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Japan travel packing list
Tokyo page Kyoto Osaka Hokkaido
This is a carry-on minded checklist for a Japan trip from Canada. Get the bag organized, keep your phone charged, and leave room for omiyage on the way home, because you will buy the boxed sweets.
This is a packing and logistics list only. It is not medical or health advice.
Packing principles
- Walkability first. Comfortable shoes matter more than a third jacket. You'll be on trains and city streets all day.
- Layers. Trains and shops are often cooler or warmer than the street.
- Leave space. Gifts and snacks take up more room on the way home than you'd expect.
- Cash and cards. Cards work in many places now, but some yen still helps at smaller shops, shrines and in rural areas.
Gear checklist
- Compression packing cubes keep outfits sorted in a suitcase or backpack. Compression packing cubes on Amazon.ca
- Universal travel adapter (Type A) for Japanese outlets. Universal travel adapter (Type A) on Amazon.ca
- Memory-foam neck pillow for the long-haul flight or an overnight bus. Memory-foam neck pillow on Amazon.ca
- RFID passport wallet holds your passport and cards in one slim pouch. RFID passport wallet on Amazon.ca
- Compact daypack for temples, stations and konbini runs. Compact daypack on Amazon.ca
- Packable rain shell, a light layer for sudden showers. Packable rain shell on Amazon.ca
- 10,000 mAh power bank for days spent leaning on maps. 10,000 mAh power bank on Amazon.ca
Before you fly
These live on our directory pages, so no new links are needed here:
- Travel insurance for Canadians: TuGo, linked from the "Plan your trip" box on each major prefecture page.
- Tours and activities: GetYourGuide and Klook links on the Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido pages.
- eSIM: Mobal Japan eSIMs, or compare options on our eSIM page.
Practical tips
- Plugs: Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat pins, like Canada) at 100 V. Many Canadian dual-voltage chargers work fine. Check the label on your device before you rely on it, and bring an adapter for anything with a three-prong plug.
- Cash: keep some yen on you for small shops and shrines.
- Escalators: stand on the left in Tokyo and on the right in Osaka. Yes, really.
FAQ
How light should I pack for Japan?
Plenty of travellers manage one to two weeks with a carry-on and a personal item, as long as they plan to do laundry. Pack layers and good walking shoes.
Do I need a special power adapter?
Japan uses Type A plugs at 100 V. Many dual-voltage chargers work with a simple plug adapter, but check your device label first.
Where should I book activities?
Our Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido directory pages link to GetYourGuide and Klook.
Is this medical advice?
No. This is a packing and logistics list only. It is not medical or health advice.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. NorthWest Wa may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.