How much cash should I bring to Japan?+
Plan for ¥30,000–50,000 (around $200–350 USD) in cash per person for a week-long trip. Many smaller restaurants, shrines, and rural areas are cash-only. 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.
Do I need a power adapter for Japan?+
Japan uses Type A outlets (same as the US and Canada) at 100V/50–60Hz. If you're from the US, no adapter is needed. European and UK travelers need a Type A adapter. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops) handle 100–240V automatically.
Is the JR Pass worth buying?+
If you're traveling between multiple cities on the Shinkansen (bullet train), yes. A 7-day JR Pass costs around ¥50,000 and covers unlimited Shinkansen rides. You must purchase it before arriving in Japan — it cannot be bought in-country.
Should I get an eSIM or Pocket WiFi for Japan?+
eSIM is more convenient: no pickup at the airport, works from the moment you land, and doesn't require carrying extra hardware. Pocket WiFi is better for groups sharing one device. Airalo offers Japan eSIMs starting around $5/week.
Do I need travel insurance for Japan?+
Highly recommended. Japan's healthcare is excellent but expensive for visitors without insurance. A single doctor visit can cost ¥5,000–20,000+. SafetyWing offers flexible nomad insurance from $40/month covering emergency medical, trip cancellation, and more.
Are any medications illegal in Japan?+
Yes — this is critical. Several common Western medications are controlled or banned in Japan: stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, Vicks inhalers (contain pseudoephedrine/methamphetamine precursors), and codeine-containing painkillers (e.g., Nurofen Plus). Bring prescriptions in their original labelled bottles and carry a letter from your doctor in English. Bringing banned substances — even accidentally — can result in arrest at the border. Check the Japanese Embassy website for your specific medication before travelling.
Can I visit onsen (hot springs) with tattoos?+
Most traditional onsen in Japan prohibit tattoos, as they are historically associated with organised crime. The rules are softening slightly, but it's still the norm. Options: (1) look for tattoo-friendly onsen — some family-run facilities and newer resorts explicitly welcome tattooed guests; (2) rent a private (kashikiri) onsen bath for sole use; (3) cover small tattoos with waterproof adhesive patches (sold on Amazon or in Japanese pharmacies). Ask ahead — rules vary by facility.
Should I bring toiletries to Japan?+
Mostly no — save the luggage space. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and basic toiletries are sold cheaply at every konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) and drugstore (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug). All hotels and ryokan supply towels, soap, and a hair dryer. DO bring from home: high-strength deodorant (Japanese brands are milder), tampons (harder to find), your preferred sunscreen, and any prescription or OTC medication you rely on.
What is Takkyubin and should I use it?+
Takkyubin is Japan's door-to-door luggage forwarding service, operated mainly by Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) and Sagawa Express. You can send a suitcase from your hotel to your next hotel for ¥1,500–2,500, usually arriving next-day. Drop off at any hotel front desk, convenience store, or train station counter. This lets you explore cities hands-free on travel days — pack a small daypack for the day and forward your main bag ahead. Highly recommended for multi-city itineraries.
What should I leave at home when packing for Japan?+
Leave behind: hair dryer (hotels provide one), full-size toiletries (buy cheaply at konbini), multiple pairs of bulky shoes (pick one walking shoe + one slip-on), heavy winter coat if visiting cities in mild seasons (Tokyo winters are cold but not extreme), and food/snacks (Japan has incredible convenience store food available everywhere. Pack light — coin laundry machines are in every neighbourhood for ¥200–400 per cycle, and Takkyubin lets you forward luggage between cities without dragging it yourself.