What to Pack for a Trip to Japan
Pack light enough to navigate crowded train stations and carry your own luggage up steep subway stairs. Focus on versatile, slip-on shoes and a high-capacity portable battery, as you will rely heavily on your phone for navigation and digital transit passes.
- Prioritize footwear. You will walk 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day. Bring one pair of reliable, broken-in walking sneakers and one pair of slip-on shoes for frequent visits to temples and traditional restaurants where shoes must be removed.
- Use a modular luggage system. Use packing cubes to compress your clothes. Japan’s transit lockers and overhead train racks are small; a medium-sized suitcase (max 24 inches) or a 40L backpack is the maximum manageable size for trains.
- Prepare for the digital reality. Bring a 10,000mAh portable power bank. Using Google Maps and Suica/Pasmo cards on your phone drains battery quickly, and public charging outlets are rarely accessible.
- Pack for layers. Regardless of season, dress in layers. Japan’s trains and indoor spaces are heavily climate-controlled, meaning you will be peeling off and putting on jackets constantly.
- Do I need to bring a massive suitcase?
- No. Avoid large suitcases. Japan's train stations have many stairs and limited space. A carry-on size is perfect for using coin lockers.
- Is it okay to bring my own toiletries?
- Yes, but know that Japanese hotels provide high-quality shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, and toothbrushes. You can save space by leaving these at home.
- Do I need a coin purse?
- Absolutely. Japan is still very cash-heavy for small purchases, and you will accumulate a large amount of coins daily.