Japan Packing List: What to Bring for Every Season
A practical Japan packing list: documents, money, tech, clothes for each season and the small things that make a big difference, plus what not to pack.
Quick answer
- Pack light: you will carry your bags up station stairs, and rooms are small.
- Must-haves: passport, a card plus some cash, a coin purse, a power bank and comfortable slip-on shoes.
- Plugs: Japan uses Type A two-pin plugs at 100 volts.
- Handy extras: a small towel, a rubbish bag and tidy socks for temples and ryokan.
- Check your medicines: some common cold and ADHD medicines are banned in Japan.
You can buy almost anything in Japan, often cheaper and better than at home, so there is no need to pack for every possibility. Bring the things that are hard to replace, dress in easy layers and leave room in your bag for snacks and souvenirs.
Documents and money
- Passport, valid for your whole stay.
- Your Visit Japan Web QR codes, saved as screenshots. See our guide to entering Japan.
- Travel insurance details, including the emergency number.
- An International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format if you plan to rent a car. Some nationalities need an official translation instead.
- A Visa or Mastercard, plus around 20,000 to 30,000 yen in cash to start. Our money guide explains why you still need cash.
- A small coin purse. You will collect a lot of 100 and 500 yen coins.
Tech
- A Type A plug adapter if your plugs are not flat two-pin. Japan runs at 100 volts, so check that hair tools and chargers say 100 to 240V.
- A power bank. Keep it in your hand luggage, and on Japanese airlines keep it with you rather than in the overhead bin.
- An eSIM or pocket WiFi for maps and translation. See our eSIM guide.
- A short charging cable. Sockets near beds are not always easy to reach.
- Offline maps and a translation app downloaded before you fly.
Clothes and shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes that slip on and off easily. You will take them off at temples, ryokan, some restaurants and fitting rooms.
- Socks without holes, for the same reason.
- Layers rather than one heavy coat. Trains and shops are often warm even in winter.
- Smart casual clothes. Japanese dress is neat, and very revealing outfits stand out at shrines and temples.
- Swimwear only if you plan to visit a pool or beach. Onsen are bathed in naked.
Packing for the season
| Season | Add to your bag |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | A light jacket, a scarf and a compact umbrella. Mornings can be chilly. |
| Summer (June to August) | Breathable clothes, a hat, sunscreen, a cooling towel and a small fan. A folding umbrella for rainy season. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Light layers, a warm top for evenings and comfortable shoes for long temple days. |
| Winter (December to February) | A warm coat, gloves and thermal layers. Waterproof boots for Hokkaido or the Alps. |
Small things that make a big difference
- A small hand towel. Many public toilets have no paper towels or dryers.
- A small bag for rubbish. Public bins are rare, so most people carry their rubbish home.
- Hand sanitiser and tissues.
- A foldable tote bag. Shops charge for plastic bags.
- A light daypack for day trips while your big bag stays at the hotel or travels ahead by luggage delivery.
- Any medicines you need, in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
What not to pack
- Too many clothes. Hotels and hostels have coin laundries, and many rooms have a washer.
- Towels, hair dryers and toiletries. Almost every hotel provides them, often very good ones.
- Banned medicines, including stimulant ADHD drugs such as Adderall and cold medicines with pseudoephedrine.
- Meat products, fresh fruit or plants, which are strictly controlled at customs.
- Heavy guidebooks. Save the pages you need on your phone.
Our tip: If you have large feet or need plus-size clothes, bring enough with you. Bigger sizes can be hard to find in Japan.
Frequently asked questions
What plug do I need for Japan?
Type A, with two flat pins, the same as in the United States. Japan uses 100 volts, so check your devices say 100 to 240V.
Do I need cash in Japan?
Yes, some. Cards work in most cities, but small restaurants, temples and rural areas often take cash only.
What shoes should I bring to Japan?
Comfortable walking shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you will remove them often.
Can I bring my medicine to Japan?
Most medicines are fine in normal amounts. Some, such as stimulant ADHD drugs and cold medicines with pseudoephedrine, are banned. Check the official rules before you go.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, rules and services in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
