What to Bring

Aim for versatile layers. Japan is very fashion-conscious — neat, put-together outfits are appreciated.

• Lightweight t-shirts or tops
• Light long-sleeve layer or cardigan — Evenings cool down fast
• Comfortable walking pants or jeans
• Shorts — For warmer days early in the trip
• Nicer outfit for dinners out
• Underwear & socks
• Comfortable walking shoes — You will walk 15,000+ steps daily
• Slip-on shoes or sandals — Easy on/off for temples and ryokans
• Light rain jacket or packable windbreaker — Doubles as an evening layer
• Compact umbrella — Typhoon season tail end — be prepared
• Sleepwear

Keep physical copies of everything important stored separately from originals.

• Passport (valid 6+ months past Oct 2027) — Required
• Printed copies of passport photo page
• Global Entry card (if you have it) — Speeds up US customs on the way home
• Travel insurance documents — Highly recommended
• Flight confirmation printouts
• Hotel booking confirmations
• Japan Rail Pass (if purchasing) — Must be bought before arriving in Japan
• Japanese yen cash — Many places are still cash-only
• Credit/debit card with no foreign transaction fees
• Emergency contact list (printed)

Japan uses Type A plugs (same as the US) — no adapter needed for American travelers. Voltage is 100V; most modern devices handle this fine.

• Smartphone + charger
• Portable battery pack (power bank) — Essential for long days out
• Camera + memory cards — Optional but you'll want it
• Earbuds or headphones — For long transit rides
• Pocket WiFi or international SIM — Pocket WiFi rentable at Japanese airports
• Universal power strip (1 US plug → multiple) — Hotel rooms often have few outlets
• Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) — Before you land

Japan has excellent convenience stores (konbini) everywhere — you can restock most toiletries easily. Don't overpack this category.

• Prescription medications (extra supply) — Bring more than you think you need
• Pain reliever / fever reducer
• Blister bandages — Your feet will thank you
• Sunscreen SPF 30+ — Still sunny in late September
• Insect repellent — Especially for outdoor/temple areas
• Hand sanitizer + wet wipes
• Basic toiletries (travel size) — Toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
• Face mask (disposable) — Still common courtesy in Japan

A small daypack or crossbody bag is essential. You'll leave your main luggage at the hotel most days.

• Lightweight daypack or crossbody bag
• IC card (Suica or Pasmo) — Get at the airport — works on all transit
• Small coin purse — Japan uses a lot of coins
• Reusable water bottle — Vending machines are everywhere too
• Snacks for transit days
• Pocket phrasebook or translation app — Google Translate with camera mode is great
• Small notebook or travel journal — Optional but fun