Japan Packing List 2025: What to Bring, What to Buy There, What to Leave Home
Japan's convenience stores, 100-yen shops, and pharmacies mean you can buy almost anything once you land — at surprisingly low prices. This guide tells you exactly what's worth packing, what to skip, and what to pick up after landing.
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Japan-Specific Essentials (Must Pack)
These items are either unavailable, expensive, or harder to find in Japan:
- Passport: Required for hotel check-in, duty-free shopping, and alcohol purchases at some venues. Keep it on you during the first few days.
- IC card or Mobile Suica setup: Set up Suica on your iPhone (Apple Wallet) or Android (Google Pay) before landing. Load funds immediately at the airport.
- Power adapter / voltage converter: Japan uses Type A plugs (same as North America) and 100V. US devices work without adapters; European and Australian travelers need an adapter. Avoid high-wattage appliances.
- Portable phone charger (power bank): You'll use Google Maps and translation apps constantly. A 20,000mAh power bank covers 2–3 phone charges.
- Small day backpack or tote bag: You'll accumulate shopping, snacks, and umbrellas. A lightweight 15–20L pack that folds flat is ideal.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Japan involves serious walking — 15,000–25,000 steps/day is common. Break in your shoes before traveling.
- Prescription medications: Some common Western medications are restricted in Japan (Sudafed, Adderall/stimulants, some painkillers). Research your medications in advance. Bring a doctor's note if carrying controlled substances.
What to Buy in Japan (Skip from Home)
These items are cheaper, better quality, or easier to find in Japan than to bring from home:
- Portable umbrella: 100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria) sell lightweight folding umbrellas for ¥110. Don't bring one from home.
- Hand towel (tenugui/handkerchief): Many Japanese restaurants and attractions don't have hand dryers. Buy a traditional tenugui at any convenience store or 100-yen shop for ¥200–500.
- Sunscreen: Japanese sunscreen (Biore UV Aqua Rich, Anessa Perfect UV) is widely considered the best in the world and costs ¥1,000–1,500 at drugstores. Superior formulation to most imported brands.
- Skincare and cosmetics: Hada Labo, Shiseido, Kose — often 30–50% cheaper than imported versions abroad.
- Snacks and food gifts (omiyage): Japan's convenience store snack selection is extraordinary. Leave extra luggage space for return.
- Medications (basic): Japanese convenience stores and drugstores stock excellent cold medicine, eye drops, and digestive aids. Pain reliever (Bufferin) is ¥200–300 at Matsukiyo.
- Electronics and accessories: Camera accessories, phone cases, headphones, and tech gadgets are often significantly cheaper in Japan, especially at Yodobashi Camera during sales.
What to Pack by Season
Spring (March–May): Cherry Blossom Season
- Layerable clothing: mornings and evenings can be cold (5–12°C) while afternoons reach 18–22°C
- Light rain jacket: spring showers are frequent
- Comfortable shoes suitable for park walking on grass/gravel
- Compact tripod or phone stabilizer for cherry blossom photos
Summer (June–August): Heat and Typhoon Season
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (moisture-wicking fabrics) — Japan summers are brutal: 30–38°C with 70–80% humidity
- Small folding fan (uchiwa) — buy in Japan for ¥100–300
- Cooling towel or neck cooling device
- Extra deodorant — buy Japanese deodorant sheets (Gatsby) locally for discreet midday freshening
- Compact umbrella for both rain and sun
Autumn (September–November): Foliage Season
- Mid-weight layering: warm days, cold nights from October onward
- Light down jacket for November temple visits
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes (autumn garden paths can be muddy)
Winter (December–February): Cold and Dry
- Warm coat for outdoor activities — Tokyo gets cold (2–10°C) but mostly stays above freezing
- Thermal underlayer for temple/shrine visits (no heat inside)
- Lip balm and moisturizer — Japanese winters are extremely dry
- Snow boots if visiting Hokkaido, Tohoku, or high-altitude areas
Bag Strategy: What Size Luggage for Japan
Japan's luggage storage infrastructure is excellent — but there are important constraints:
- Shinkansen overhead racks: The N700S Shinkansen now requires advance reservation for large luggage (over 160cm combined dimensions). Standard suitcases fit; large 29" suitcases may require a reserved luggage space.
- Coin lockers: Available at every major train station. Standard size fits carry-on bags. Oversized lockers fit large suitcases at ¥500–800/day.
- Luggage forwarding (takkyubin 宅急便): Ship luggage between hotels via Yamato Transport ("Kuroneko") for ¥1,500–2,500. Ideal for suitcase-heavy travelers changing cities. Drop off by 12:00 for next-day delivery.
Recommended Bag Setup
- 2 weeks or less: One carry-on (55x40x20cm, ≤7kg) + one personal item. Most efficient for Japan travel — no checked bag fees and no luggage lock-up needed at ryokan.
- 2–4 weeks: Medium checked bag (24") + day backpack. Use luggage forwarding between major cities to avoid dragging it on trains.
- Shop-heavy trips: Bring a foldable duffle bag for your purchases. Shipping gifts home via Japan Post surface mail is inexpensive (¥1,500–3,000 for 5–10kg box).
What to Leave at Home
- Hair dryer: All Japanese hotels provide hair dryers.
- Bath/shower towels: All Japanese hotels provide towels. Even budget hotels include towels.
- Shampoo and conditioner: Hotels provide these. 100-yen shops sell small bottles if needed.
- Travel pillows and blankets: Shinkansen and domestic flights provide these.
- Fancy jewelry or valuables: Japan is extremely safe, but you won't need or want to wear luxury items to temples and ramen shops.
- Printed maps: Google Maps with offline download is superior to any printed map.
- Oversized clothing: Japan shops don't carry large Western sizes, but you'll accumulate clothes as shopping gifts. Leave space in your bag.
- Guidebooks: Physical guidebooks weigh 500g+ and go out of date. JapanFlow and online resources are more current and searchable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size suitcase is best for Japan travel?▼
A medium carry-on (around 55x40x20cm, under 7kg) is ideal for trips up to 2 weeks. Japan's train network and hotel culture make large suitcases inconvenient — many ryokan (traditional inns) have narrow hallways, and manoeuvring a large suitcase through busy stations is difficult. If you need a larger bag, use Japan's excellent luggage forwarding service (takkyubin) to ship it between hotels for ¥1,500–2,500 while you travel light.
Do I need to bring a power adapter to Japan?▼
North American travelers (Type A plugs, 120V) don't need an adapter. European, British, and Australian travelers need a Type A adapter (or "A+C" universal). Japan's voltage is 100V, slightly lower than North America's 120V — most modern devices (phones, laptops, cameras) auto-adjust and work fine. Avoid using high-wattage appliances (hair dryers, curlers) without a voltage converter.
What medications should I bring to Japan?▼
Some common Western medications are restricted or illegal in Japan: Adderall and stimulants (ADHD medications) are prohibited. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is banned. Codeine-containing medications require documentation. Bring a 30-day supply of any prescription medication with the original pharmacy label. For controlled substances, carry a Certificate of Necessity (certificate from your doctor in Japanese or English). Check Japan's MHLW (Ministry of Health) guidelines or your embassy website before traveling.
Is it worth buying sunscreen in Japan?▼
Yes — Japanese sunscreen is widely considered the best in the world. The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence and Anessa Perfect UV are favorites of travelers and dermatologists alike. They're lightweight, don't leave a white cast, and are often cheaper in Japan (¥1,000–1,500 at Matsukiyo/Sundrug) than the same products imported abroad.
How much cash should I bring vs. withdraw in Japan?▼
Bring a minimal amount of foreign currency to exchange at the airport (¥10,000–20,000 to get started). Then use 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs for withdrawals throughout your trip — they accept all major international cards 24/7 with English menus. This gives you the best exchange rates (interbank rate) rather than airport exchange bureau rates, which are typically 3–5% worse.