Japan Packing Checklist

Why these items are on the list

1. Passport, kept on you. In Japan you must carry it always. Inside Kyoto advises at least six months' validity and one empty page.
2. Visa check. Many nationalities can enter without arranging a visa in advance, but check ahead.
3. Printed first-night hotel address. The landing card asks for it before immigration, and a taxi driver can read it. Japanese script helps.
4. Photos of passport and cards. Email them to yourself so you have card details and emergency numbers if anything goes missing.
5. Visa or Mastercard, plus debit card. Amex is less widely accepted. Tell your bank you're traveling, and carry a debit card for yen.
6. Travel medical insurance. Cover for medical care and lost bags is worth having. Read what yours includes.
7. Prescription medication in labeled bottles. You may have to pre-certify it a month or more ahead, says WorldTrips. Keep the original packaging.
8. Ibuprofen from home. Harder to find in Japan, says Like Where You're Going. Check any other medicine is permitted first.
9. International plug adapter. WorldTrips says Japan uses the 100V standard versus the U.S. 120V, so check your chargers can cope.
10. Power bank, in hand luggage. New Japan airline rules: power banks stay in hand luggage and can't charge devices in flight, per The Tokyo Chapter.
11. Data SIM or pocket wifi. Data SIMs are easy to get in Japan, and public free wifi exists too.
12. Two pairs of walking shoes. The Tokyo Chapter recommends alternating them so sore feet get a break. Slip-ons beat boots with buckles and zips.
13. Socks without holes. You'll take your shoes off often and everyone sees your socks. Pack low sockettes for open shoes.
14. Underwear and socks, 5+ days. The Tokyo Chapter says pack at least five days' worth, more without a hotel coin laundry.
15. Breathable layers. Cotton, linen or heat-wicking fabrics work. Denim is heavy and holds moisture.
16. Lightweight fleece. Air conditioning on planes and in other travel situations can run arctic, even in summer.
17. Packable rain jacket. WorldTrips says Honshu summers bring rain, with typhoon risk heading into autumn. You can also buy an umbrella in Japan.
18. Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher. Inside Kyoto says SPF 30 or above, especially in spring and summer. Choose sunglasses that filter UV.
19. Hat or visor. Shade for sunny days. In winter, swap in a warm hat, scarf and mittens.
20. Day backpack. Between public transport and city walking, a small daypack beats a big bag.
21. Small hand towel. Many public bathrooms don't provide paper towels. You can also buy one there.
22. Favorite deodorant. Western-style deodorant can be hard to find in Japan, so bring enough.
23. Empty duffel for souvenirs. Leave space in your suitcase, or lay a spare duffel flat at the bottom.
24. Travel cubes. They keep clothes sorted so you can reach everything quickly.
25. No battery straighteners in hand luggage. The Tokyo Chapter warns they're confiscated from hand luggage when travelling to or from Japan.

Keep it open on your phone while the bag fills and tick each thing as it goes in. Share it with a travel partner and tick it together.