.
If you don’t have a coin purse, we highly recommend you pack one before leaving for Japan, as you will start accumulating coins with your first purchase.
If you want to keep your coins down, try, where possible, to pay with exact change to limit the amount of coins you will get in return upon purchasing something. Furthermore, if you want to spend your coins, using them in vending machines (usually accept 10,50,100, and 500 yen coins), or at automated self checkouts at supermarkets.
A Good Quality Backpack
A sturdy, comfortable backpack is a must-have for exploring Japan. Between day trips, long walks through cities, and train rides, you’ll want something lightweight but durable to carry your essentials—like water, snacks, a camera, and souvenirs. Opt for a backpack with secure zippers and multiple compartments, as it makes organizing easier and keeps your belongings safe. Since many attractions and shrines require a lot of walking, a well-fitted backpack will make your travels much more comfortable.
A JR Pass
If you’re planning to travel between cities, the JR Pass can be one of the most valuable items you bring along. This pass offers unlimited rides on most Japan Rail trains—including the famous shinkansen (bullet trains)—for a set number of days. It can save you a lot of money compared to buying individual tickets, especially if you’re exploring multiple regions. Just make sure to purchase the pass before arriving in Japan, as it’s usually cheaper (and sometimes only available) outside the country. Keep it handy, as you’ll need to show it each time you pass through ticket gates.
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