Japan: Travel Must-Haves

1) Coin Purse

Cash is widely used in Japan and many places are cash only. Japan uses coins up to 500 Yen, which is about $3.50 USD, so you can pay for a lot of things in coins. Coins are also very useful as there are vending machines at every corner, so as long as you have coins, you'll never be dehydrated on your trip!

2) IC Card

An IC (integrated circuit) card is your key around Japan. They are rechargeable transit passes that give you access to local and national train rails, buses, and can even be accepted at some vending and plush claw machines. They can be purchased at the train station or downloaded to your Apple wallet. Unfortunately, the mobile option is only available to iPhone users. IC cards work in multiple cities so you don't have to buy a new one for city you're visiting. Popular brands are Suica, Icoca, and Pasmo. To recharge your card at the train station, you have to recharge with a minimum of 1000 JPY, and it is cash only. If you have the IC card on your phone, you can add any amount at any time to your card, which makes it very convenient.

3) Image Translation App

A lot menus and signs are only in Japanese (no English), so it is extremely helpful to have an image translation app. This can also be helpful when you're buying Japanese products and need to read the descriptions/ instructions. 

4) Expandable Umbrella

You never really know when it's going to rain in Japan, so it's a good idea to carry a small expandable umbrella in your bag whenever you're out. You'll see a lot of people carrying clear umbrellas, which can be purchased at Lawson's or 7/ll, etc., but they can get bulky and in the way when you're traveling. 

5) Packable Raincoat 

Same with #4, it rains randomly throughout the day so it's best to carry a packable raincoat. This is probably why Uniqlo (Japanese retailer) makes so many lightweight packable rain jackets; they're small enough to carry in a bag and super convenient to take out when it starts drizzling.

6) Soap Sheets

Although Japan has many clean public bathrooms, they don't always have soap due to the amount of people that uses it throughout the day. I carried a small case of soap sheets that lather up under water as your your hands, and they worked out great! They're super small and very convenient to use.

7) Washcloth

Along with #6, public bathrooms often don't have hand dryers or paper towels, so it's useful to carry one in your bag to quickly dry off your hands. Keeping a washcloth in your bag is also useful for wiping off your sweat. It gets really hot and humid in Japan, so this was a great way to stay cool and look great in photos.

8) Comfortable Shoes

It's a no brainer to wear comfortable shoes when you're traveling, but I would stay away from canvas or mesh shoes due to the amount of rain in Japan. No one wants to walk around with wet socks all day.

9) Small Plastic Bag

Japan is pretty clean but surprisingly, they don't have a lot of public trash cans! People often carry their trash with them and dispose of it at home. Because of this, you can carry a small plastic store bag in your bag/ purse to hold your trash (packaging from snacks, plastic water bottles, wrappers, etc.).

10) Bring Your Appetite (and Pepto)

Last but not least, don't forget to bring your appetite! Japan is home to so many unique dishes, you don't want to miss out on any of the delicious eats! Although Japanese street food is generally safe to eat, it never hurts to bring some Peptobismal just in case you get an upset stomach. It can be difficult to find this in Japan if you need it. You usually have to go to the pharmacy to find it, and all the bottles are written in Japanese.