Japan: What to Pack

With its eclectic blend of modernity and antiquity, Japan holds wonder after wonder. Here's a guide of what to pack for Japan without developing traveler’s stoop.

Bags – The general consensus among travelers is that backpacks are best - they're often hardier and are much easier when you get to steps or uneven pavements.

Documents – Your passport and visa should be top of your to-pack list. On your to-do list, add: Photocopy passport, and put copies in main bag and hand luggage. Leave another copy with a parent or someone reliable - if you do lose your passport, it'll make things much easier.

Clothes – Most places in Japan get cold in the winter, when the temperatures can fall well into the minuses, so warm clothes are needed if you're going then. Take something waterproof if you're going to be there during the June wet season.

Shoes – Pack footwear that's comfortable and suitable for whatever time of year you're going. If you're buying shoes especially for your trip, wear them a few times before you leave to minimize the risk of blisters.

Camera – Pack a good quality camera and lots of film or memory cards and you can click away at the cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji!

Toiletries – You can probably buy your brand of toiletries, and hundreds more, in Tokyo and other cities. If that seems like a waste of time, pack the essentials. Buying travel-size bottles might seem like a good idea but unless you buy a few, and throw them away as you use them, it's worth packing normal-sized ones. Conditioner can be used as shaving gel, facial wash as shower gel, moisturizer as cleanser etc. If you're traveling with someone, you might want to share toiletries.

First aid kit – Having a basic first aid kit can save you trips to the chemist - consider packing diarrhea treatments, band-aids (including blister plasters), scissors, painkillers, bandages, tweezers and antiseptic wipes.

Guide books - It's entirely up to you how much you use a guide book. Some people follow their recommendations religiously while others prefer to discover the best restaurants and sights for themselves.

Pen and paper – Writing materials will probably become more useful than you think - for annotating your guide book, jotting down bus times or directions, writing postcards or a game of Pictionary when words or sign language fail!

Adapter – If you want to plug in chargers or any other electrical items, you'll need an adapter as the voltage is different from the USA.