Japan Travel Essentials: Things I Actually Use

Planning a trip to Japan? Take a look at my Japan travel guides for handpicked tours and experiences, including places beyond the usual tourist trail. They might even give you a few ideas for your itinerary!

Now, let's get into today's blog post!

Japan is one of those places where you can easily walk 20,000 steps without even realizing it. Between exploring neighborhoods, visiting temples, hopping on trains, and stopping for photos every five minutes, you'll be glad you packed a few things to make your days easier.

You don't need to bring your entire house with you, though! These are the Japan travel essentials I'd recommend, especially if you plan to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

1. Comfortable Walking Shoes

If there's one thing you shouldn't skimp on, it's your shoes. You'll probably walk much more than you expect, often on hard pavement, station floors, and temple grounds. In fact, I always joke that I’m already tired before I even get out of the subway station and start the day!

Some people think they can buy the shoes when they arrive in Japan. Of course, you can. But I recommend you bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes rather than relying on a brand-new sneakers. Your feet will thank you by the end of the day! As for specific brands, I can personally voice for Hoka shoes, I’ve walked 35,000 steps in them! It’s also my go-to shoes living in Japan when I know the weather is good and I’d rather be walking than taking the bus or train. If Hoka is not your thing, I’ve worn New Balance and Nike shoes as well!

2. A Portable Power Bank

Imagine your phone dying just when you need Google Maps to find your hotel, Google Translate to read a menu, or your camera to capture that incredible view. Not fun!

A compact power bank is one of my must-haves for long days out. Choose one that's light enough to carry around, and remember to check your airline's current rules for carrying power banks.

3. A Selfie Stick

Japan has some incredible landscapes, from mountain views and coastal scenery to traditional streets and beautiful gardens. You'll want photos that include you in those memories, too!

A compact selfie stick or selfie-stick tripod makes taking photos together much easier, especially when you're traveling as a couple. Just be mindful of where you use it. Avoid crowded areas, follow any restrictions at shrines and temples, and never block walkways or other visitors.

4. An IC Card for Trains and Buses

If you're planning to use public transportation, an IC card makes getting around much easier. Cards such as Suica let you tap in and out of many trains and buses, and you can also use them for purchases at participating shops.

You can get a physical card in Japan. If you're visiting the Tokyo area, look into My Suica, a personalized card with your name registered to it. It can make a nice little souvenir of your trip, too. Just check current availability before you go.

5. A Small Pouch for Your Trash

One thing that might surprise you in Japan is how difficult it can be to find a public trash bin. You might finish a snack while sightseeing, use a tissue, or unwrap something you bought, only to find there's nowhere nearby to throw it away.

That's why I recommend carrying a small, reusable trash pouch or a few sealable bags in your day bag. You can keep wrappers, tissues, and other small rubbish contained until you find an appropriate bin or return to your accommodation.

Just remember that bins at vending machines are generally meant for drink containers, and shop bins may be intended for waste from that store. When in doubt, carry your rubbish with you rather than leaving it behind.

6. A Coin Purse That Keeps Your Yen Organized

Even if you mostly pay by card, it's worth having a good coin purse in Japan. Coins come in handy for vending machines, some buses, small shops, and places that don't accept cashless payments.

I'd look for one with separate compartments for different coin denominations. It makes finding the right change much easier than digging through a pocket full of mixed coins, especially when you're trying to pay quickly.

A compact coin organizer is particularly useful if you're planning to visit smaller towns or travel outside major cities, where cash can still be important. And if you end up collecting lots of coins throughout the day, you'll have somewhere to keep them instead of letting them take over your bag!

7. A Compact Folding Umbrella

Japanese weather can be unpredictable, and rainy days can happen in any season. A lightweight folding umbrella is easy to keep in your day bag without taking up too much space.

If you're visiting during the rainy season or summer, this is especially useful. You can also buy umbrellas at convenience stores in Japan if you need one after arriving.

8. A Reusable Water Bottle

You'll appreciate having water with you, particularly during Japan's hot and humid summers. A reusable bottle means you can refill when convenient instead of constantly buying drinks.

For summer trips, a bottle that keeps water cold is a nice bonus.

9. A Small Hand Towel and Tissues

These are easy to overlook when packing, but they're useful to have. Public restrooms don't always provide paper towels and believe me, some hand dryers are not functioning or taped off for some reason, so a small hand towel can come in handy.

Pocket tissues are useful, too. Keep both in your day bag, and you'll be glad you did.

10. A Portable Fan and Sun Protection

If you're visiting Japan in summer, prepare for heat and humidity. A portable fan, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat can make long days outdoors much more comfortable.

You don't necessarily have to pack everything before your trip. Japan has plenty of convenience stores and shops where you can pick up cooling items if needed.

11. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are useful for keeping clothes organized, especially if you're moving between cities and hotels. I like the idea of separating clean clothes, underwear, and items that need washing instead of digging through the entire suitcase every time I need something.

They're not essential, but they're a simple way to make packing and unpacking less chaotic.

12. A Lightweight Rain Jacket or Extra Layer

Japan's weather varies considerably by season and region. A lightweight jacket is useful for cooler evenings, windy days, or unexpected rain, while an extra layer can come in handy on trains and in air-conditioned buildings.

Check the forecast for the places you're visiting rather than packing for just one city.

13. Luggage Organizers or a Small Laundry Bag

If you're traveling for more than a few days, a separate laundry bag helps keep worn clothes away from clean ones. Small pouches are also useful for cables, toiletries, and other bits and pieces that tend to get lost in a suitcase.

These little organizers can make a surprisingly big difference when you're changing hotels frequently.

My Advice: Don't Overpack!

Japan is convenient, and you can buy many everyday essentials after you arrive. Focus on the things that will make your trip more comfortable, especially comfortable shoes, a reliable power bank, and a way to get around easily.

And if I had to pick just two things to bring? My power bank and selfie stick would be high on the list. One keeps my phone ready for navigation and photos, while the other helps me bring home memories with us in the frame!

What are your must-have travel essentials? I'd love to know what you always pack for Japan.