Japan Packing List
What to pack for Autumn
A curated packing list for your trip in autumn Japan, covering Tokyo neon nights, Kyoto temple gardens, and the Nakasendo trail through the Kiso Valley. Built for layered weather, slip-on shoes, and respect for ritual.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Cash still expected at small spots
Cards work for about 80% of big-city transactions, but ryokans, small shops, rural buses, and many shrines remain cash-only. Keep ¥5,000–¥10,000 in your wallet daily; withdraw at 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs.
IC cards: physical or iPhone-only mobile
Pick up Suica or Pasmo at any major station (sales fully resumed March 2025), or add Suica to your iPhone wallet. Most non-Japan-bought Androids cannot do mobile Suica.
Tipping is not done
Service is included, and tipping can confuse or even offend. A small bow and a sincere "arigatou gozaimasu" goes far.
Shoes off, often
At ryokans, temples, traditional restaurants, and many cafes. Slip-ons make the day far easier.
Quiet on the trains
No phone calls. Texts and music with headphones only. Locals model the etiquette beautifully.
Trash bins are rare
Most public bins were removed in the 90s. Carry a small ziplock for wrappers and bottles until you find one.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Layered for cool mornings and warm afternoons. One nicer outfit for kaiseki dinners.
Shoes
You will walk 12+ km daily and remove shoes a hundred times. Pack accordingly.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Japanese drugstores are excellent and affordable. Pack light, restock at Don Quijote.
Health & Medications
Japanese pharmacies stock fewer Western brands. Bring a small kit.
Documents & Money
Cash is still king. Get yen at airport ATMs or 7-Eleven on arrival.
Tech & Electronics
Japan uses Type A plugs (US-style) at 100V. Most US/EU electronics work fine.
Luggage & Organization
Train-friendly bags only. Many stations have stairs and limited lifts.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flights need a survival kit. Shinkansen rides reward a snack and a podcast.
Weather & Climate Gear
Autumn is mild but brings sudden rain. Mountains drop 5-10°C from cities.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Respect for ritual matters. Modesty at temples, quiet at gardens.
Safety & Precautions
Japan is one of the safest countries on earth. Lost items often come back.
Japan travel FAQ
- Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
- Visa-free, 90 days for most travelers. US, UK, EU, and most other passports enter without a visa. JESTA pre-authorization launches in fiscal year 2028.
- What currency does Japan use?
- Japan's currency is the JPY ¥. Carry a card plus some local cash for smaller vendors.
- What power plugs and outlets are used in Japan?
- Japan uses Type A/B, 100V outlets, so pack a suitable travel adapter (and a voltage check for high-draw devices).
- Which season is this Japan packing list built for?
- This guide is tailored for Autumn (Sep–Nov) in Japan. Use the live weather and your trip dates to fine-tune the list.
- What should I pack for Japan?
- A curated packing list for your trip in autumn Japan, covering Tokyo neon nights, Kyoto temple gardens, and the Nakasendo trail through the Kiso Valley. Built for layered weather, slip-on shoes, and respect for ritual. The full checklist covers 118 curated items across clothing, footwear, electronics, toiletries, and documents, with carry-on and "required on arrival" items flagged.