What to Pack and Prepare for Your Japan Trip: Essentials, Money, Wi-Fi & More

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What to Pack and Prepare for Your Japan Trip: Essentials, Money, Wi-Fi & More

Once you’ve booked your hotel and flight to Japan, it’s time to start preparing for the actual trip. Traveling to Japan can be an amazing experience—but since many things work differently there, it’s helpful to get ready in advance.

This guide covers four must-have items and practical tips to make your travel smoother. These essentials are not only for Japan, but also useful for any international trip.

You can watch this contents on video format too on my YouTube channel.

Four Must-Have Items for Japan Travel

Even if you forget your suitcase, having these four items will allow you to manage once you’re in Japan.

  1. Passport
    You cannot enter Japan without a valid passport. If your country has a visa waiver program with Japan, no visa is needed. Otherwise, you should check with your local Japanese embassy or a travel agency. Japan doesn’t require your passport to be valid for six months after entry, but if it’s close to expiration, confirm with your airline or embassy.
  2. Money (Credit Card or Cash)
    Credit cards are widely accepted in Japan—especially at hotels and larger stores—but some places, like small ramen shops or local restaurants, still only take cash. Many machines like IC card chargers only accept cash. So it’s not just important, but more convenient to have Japanese yen with you. How to Get Cash:
    • Before departure: Exchange currency in your home country or order online (e.g. through Bank of America).
    • At the airport: Currency exchange counters are few but efficient. Getting a little cash here avoids stress in the city.
    • In the city: Exchange shops (like in Shinjuku) or ATMs—especially Seven Bank ATMs, found in 7-Eleven stores and train stations. Debit cards withdraw from your balance, but credit cards count as a cash advance (with higher fees). Check with your bank.
    Tip: MasterCard usually gives slightly better exchange rates. U.S. travelers might consider Charles Schwab’s checking account, which reimburses ATM fees and has no foreign transaction fees. Also, Japanese coins can pile up—bring a small pouch if your wallet has no coin space.
  3. Items That Are Hard to Find in Japan
    This includes:
    • Prescription medicine
    • Contact lenses
    Many medications (especially for ADHD or mental health) are restricted in Japan. Always check Japan’s import rules. For personal use, one month’s supply is allowed. Otherwise, a special approval document (formerly called yakanshomei) may be required. No legal or medical advice is provided here—please check the official site carefully. Forgot something?
    If you forget to pack certain items, don’t worry too much. Japan has great convenience options like DAISO (100 yen shops), UNIQLO (for clothes), and well-stocked drugstores. However, shopping takes time during your trip, so it’s still better to bring what you need from home.
  4. Smartphone & Connectivity
    Staying connected is essential—for navigation, communication, and using travel apps. Three connectivity options:
    • Use your current carrier’s international plan
      (e.g. Verizon’s daily travel pass, or T-Mobile/Google Fi which allow roaming in Japan)
    • Buy a SIM card
      Your phone must be unlocked. SIM cards are sold at airports, Amazon, vending machines, and stores like BIC Camera. Bring the SIM pin to open your SIM tray.
    • Use an eSIM
      The most convenient option—no physical SIM swap required. With Saily, you can choose from flexible data options, including unlimited plans, and get 15% off with the code tokyokenchan. Setup takes just a few minutes and works in many countries.
    • Rent a pocket Wi-Fi
      Ideal for group travel or if you use a laptop. Japan Wireless offers reliable Wi-Fi rental and ships it to your hotel or airport. The setup is simple, and it works well even in outdoor areas. Return it using the included envelope and drop it in any red post box.
      Use coupon code tokyokenchan20 for 20% off your rental.

Travel Health Insurance & Emergency Info

Travel insurance should cover medical emergencies, not just flight delays or luggage loss. Japan’s healthcare is affordable, but a hospital visit can still cost a lot. You can buy travel health insurance online and choose your coverage level.

Write down your country’s embassy info in Japan and keep it handy. In case of emergencies:

  • Medical emergency: Call 119
  • Police/crime issues: Call 110
  • On iPhones, holding both side buttons shows an emergency call option.
  • You can also download a printable “Emergency Card” from the Japanese police website and show it when needed.

Backpack vs. Suitcase – Which Is Better for Japan?

Both have pros and cons.

  • Backpack:
    Keeps your hands free and is good for families. But it gets heavy, and not ideal for fragile souvenirs or keeping things organized.
  • Suitcase (4 wheels):
    Easier for longer trips. You can organize better and carry souvenirs safely. Choose one with strong wheels and durable corners. Important tip:
    If you’re thinking about buying an extra suitcase in Japan to carry your souvenirs back, it’s better to bring a larger one from the beginning. Carrying two suitcases while traveling in Japan can be difficult—especially in train stations and crowded areas. The only major restriction is on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (Tokyo to Osaka). If your luggage exceeds 160cm total size (length + width + height), you’ll need to reserve a special luggage space in advance. This service is free, but mandatory for oversized luggage.

Final Tip

Keep all essential items (passport, money, phone, medications) in a small bag with you. Do not check them with your luggage or ship them between airports/hotels.

You’re now ready for Japan. In the next post, we’ll go over what to do in your first hour after landing in Japan.

Have a great trip to Japan!

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