The ultimate Japan packing list (2024)

Planning a trip to Japan this year? Perhaps you’re dreaming of seeing the bright lights of Tokyo, the temples of Kyoto or the incredible cherry blossoms blooming in Yoshino in spring.

Whatever you have in mind, you’ll need to know exactly what to pack for your trip.

We’re here to help, with the ultimate packing list for Japan. We’ll look at what to take for different times of the year, and for the various parts of the country.

One crucial thing to add to your must-pack list is the Wise card. It lets you spend in Japanese yen for low fees and great rates across the whole of Japan and beyond.

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Packing list for Japan - the essentials

No two trips are the same. So what you pack will depend on where you’re going, the time of year, how long you’re staying and what activities you’d like to do.

But there are some essentials you’ll need for any Japanese adventure. This includes:

• Valid passport, visa, and travel documents. You can find details of what you’ll need here on the U.S. Department of State website. The good news is that for stays of less than 90 days, US citizens don’t need a tourist visa.¹ The only exception is if you’ll be working in Japan during your trip, in which case you’ll need a work visa.
• Spending money. You can take cash in the local currency (Japanese yen or JPY), credit or debit cards, or a combination of both. Take a look at our guide to ATMs in Japan for details of withdrawing cash.
• Travel insurance documents. This includes phone numbers to call in case of a claim or emergency.
• Prescription medications and basic first aid supplies.
• Travel-sized toiletries. For example, shampoo, toothpaste and sun lotion.
• A universal plug adapter for charging electronic devices. Japan uses Type A and B plugs, which both have two flat parallel pins and operate on a 100V supply voltage and 50/60Hz.² It could also be a good idea to pack a power bank for charging devices on the go.
• A travel lock for securing your luggage.
• A language guide or translation app to help with communication.
• Extra space for shopping! If you plan to shop up a storm in a city like Tokyo or Osaka, don’t forget to leave some space (or take an extra bag) for your purchases. You might also want to check customs rules on what you’re allowed to take out of Japan and into the US, as well as the baggage allowance for your flights.

A Japan packing list for every season

When will you be traveling to Japan? The season, weather and climate will all affect what you need to pack for your trip.

It also depends where in the country you’re going. For example, it’s likely to be much colder if you’re skiing in Niseko, compared to sunning yourself on a beach in the Kerama Islands.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Japan is one of the most picturesque seasons, as cherry blossoms bloom across the country. The weather is usually mild, with occasional rain, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Your packing list for Japan in spring should include essentials such as:

• Light layers of clothing, including T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts and light sweaters.
• A jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
• An umbrella and portable raincoat for unexpected showers.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Japan starts with the rainy season, but you can usually expect hot and humid weather as August approaches.

It's a lively season with festivals and fireworks, and it's perfect for enjoying Japan's beautiful beaches and nature.

Your packing list for visiting Japan in summer should include:

• Lightweight and breathable clothing, such as shorts, tank tops and sun dresses.
• Sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Swimsuit for beach visits or onsen (hot spring) experiences.
• Comfortable sandals.
• A portable fan or hand-held misting spray for extra comfort.
• Insect repellent for outdoor adventures
• Waterproof clothing for unexpected showers.

If you’re putting together a packing list for Japan in June and July, bear in mind that this is the start of the rainy season. You absolutely can’t skip the waterproofs, as a sudden downpour is always a risk.

Fall (September to November)

Autumn in Japan is known for its stunning foliage, creating picturesque landscapes across the country. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it an ideal time for exploring.

But beware - this is also typhoon season. There’s always a risk of heavy rain and storms around September time, although it should be drier by November.

Here’s what to pack for fall in Japan:

• Layered clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters and a medium-weight jacket.
• Pants and jeans for cooler temperatures.
• Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes.
• Scarves, gloves, and a hat for late autumn chill.
• A daypack or tote bag for carrying essentials during hikes.
• Waterproofs for unexpected showers.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Japan varies quite a lot depending on the region. It’s often mild in the southern regions, and cold with heavy snowfall in the northern areas. It's an enchanting time for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking snow-covered landscapes.

Your packing list for Japan in winter should include:

• Warm clothing, such as heavy sweaters, thermal layers and a thick coat.
• Insulated, waterproof boots for snow and rain.
• Thermal socks and gloves to keep extremities warm.
• Scarves, beanies and earmuffs for added warmth.

If you’re visiting the country for ski season, you’ll need a whole different set of kit.

Your Japan ski trip packing list will likely include all the specialist clothing and equipment you need. Although you could find it easier to hire everything when you arrive in the resort.

What to include on a study abroad Japan packing list

Staying in Japan for longer? If you’re studying, working or moving to Japan for a few months, you’ll need most of the items on our essentials and seasonal packing lists above.

If you’re studying, here are a few extra things you might to add to a moving to Japan packing list:

• Visa and other travel documents
• Your student ID and acceptance letter from the university or college
• Health insurance documents
• Academic supplies, such as your laptop (and charger), textbooks or course-specific materials, notebooks, stationery and a backpack to carry it all in.

💡You might also find it useful to read our guides to buying a car in Japan, income tax and how to open a Japanese bank account.

Safe, convenient and low-cost spending in Japan with the Wise card

The Wise card is a fantastic solution to cover your needs when traveling to Japan. It’s contactless and works in 150+ countries, including Japan and worldwide.

Order your Wise card for a one-time fee of $9 and you’ll get:

• Your dollars automatically converted to JPY at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. There’s just a small conversion fee, or there’s no charge if you already have the currency in your Wise account.
• Fee-free foreign ATM withdrawals up to $100 a month (remember though that ATM operators may charge their own fee).
• A powerful online Wise account which lets you send money to and from Japan for low, transparent fees.

Wise is a money service business, offering a multi-currency account, international money transfer services and a debit card.

Get a Wise Account today

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

Bottom line

And there you go - a full list of everything you need to pack for a comfortable, safe and thrilling adventure in Japan.

Of course, you’ll need to tailor your Japan travel packing list to your specific trip, based on where you’re going, planned activities and the time of year.

But hopefully after reading this guide, you’ll be clued-up on the must-pack essentials you’ll need for travel to Japan.

Just remember to take your Wise card, and you’ll be able to spend like a local, buying everything you need in Japanese yen for low fees and great exchange rates. It’s the perfect travel companion.

Learn more about Wise

💡 Read more about life for Americans in Japan here.

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Sources used for this article:

1. U.S. Department of State - Japan International Travel Information
2. Electrical Safety First - Travel adaptor for Japan

Sources checked on 26-Jul-2023.