Packing for Japan

YOUR JAPANESE CHECKLIST!

(image from Angelina Litvin )

A trip is always exciting, especially to one of the most popular destinations! If you're hesitant about what should be included in your luggage, we here provide you a comprehensive guide to what you should pack for Japan.

·      Passport and flight tickets - for obvious reason :)

·      Driver’s license - although this may be not your major identification in Japan, this would be an important info when you come back home.

·      Travel insurance – if you have one.

·      Visa/MasterCard – credit card payment is prevalent in Japan, international ATMs can also be found on the street or in the shopping centres, this can be your main payment method as this attracts the least currency exchange fees.

·      Cash of your own country – although Visa/MasterCard are widely accepted in Japan, there are occasions that only accept cash, e.g. kiosks in shrines or temples, street food stalls etc., thus when you arrive at the airport, you should buy some Japanese Yen, ¥20,000 is a good amount (225 AUD) to start with.

·      Charging adaptors – Japan uses different wall sockets from Australia, if you can’t find them in your local shops, don’t worry, many international airports sell them.

Japanese plug

·      Clothes – it really depends on the weather, summer and autumn in Japan are mild, while spring and winter could be freezing with snow, generally, you will need:

o  A pair of comfortable walking shoes

o  A pair of thongs

o  At least 3 underwear

o  Lightweight and fashionable clothes

o  Belt

o  Sunglasses

·      Electronics – you may want to include some electronic device to keep your boring flight entertaining, but make sure you pack the relevant chargers!

o  iPad

o  Camera, lenses

o  Phone

·      Emergency kit – some medications from your nation are handy, there’re pharmacy stores in Japan everywhere, however, unless you can understand Japanese, the language barrier could make the condition worse.

Last but not least, your curiosity! Japan is a very unique country, you will love immersing yourself into exploration!


Posted by Joe Zhou