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What to Pack for Japan Tours

Japan Travel Tips 948
What to Pack for Japan Tours

The number one question that comes to mind when it's time for your Japan trip is what do I pack, whether it is months or a month, or a week or few days before your trip to Japan. When it comes to packing, you have a lot to think about in terms of packing. You might get overwhelmed or feel like you're missing something. This guide here will help you in making sure you have packed the essentials for your Japan trip.

Don't Forget
When packing for Japan tours, you don't want to overpack. Airlines usually allow two big luggage, but one is usually recommended if you will be taking public transportation on regular commuter trains or bullet trains. Please note that hotels are smaller than most western-style American hotels also so you will not have as much room for many luggage to lay around. If you are joining our Japan small group tours, we recommend you only bring one big luggage as it will be more convenient for you. Below are a few important items you will want to remember and make sure you bring or get beforehand:
Passport,Visa (Please check online to see if you need a visa with the passport you hold.), Have your flight tickets prepared and hotel reservations, Travel insurance, Credit/Debit cards and Cash, Wifi/SIM card.



Clothing and Shoes for Japan Trip
For clothing, the temperatures are different during each season, which affects what attire you would pack and wear. The climate between the different seasons vary drastically in Japan, so be sure to check the weather forecast to get a good idea of the temperatures you will be in when you visit. When is the best season to travel to Japan? Mid March and early April are cherry blossom season in Japan, making it the best season to visit Japan.


In terms of clothing, it is more pleasant during the spring and autumn months, as the summer can be very warm along with some rain and snow which expected during the winter. Short sleeves and a cardigan and thin pants are usually recommended in the summer and spring, maybe an additional layer in the spring if you get cold easily. Raincoat, t-shirts, jeans or trousers are clothing you may consider packing for the summer and spring. In the fall, a coat and short sleeves or long sleeves with thicker pants are recommended as it is cooler and transitioning into winter. Depending on how you handle cold weather, you may want to bring fleece or thermals for the fall. But especially during the winter, you should wear layers with fleece, thermals, wool, and waterproof clothing depending on whether you will be visiting the mountains or just the city.

Other things to consider while packing is shoes. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes for walking and that may be easy to take on or off. There are many attractions, like temples and restaurants that require you to take your shoes off before entering.



Toiletries for Japan Trip
In addition to clothing, you need toiletries and having a well-stocked toiletry bag is a big convenience as it will save you time and money. In Japan, it is convenient depending on your location, to go out and purchase toiletries you may have forgotten at a local 7-Eleven convenience store or Lawson and Family Mart. But if you come prepared, it will save stress and inconvenience.

Body wash, shampoo, conditioner are usually provided from the hotels, but if you prefer your own, you can decide yourself if you want to bring travel-sized versions. Other items you may consider bringing are:
Toothpaste and toothbrush (May be provided by the hotel, but you can bring your own) Sunscreen, lotion, sunglasses, hat are things to consider if you are visiting during the spring or summer. You may also consider bringing deodorant, painkillers, cold/flu medicine, razors, travel first aid kit, etc. Keep note that Japanese customs can be very strict regarding some common drugs, please research beforehand.



Necessities for Japan Trip
In addition, you may need to pack additional essentials if you plan on taking photos with your phone or camera, bringing your laptop, etc. If you travel to Japan from the USA, bringing a universal power adaptor to ensure you will be able to charge your phone or other appliances as their electrical port is different. A portable charger for your cellphone if you will be taking part in activities and sightseeing all day, you want to make sure your phone has enough battery. You may want to bring a purse or small backpack to put your items in to carry around while you are out.



Essentials for Japan Trip
For the flight and your time in Japan, you may want to bring a travel pillow for the long haul flight if you want. Noise-canceling headphones or normal headphones are nice to have for the flight, but also Japan is known for their electronics so you may buy a pair of headphones/earphones there if you'd like. Lip balm, reusable water bottle, moisturizer, vitamin C, snacks are a few other items you may want to have on hand and bring.

When it comes to packing, you may overpack thinking you might need certain items. So what we recommend to not pack for Japan are heavy items, as you will be carrying around your luggage if you take public transportation and changing hotels if you are with a tour, lots of cash as there are ATMs, too many electronics as you are going to be out sightseeing more, and a hairdryer.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

  • What clothes to pack when traveling to Japan in summer?
    It is usually very hot in Japan during summer. Short sleeves, cardigan, and thin pants are recommended. In case of raining, you can pack a couple thicker clothes to keep warm.
  • What clothes to pack when traveling to Japan in fall?
    Thin sweaters, pants, and jackets are recommended. Because fall is the period transiting from hot summer to cold winter, bring a few short-sleeved and long-sleeved pants in early fall, and thicker clothes toward later fall.
  • What kind of shoes should I wear in Japan?
    Make sure to wear comfortable shoes if your itinerary involves a lot of walking. It is highly recommended to wear shoes easy to take off as many attractions in Japan, such as temples and restaurants, ask guests to remove shoes before entering.
  • Are toiletries in Japanese hotels?
    Hotels usually provide shower gels, shampoos and conditioner. However, if you have preferred products, you are welcome to bring your own. Disposable toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes are generally not provided. However, it is very convenient to buy them at the local n convenience store such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, or Family Mart. To avoid any hassle, the best practice is to pack any necessities in advance.
  • What do I have to bring when traveling to Japan?
    If you are doing outdoor activities, you can consider bring umbrella, hat, sunscreen, lotion, sunglasses, lip balm, and vitamin C supplements. You can also bring some painkillers, cold/flu medicine, and any first aid supplies just in case. Important to note, Japanese custom has strict regulation on pharmaceuticals, thus make sure to check before bring.
  • Do I need to bring a voltage converter?
    The voltage in Japan is 100V. If the voltage in your home country is 110-127V, you will not need a converter. However, if the voltage in your home country is 200-240V (such as UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia), we recommend bring a converter. Though most portable mobile devices are designed for wide voltage nowadays, it is more efficient to have a converter.
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