NIN

Before and during

Prep

A packing list that remembers what you ticked and the rules worth knowing. Japanese phrases have their own page: Phrases.

01

Packing list

0 of 21 packed

Papers and money

  • Passport

    Check the expiry date now, not at the airport.

  • Visit Japan Web registered

    Do it before you fly and screenshot the QR codes.

  • Flight and hotel confirmations saved offline

  • A card with no foreign transaction fee

  • Some yen cash for arrival

    Many small places only take cash.

  • Travel insurance details

Tech

  • eSIM or pocket wifi sorted

  • Suica or ICOCA set up in your phone wallet

    Check what your phone supports before you leave.

  • Charger and a plug adapter if needed

    Japan uses the two flat-pin Type A plug at 100 volts. Most US plugs fit.

  • Power bank in your carry-on

    Batteries are not allowed in checked bags.

  • Camera, spare memory card, headphones

Clothes

  • Halloween costume for Oct 31

    Pack it so it survives a bag and a long train ride.

  • Layers for 9 to 21°C weather

  • Light rain jacket or compact umbrella

  • Comfortable walking shoes

    Expect 20,000 steps a day.

  • Socks without holes

    Shoes come off at some restaurants and temples.

Little things

  • Coin purse

    You will end up with a lot of coins.

  • Small hand towel

    Many restrooms have no towels or dryers.

  • Small bag for trash

    Public bins are rare, so carry it until you find one.

  • Foldable tote for records

    A dozen LPs with jackets weigh around 3 kg.

  • Medications and a few basics

02

Field notes

Cash still matters
Yakitori alleys, market stalls and small ramen counters often take cash only. 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs usually accept foreign cards, so pull out yen there instead of at airport exchange desks.
Get a transit card
Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA cards work on trains, buses, vending machines and convenience stores across Tokyo and Kansai. Add one to your phone wallet if it supports that. Physical card supply has been patchy lately, so check before you land.
Bags on the bullet train
On the Tokyo to Osaka day, forward the big bags to the next hotel with a luggage service (takkyubin), or reserve a seat in the oversized baggage area if a bag is over 160 cm in total dimensions.
Tipping
Do not tip. Staff will chase you down the street to return the money you left.
Trains
Keep calls and loud talking off the train. Line up at the marked spots, let people off first, and avoid the morning rush if you can. Last trains finish around midnight, so check the time before a late night out.
Trash
Public bins are rare. Carry your trash until you find a convenience store or station bin. In many neighborhoods, finish street food where you bought it instead of walking with it.
Shoes and tattoos
Shoes come off at some restaurants, temples and changing areas, so wear clean socks. Many onsen and gyms still refuse tattoos, so ask before you go.
Temples and shrines
Keep voices low, follow photo rules posted at the gate, and do not climb on or touch anything marked off limits. Many close by late afternoon.
Halloween in Shibuya
Expect packed streets, closed-off crossings and police directing foot traffic. Change into costume at your destination, keep valuables zipped in, and agree on a regroup spot because phone service gets weak in crowds.
Convenience stores
7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are a real meal option: egg sandwiches, onigiri, hot snacks, cheap drinks and clean restrooms.
Emergencies
Police are 110. Fire and ambulance are 119. Save your hotel address in Japanese on your phone so a taxi driver can read it.