Are you packing for your next awesome trip to Tokyo? Here are Tokyo Top Guide tips on packing the perfect suitcase for Japan.
What size Suitcase Should I Take To Tokyo?
Compared with Westerners, who often pack large suitcases, Japanese people tend to travel with smaller size luggage around the country. As a result, there usually isn’t a wide space to store large luggage in trains (including the shinkansen – the bullet train).
Coin lockers in subway stations aren’t large enough to hold big suitcases either. Subway stations in Tokyo consist of endless pathways; some include stairs (and no elevators). Planning to use the subway with luggage in hand is not good.
For better suggestions on how to arrive at your hotel, see the page on traveling from Narita Airport.
How Much Money Should I Take To Japan
long gone are the days when you need to withdraw huge amounts of money before arriving in Tokyo. There are plenty of ATMs around the airport and in convenience stores to withdraw cash once you arrive.
Many stores and restaurants might not accept credit cards, so it’s good to make a habit of keeping a few 10,000 yen notes (approx $100us) in your wallet.
Money Lingo: It’s sometimes easier and less taxing on the vocal muscles to use the Japanese names for notes.
1000 yen = Sen Yen
10,000 yen = Ichi man yen
Shoes & socks
Since it’s a Japanese custom to take off your shoes indoors, you might have to often take off your shoes. Pack a pair of shoes that you can slip off and on easily.
Make sure to put on your checklist comfortable shoes for walking; you’ll be doing a lot of that. Be sure to pack your best-looking socks and pantyhose to avoid any embarrassment when you take off your shoes.
Pro Tip: You can buy clean socks from the convenience store or 100yen shops if you run out
A small towel
One of the best travel tips I got before visiting Tokyo for the first time was from a friend of mine who lived there for a few years with her family. She told me to carry a mini-towel in my bag so I could dry my hands.
I must say it sounded strange, and it took me a few days to understand why and follow that advice. Most restrooms, in spite of their extreme cleanliness, do not provide paper towels. Carrying a mini towel is a very common Japanese thing to do.
What Clothes Should I Pack For Tokyo?
Casual clothes are fine for sightseeing, but most Tokyo citizens dress very formally. A suit or a jacket for men and long shorts are okay, as long as they are clean-cut and the beach look is avoided.
Women usually wear Skirts and high heels. Revealing clothes are not common among Japanese women. Women are likely to feel very out of place in shorts or cleavage.
Men and women tend to dress in classic colors – black, blue, brown, and grey. You can always spot the number of tourists in a particular area by counting the bright-colored jackets.
Shirts for men are usually blue or white. Other colors are worn, but classic colors are a safe option if you want to blend in with the crowd.
Men should avoid black ties, and women should avoid an all-black look – since this is the funeral attire.
Some tips for seasonal clothing
Packing warm clothing is a must in winter. The wind is freezing cold. Your list should include Gloves, long underwear, a scarf, and a warm knitted hat.
Winter is very dry, and people with sensitive skin should pack their favorite skin lotion in abundance. Wet season – pack an umbrella. In the summer – cotton clothing is the best.
Most places are air-conditioned, so put a light jacket on your checklist. Autumn and spring tips – packing light jackets and sweaters is recommended. Evening clothing must be warmer since the temperatures drop drastically.
Can I use my electric appliances when I travel to tokyo?
The electricity in Tokyo is 100 volts. If you need to bring any appliances from your own country, make sure to pack a converter or plug. American appliances can be used in Japan without a converter, although they will have less power.
If your appliances are three-pronged, you need a plug since Japanese appliances are two-pronged. If you forget to put a converter on your packing checklist – you can purchase converters and plugs in the airport shops.
Mosquito repellent
If you’re visiting during the summer season, you’re likely to find mosquitoes in parks and gardens. You can find mosquito repellents in Japanese drugstores.
Your Tokyo Trip Packing Checklist
- Visa
- Check the expiration date of your passport (for Tokyo – it must be at least 6 months before expiration)
- Airline Tickets
- Japanese yen in cash
- Travel Insurance
- Credit and ATM cards (although there are few ATM spots in Tokyo)
- Tokyo hotel vouchers
- Flight timetables
- Photocopies of your passport and other documents
- Walking shoes
- Great socks
- Your Prescription Medicine
- A few Mini- towels
- Name and address of your Tokyo hotel in Japanese and in English
- Insect repellent
- Electrical converter
