What to Pack for Japan

Packing for Japan is a bit different to packing for Spain or the USA.

From temple etiquette to tech and climate quirks, here’s our guide to what to bring (and what to leave behind) for a smooth Japan trip from the UK.

The Essentials

Passport + Japan visa (if required)

Travel insurance (with medical cover)

Cash (yen) – Japan is still a cash-friendly country

Credit/debit card – Visa or Mastercard most widely accepted

Rail Pass / IC Card if pre-ordered

Adaptor (Type A/B) – Japan uses 2-pin US-style plugs

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‍Everyday Clothing Tips

Pack layers – even in summer, air-con can be fierce

Respectful dress for temples: cover shoulders and knees

Comfortable shoes – there’s a lot of walking

Socks without holes – you’ll often remove shoes indoors

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‍Seasonal Extras

Spring (March–May): Light jacket, umbrella, hay fever tablets

Summer (June–August): UV protection, fan, hat, light fabrics, raincoat

Autumn (Sept–Nov): Layered clothing, raincoat

Winter (Dec–Feb): Warm coat, gloves, heat-tech base layers

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‍What You’ll Be Glad You Brought

Small hand towel – not all loos have dryers

Phrasebook or translation app

Power bank – you’ll use your phone for navigation a lot

Daypack for city exploring

Medicine – familiar brands may be hard to find

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‍What You Can Skip

Hairdryer – hotels nearly always provide one

Big suitcases – smaller is better on trains

Too many shoes – stick to comfy and versatile pairs

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‍Luggage Forwarding Tip

Pack a soft holdall or second bag inside your suitcase. You can use this for luggage forwarding on busy travel days – freeing you up to enjoy the journey.

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‍Final Thoughts

The good news? Japan has excellent convenience stores and pharmacies – so you won’t be stuck if you forget something. But a well-packed bag means less hassle and more fun.

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Let us help fine-tune your Japan plans. Speak to a travel expert

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