Packing for Japan

You might be wondering what to bring for your trip to Japan. I will give you some packing tips and a list of items.

Packing Tip 1: Money

The yen is the Japanese currency unit. It's convenient to bring major credit cards, such as MasterCard or VISA. You can use them at various places such as department stores, hotels, and restaurants in major cities. If you are traveling the countryside of Japan, many stores might not accept credit cards/traveler's checks. It's good to carry some Japanese yen in cash while you are in Japan. Be careful of pickpockets if you are taking a crowded train or going to an event where you can expect a large crowd. Currency Converter: To Japanese Yen You can use some foreign credit cards/ATM cards at Japan Post Office ATM.

Packing Tip 2: Appliances

The electricity in Japan is 100 volts, and there are two cycles (50/60). In Tokyo and areas northeast of Tokyo, the electricity is 50 cycles. In the southwest Japan, it's 60 cycles. Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya are in the southwest side. If you need to bring any appliances from your country, make sure to bring a converter or plug. American appliances can be used in Japan without a converter although they will have less power. If your appliances are three-pronged, you need a plug since Japanese appliances are two-pronged. You can buy converters and plugs in the airports or travel equipment stores in Japan. But since it could be a hassle for you to find a store that sells the converters, it's better to purchase them in your own country. It shouldn't take much space in your luggage. If you want to email your family or friends from Japan, you might want to take your laptop. You can connect to the Internet from major hotels and public phones although Internet access can be expensive in Japan.

Packing Tip 3: Luggage

Compared with westerners, who often travel with large suitcases, it's not common for Japanese people to travel with a large suitcase around the country. Consequently, there isn't usually a wide space to store large luggage in trains, and the coin lockers aren't large enough to hold them either. Keeping your luggage small is recommended when you travel around Japan. You might want to bring several small bags so that you don't have to carry a large suitcase.

Packing Tip 4: Shoes

Since it's a Japanese custom to take off your shoes indoors, you might have to take off your shoes often in Japan. Bringing a pair of shoes that you can slip off and on easily might be convenient. Make sure to bring, and wear, a nice pair of socks or pantyhose to avoid any embarrassment when you take off your shoes.

Packing Tip 5: Handkerchief and Pocket tissue

It's important to carry a handkerchief in Japan. Many restrooms in Japan don't have paper towels. Be sure to bring a handkerchief in your pocket to dry your hands. Also, pocket tissues are good to carry, since they are often needed while traveling.

Tip 6: Gifts

While you are in Japan, you might be visiting a Japanese home. If you are wondering what to bring for gifts, former travelers to Japan share good ideas in the forum.

Check List:

• Passport and Visa (If you are staying in Japan more than 90days)
• Airplane Tickets
• Japan Railpass purchasing order
• Traveler's check
• Japanese yen in cash if possible
• Travel Insurance
• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Photocopy of all these documents
• Small suitcase or extra bags
• Camera (film is cheap in Japan)
• Umbrella
• Small calculator
• Dictionary (Japanese Conversation book) / Guidebook
• Sewing set
• Walking shoes
• First Aid Kit / Prescription / OTC Medicine
• Alarm clock
• Glasses and Contact lenses
• Jackets / Night wear / Socks / Underwear
• Shaver (cordless would be good)
• Laptop if you need
• Plastic bags (can be trash bags)
• Pen / Memo note
• Cosmetics and your amenities

Packing Tips from Japan for Visitors Forum

• Money Exchange in Japan
• Using Internet in Japan
• Baggage on Shinkansen
• Suggestions for Gifts

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