Hello everyone! ✨ Are you planning a trip to Japan? Whether it’s your first time or you’re a repeat visitor, you might be wondering, “What should I bring with me?”

Japan has distinct seasons and unique cultural customs. This means you’ll need different preparations compared to trips to Europe or America! 🎒

In this blog, I’ll introduce 15 carefully selected items suited for “Japan’s unique climate, culture, and customs.” With these essentials, your sightseeing, transportation, shopping, and Wi-Fi needs will all go smoothly. Let’s check them out together! 👇

📋 Valuables & Essentials

1. Passport & Visa (if required) 🛂

This is obviously the most important item! Keep a copy separately, or take photos on your smartphone as a backup. Make sure everything is properly prepared for smooth immigration procedures!

2. Cash (Japanese Yen) 💴

Surprisingly, even in 2025, Japan remains largely a cash-based society! Particularly at small local shops, ramen restaurants, and markets, card payments might not be accepted. It’s reassuring to carry around 5,000-10,000 yen per day. Local ATMs often offer better exchange rates than airport currency exchanges! 🏧

3. Credit Cards 💳

Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most places in major cities, but some stores don’t accept JCB. Also, be sure to notify your bank that you’ll be “using this card overseas” in advance to prevent it from being locked due to suspected fraud! This is an essential for smart traveling ✨

4. Travel Insurance Documents 📄

Travel insurance is essential for unexpected accidents. Saving your documents as PDFs on your smartphone is sufficient! While Japanese medical costs are relatively inexpensive compared to other countries, insurance provides peace of mind for potentially high medical expenses. Be especially careful of slippery winter roads and summer heat-related illnesses! 🏥

🔌 Useful Gadgets for Japan Travel

5. SIM Card or Mobile Wi-Fi 📱

Public Wi-Fi spots are surprisingly limited in Japan! Connectivity becomes especially difficult when you venture away from tourist areas. Pre-booking and picking up at the airport is most convenient. In 2025, 5G coverage is available almost nationwide, ensuring comfortable internet access! Securing connectivity should be your top priority for using map and translation apps 🔍

6. Power Bank 🔋

An absolute must for all-day sightseeing! Especially if you’re taking lots of photos and frequently using map apps, your smartphone battery will drain quickly. A capacity of at least 10,000mAh is recommended for peace of mind. Recent Japanese trains and cafes have charging spots, but these might be unavailable during busy times… Better to be prepared! ⚡

7. Plug Adapter (Type A) 🔌

Japanese outlets are Type A (two parallel prongs). Most international travelers will need adapters. Also, Japan’s voltage is 100V, so 220V-only devices may not work properly. Be especially careful with hair dryers and straighteners! Either purchase them in Japan or bring a voltage converter 💡

👕 Clothing & Climate Items (Seasonal)

8. Season-Appropriate Clothing 👚

Japan’s climate varies greatly by region and season!

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Temperatures can drop below freezing even in Tokyo. Down jackets, HEATTECH (Uniqlo’s thermal underwear), gloves, and scarves are essential. Hokkaido and Tohoku regions can drop below -10°C! ❄️
• Spring (Mar-May) & Fall (Oct-Nov): Large temperature differences between morning/evening and daytime, so layering with light jackets is recommended. Folding umbrellas are essential for sudden rain. Cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are popular, so book early! 🌸🍁
• Summer (Jun-Sep): Japanese summers are characterized by high humidity and extreme heat! Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF50+) are essential. Wet wipes are convenient after train rides. Cooling towels are also very useful! ☀️💦

🛍️ Uniquely Useful Items for Japan Travel

9. IC Card (Suica/PASMO) 🚇

These are incredibly convenient! Not only do they make train and bus boarding smoother, but they can also be used at convenience stores, vending machines, and coin lockers. Easily purchased at airports or major stations, these should be your first acquisition upon arrival. From 2025, they’re usable throughout Japan, making them even more convenient! Even those planning to visit regional areas can rest assured 🚅

10. Folding Umbrella ☔

Japan experiences frequent sudden rainfall. The rainy season (June) requires special attention! While umbrellas can be purchased at convenience stores or 100-yen shops, having one from the start provides peace of mind. Recently, many lightweight, compact, high-quality umbrellas have become available, so check before your trip 🌂

11. Clean Socks 👣

In Japan, there are many places where you’ll need to remove your shoes, including restaurants (especially izakayas and Japanese restaurants), ryokans, and temples. Having holes or dirty socks could be embarrassing… Prepare several pairs of new, clean socks. Also, remember the etiquette of removing slippers when walking on tatami mats! 👞➡️🧦

12. Handkerchief & Pocket Tissues 🧻

Many public restrooms in Japan don’t provide paper towels. Handkerchiefs are essential! Also, since there are few trash cans on streets, pocket tissues and small garbage bags are convenient. Remember that Japanese culture includes “taking your trash with you” 🌱

🎌 Items Suited to Japanese Manners & Culture

13. Masks 😷

Even in 2025, wearing masks remains common in Japan. It’s not just for disease prevention but has become part of the culture as “consideration for others.” Especially in crowded trains or tourist areas, wearing a mask helps you blend in with locals. Also, during allergy season (Feb-Apr), many Japanese wear masks!

14. Quiet Headphones 🎧

There’s an etiquette rule prohibiting phone calls on Japanese trains. Also, because Japanese culture values quietness in public spaces, headphones that prevent sound leakage are recommended. The basic rule on trains is to be “quiet.” Talking loudly or listening to music at high volume is considered poor manners 🤫

📱 Digital Items & Apps (+ Bonus)

15. Three Useful Apps 📲

• Google Maps: Excellent for Japanese public transportation route searches! Accurate transfer information and walking routes make this a traveler’s strong ally 🗺️
• Google Translate or DeepL: Convenient for translating kanji on menus and signs! The camera function allows real-time translation. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, these will give you peace of mind 🔤
• Japan Official Travel App: The official app from the Japan National Tourism Organization provides not only tourist information but also disaster updates and emergency contacts. Very useful as it also lists free Wi-Fi spots! 🏯

✅ Summary | For a Worry-Free, Comfortable Japan Trip!

How did you find this article? By preparing the 15 items introduced here, you can enjoy your Japan trip with greater peace of mind and comfort 🎉

Particularly connectivity, IC cards, cash, and climate-appropriate items are must-haves! Preparing according to Japan’s seasons and culture will significantly enrich your travel experience.

Copy this list for your pre-departure checklist! Wishing you a wonderful Japan trip ✨🗼🏯🍣

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section! Next time, I plan to introduce “Recommended Sightseeing Spots by Region in Japan.” Stay tuned! 👋