Are you excited about your upcoming trip to Japan? We don't blame you – there's so much to see and do in this amazing country! But before you head out on your adventure, make sure you're prepared with all the essential items you'll need to have a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable trip. To help you out, we've put together a list of 14 must-have items that you won't want to forget. From practical things like a travel adapter and a filtered water bottle, to fun extras like a portable Wi-Fi device and a neck pillow, we've got you covered. So get ready to pack your bags and start your Japan journey off on the right foot with these essential items!
Jet Lag Relief Pills
It's a good idea to pack jet lag relief pills to help alleviate the symptoms of jet lag, such as fatigue, headache, and insomnia. These pills can help adjust the body's internal clock, making it easier to adapt to the new time zone and maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Jet lag relief pills can be especially helpful for travelers who have a tight schedule or are planning to be active during their trip to Japan. By being prepared for jet lag, visitors can ensure a more enjoyable and productive trip. Buy from Amazon.com
Data Plan for your Phone
When traveling to Japan, an eSIM, such as Airalo can be a convenient and cost-effective option for staying connected while abroad. With an eSIM, you can avoid the hassle and expense of purchasing a local SIM card or roaming plan, as you can easily activate a local data plan directly on your phone. This takes the hassle out of having to find a store to purchase a physical SIM card or paying high roaming fees. Furthermore, an eSIM allows you to stay connected wherever you go in Japan, as it eliminates the need to constantly switch between SIM cards in different regions. Having tried most options, I always come back to Airalo as its simple to use and very affordable.
Universal Power Adapter
Don’t forget to pack a universal charger to ensure that your electronic devices stay powered throughout your trip. Japan has a different power plug standard than many other countries, and a universal charger can save you the hassle of having to purchase an adapter or hunt for an available outlet.
A universal charger should have multiple plug types to accommodate different types of devices, and should also be compact and portable, making it easy to pack and use while on the go. Additionally, it is recommended to bring a spare battery or power bank to ensure that you always have a backup source of power. Buy from Amazon.com
Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger
A lipstick-sized portable charger is a compact and convenient. One of the main advantages is its small size, which makes it easy to carry in a purse, pocket, or luggage, taking up minimal space and weight. Another benefit is its portability, allowing travelers to charge their devices on the go, without being tethered to a wall outlet. This is especially useful for those who are constantly using their devices, such as smartphones, cameras, or tablets, and need to keep them powered throughout their trip. Furthermore, a lipstick-sized portable charger can provide peace of mind, knowing that you will have a backup source of power for your essential devices in case of an emergency. Buy from Amazon.com
Filtered Water bottle
Clean water is not always a given when travelling abroad, A filtered water bottle removes impurities and contaminants from water, so you can drink water from any source without worrying about getting sick. Using a filtered water bottle can also save you money – buying bottled water can add up quickly, and in some areas, it may be hard to find bottled water for sale. With a filtered water bottle, you can fill up from any water source, which can help you save money on buying bottled water. Another great thing about using a filtered water bottle is that it reduces plastic waste. This is a really eco-friendly option for travelers who want to be mindful of their impact on the environment. And of course, a filtered water bottle is super convenient and portable – you can easily carry it around and refill it from any water source. Last but not least, a filtered water bottle can also help to improve the taste of water. It removes any unpleasant odors or flavors that may be present in tap water, so you can enjoy clean and refreshing water no matter where you are. Buy on Amazon
Neck Wallet Passport Pouch
Loosing your passport will certainly ruin your trip. A neck wallet is designed to keep your important documents and valuables close to your body, reducing the risk of theft or loss. Furthermore, you can easily get to your passport, money, or other essentials conveniently, without having to dig through all your bags. Plus, the neck wallet design is a more secure and discreet way to carry your stuff, as opposed to carrying it in a backpack or purse that's more vulnerable to theft. So if you're looking for a smart way to keep your important things safe and within reach, a neck wallet passport pouch is definitely worth considering! Buy from Amazon.com
Travel Insurance for Japan
Travel insurance is often a valuable investment that can bring you peace of mind and financial protection during your travels. There are a bunch of benefits to having travel insurance, but one of the biggest ones is protection against unexpected events like trip cancellations, flight delays or cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, or medical emergencies. Another major advantage of having travel insurance is that it can give you access to emergency medical care and evacuation services, which is super important if you get sick or injured while traveling in Japan. This is especially crucial for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions, who might need specialized care in case of an emergency. On top of all that, travel insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected expenses like hotel or transportation costs in case of a flight delay or cancellation. And in case your trip gets interrupted, you'll be able to cancel and head home with peace of mind. You can compare travel insurance plans for Japan on travelinsurance.com
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Bringing a VPN when you're traveling to Japan is a smart move that can really protect your online privacy and security! A VPN is a Virtual Private Network that encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for anyone to access your online activities – including hackers and even the government. This is especially crucial when you're in a foreign country where the internet infrastructure and security might be different from what you're used to. Using a VPN can also help you bypass internet censorship and access restricted websites and content. Sometimes in Japan, certain websites might be blocked or have limited access, but with a VPN, you can easily get around these restrictions and access what you need. Another key benefit of using a VPN is that it can safeguard your online identity and personal information – like your location, IP address, and browsing history. This is especially important when you're using public Wi-Fi networks, which can be unsecured and leave your device and personal information vulnerable to cyberattacks. After trying a handful of leading providers, NordVPN is the one we would recommend.
Stylish Raincoat
Bringing a stylish raincoat when traveling to Japan is a smart decision, as it offers several practical and aesthetic benefits. Firstly, Japan is known for its unpredictable weather, with sudden rain showers being common, especially during the rainy season. Having a stylish raincoat on hand can help protect travelers from the elements, keeping them dry and comfortable, regardless of the weather conditions. In addition to its practicality, a stylish raincoat can also enhance the overall fashion and style of travelers, especially in a city like Tokyo, known for its cutting-edge fashion and style. With a stylish raincoat, travelers can stay on trend, while still keeping themselves protected from the rain. Moreover, a stylish raincoat is often lightweight and easy to pack, making it a convenient item to bring along on a trip to Japan. Whether exploring the city or visiting outdoor destinations, a stylish raincoat can be a versatile item that complements any outfit. Buy from Amazon
Activated Charcoal
One of the biggest advantages of activated charcoal is that it can help detoxify your body and get rid of impurities – this is especially great if you're trying new foods or drinks in Japan. Activated charcoal can also be super helpful if you're dealing with digestive issues like bloating, gas, or indigestion, which can be a real bummer when you're traveling. And on top of all that, it's been shown to improve your oral health and reduce bad breath – a big bonus if you're going to be up close and personal with other people during your trip. Buy from Amazon.com
Travel Towel
Travel towels are compact, lightweight, and quick-drying, which makes them easy to pack and carry around. This can be especially useful in Japan, where public restrooms may not always have towels available, or if you want to save space in your luggage. Another big advantage of bringing a travel towel is that it's more hygienic than using towels provided by hotels or public facilities. When you're traveling, you never know who has used the towel before you or what kind of germs or bacteria might be on it, so having your own towel is a smart move. Plus, travel towels are really versatile and can be used for all kinds of things – drying off after a shower, laying out on the beach, or even wrapping around your waist as a makeshift skirt. They're a simple way to make your travels more comfortable and convenient, and you'll be glad you brought one along! Buy from Amazon
Deodorant Wipes
Deodorant wipes are super handy – they're compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around, which makes them a convenient option for quick touch-ups on the go. In Japan, good hygiene is really important to people, especially during the hot and humid summer months. That's where deodorant wipes come in – they're a simple way to keep you feeling fresh and clean, even after a long day of exploring the city or during a long train ride. Plus, deodorant wipes are also really useful in situations where you might not have access to a shower or a place to reapply deodorant – like during a long layover or while camping. They're a smart thing to have on hand to help you feel your best no matter where you are. Buy from Amazon
Sunscreen
Japan has a warm and humid climate, and the sun can be pretty strong, especially during the summer months. Quality sunscreen is essential for taking care of your skin and avoid sunburns and other skin problems. Using sunscreen with a high SPF (that's the sun protection factor) can really help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. It can reduce your risk of skin cancer, prevent premature aging, and keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful. Plus, it's a must-have if you want to avoid those nasty sunburns and dark spots. Wearing sunscreen is especially crucial if you're planning to do outdoor activities in Japan, like hiking, sightseeing, or hitting the beach. And even when you're visiting tourist attractions that are outside and exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, like parks, gardens, and temples, it's really important to wear sunscreen. Buy from Amazon
Diarrhea Tablets
Diarrhea tablets are a small thing that can make a big difference in your trip! Diarrhea is a pretty common issue when you're traveling, especially if you're trying new and unfamiliar foods. But with diarrhea tablets, you can get some relief from symptoms like abdominal cramps, bloating, and of course, diarrhea. They can also help stop the spread of bacteria that can cause the illness in the first place.One thing to keep in mind is that access to toilets in Japan can be limited, especially if you're traveling on long trains or buses or exploring rural areas. That's where diarrhea tablets come in – if you have them on hand, you won't need to worry about finding a restroom in an emergency situation. Buy from Amazon
