@KenshoQuest
A power bank to keep my phone charged while out and about! That's one of my essentials, along with phone, money, and passport. 🌸Heidi
@H.pylori
For those viewing this video, let me warn you...he is ABSOLUTELY CORRECT ON ALL POINTS!!! We were in Japan in October and had one of those large suitcases that had more "stuff" than we needed and was like an albatross around our necks. We found that the best thing to do at the airport was to use the Yamato transport (I call them the Cat Transport). If you get to the airport before 5 PM you can get same day delivery to your hotel. They are fast and efficient. For quick meals and snacks the Family Marts and Lawsons and 7-11s have great freshly packed meals, but just about everything you need to survive. Check out his other videos for great and timely advice.
@ulvesparker
I agree with most of your tips. Nice video. I always travel with an extra pair of shoes of a different type to change into (to air out one pair alternating days, give your feet a relief, and just in case something happens, like getting soaked in a downpour). Never never wear new (un-broken in) shoes. Japan is a humid or rainy climate a good part of the year. I recommend linen, silk, or thin merino wool, and loose, ventilated clothing in layers. To each their own, but I don't recommend shorts if you are an adult. Wet wipes. I always carried wet wipes (everywhere I travel), and a bandana/scarf/handkerchief to use as a towel, sweat mop, or just to sit on. That suitcase within a suitcase technique is what I use for Japan. I enter Jspan with a backpack worth of personal luggage, but always leave with 2 to 3 full bags of loot. It just happens because there are too many cool things to buy. I use the "homebase" method... like getting a hotel in one place, say, Osaka, and then going to Nara, Kobe, Kyoto, Lake Biwa from there. Then move to a new base and do the same thing. It minimizes the luggage schlepping and feels more relaxed having a familiar "home" to return to. Best money exchange rate was surprisingly from 7-11. Avoid the tempting airport and hotel exchange counters. A coin purse or a coin organizer (from Daiso) will definitely make life easier. Those little aluminum 1¥ coins are virtually unspendable. 5¥ coins with the little hole are good for temple offerings. 100¥ coins are the most useful everywhere. Also many banks require a hanko (signature stamp) which non-Japanese do not possess. I LOVE kombinis, but, don't forget Japanese supermarkets also for less expensive, often better food and selection. We started shopping and eating more like a local and some of the modern service things in a supermarket were eye-opening.
@Pug-Daddy
As someone from Texas, Japan isn't hot, it's the humidity that beats you down. Also, if you are a big body, you are very limited on clothing options so you will need to pack more clothes vs. someone small enough to wear the clothes being sold at most stores there.
@hokuotaku9027
Two pairs of shoes is a must. 😊. You will have less blisters and hot spots, give your feet a break. You mentioned temperature but not HUMIDITY! Summer is worse than Georgia or Florida. Have fun!
@traceybell3673
Thanks for the great tips. One thing I would say for women is that if you're tall or wear a shoe size larger than the usual Japanese size range, it may be difficult to find clothes / shoes at a regular store. I'm 5'8" and wear size 41 (size 10 in American sizes), and when I lived in Tokyo, I had to shop at a 'Tall girls' type of shop and the special sizes floor of a giant shoe store.
@ezpoppy55
I was in Tokyo last month (March ‘25). My second trip in two years. I had a terrific time! Even managed to catch a baseball game at Tokyo Dome: the Chicago Cubs v Tokyo Giants! The comment about the umbrella was spot on. I got one of the ubiquitous clear umbrellas across the street from my hotel in Shinjuku in a pharmacy for less than $5.00. I was eating the next day in a small restaurant, which had an umbrella stand to leave them outside the eatery. After my meal I went out and, lo and behold, my umbrella was gone! No worries, as I scooted across the street to a Family Mart and bought another one. That one did not get taken! I packed much lighter this second time than the first trip. I like your idea about buying a suitcase there to carry home souvenirs. Next time I go, I’m going to do that. Great video! Thanks for the tips!
@melodykim425
It helps to choose some tops that are quick dry/wrinkle free in case you don’t have access to laundry facilities. I try to book hotels that have laundry at alternate stops. Wear slip on shoes and socks in good condition if you’re visiting shrines, restaurants or homes. Bare feet is bad form. Buy an umbrella in Japan - they are super super compact and lightweight and provide great UV protection. Loft and Tokyu Hands have good selection.
@Arkiejuice
14:14 Pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient in Sudafed. It generally keeps you awake instead of making you sleepy. It can also be used in the manufacturing of methamphetamines, which is probably the reason it is illegal there. It is also the reason pharmacies keep it behind the counter now.
@shawnbell6392
For those going, the whole infrastructure is not designed for large or lots of luggage so make every effort to take no more than one medium size suitcase, couples should share a suitcase IMO. Stay at hotels rather than Airbnb. You will have staff as a resource who can make reservations for you and access to luggage forwarding services. Most hotels are located close to a station. Learn and follow train etiquette for Japan, this is one of the most important cultural things!!! And do travel light, I take one bag with three t shirts and an extra pair of pants and it works fine for a two week trip and I have room to bring things back.
@madlorraine16
I carried a small pouch in my bag that had compressed towelettes for bathroom and messy snacks, small trash bags and a nail clipper. Also, your backpack should be waterproof or have a rain cover for it. You dont want your purchases getting wet. Totally agree on the blowup travel pillow and cover in a sweatshirt or scarf to soften it. Saves a lot of weight in your bag.
@pa-pawlly
Love the video and all around great tips!! I did find it hard to find a refillable fountain, it’s more convenient buying a bottle at the convenient store in the morning. It also saves space and weight of lugging a large bottle around. Also, if you don’t care about keeping a transit card as a souvenir, getting one via Apple/Samsung pay is a game changer. You can easily access the card and refill it on your phone as well. Bonus tip, the larger airports (NRT/HND/KIX) have duty free shops where you can purchase snacks meant for sharing (like Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory, Tokyo Banana, NY Perfect Cheese, etc)
@pacifistattack
Some of these I had not thought of, so this was helpful. One note though for larger people, you will have a much harder time finding clothing to purchase, so you will probably want to pack more of it when you travel to Japan.
@randomanime6757
Thank you for making this, I tend to over pack so this is super helpful! I’m going for a full semester as a study abroad student so I think I’ll get a larger luggage to keep my souvenirs in my dorm and use a smaller day bag for my day to day and small excursions.
@KeithFaulkinGo
Power bank is a big one. Gotta keep that phone charged to be able to translate things 🤣
@nihon94b
You have covered all the main points for Tourists visiting Japan, short simple and easy to understand. Good video.
@6yhfdeeggjuuj
ON shoes for sure 👍🏻
@dchin3055
Thanks for the tips. One item we bring is disinfectant wipes for the plane(tray table, arm rest, buckle,head rest window seat wall) and places we stay in (remote,door knob,light switch)
@katsumixv
I'm going to Japan for a competition this July and I've been watching a bunch of these travel/packing tips videos in preparation haha. This one was very helpful!! Thank you for the great tips! I'm very excited to finally go visit!
@Jasonbrownneedscoffee