5 things you didn't think to pack for Japan

Feb 15, 2010 5:13:06 AM

Ali Lemer
Lonely Planet Author

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There are some things that are obvious choices from your trip to Japan. Extra memory card to capture all those wild street fashions. Extra suitcase for vending machine trinkets. But tissues? Lonely Planet staffer Ali Lemer shares a few of the things she wishes she’d packed.

Non-Lacing Shoes

One of Japan’s best-known customs is removing shoes upon entering a home. But a lot of other places you might visit – ryokans, temples, museums, historical sites, even some restaurants – may require that you doff your footwear at the door, too. Make things easier for yourself – and save time – by forgoing those high lace-up boots for shoes that simply slip on and off, or else have Velcro fasteners.

Tissues

If you’re eating out casually in Japan – in cafes, getting takeaway, etc – you’ll notice that napkins often aren’t given out to customers. It’s a good idea to carry a travel packet of tissues with you for snack times (especially if you’re travelling with kids).

Washcloth

Public bathrooms in Japan usually don’t have paper towels, and there are some that don’t even have hand dryers (or else there’s only one, which might mean waiting). Keep a small towel or washcloth in your bag for drying your hands after you’ve washed them. (A cool, moist towel on your neck will also help keep you cool during Japan’s hot and humid summer.)

Hand Sanitiser

Similarly, some bathrooms you encounter may not even have soap, especially on shinkansen (bullet trains). A small bottle of hand sanitiser will come in handy, even for the non-germophobes.

Umbrella

Even if you’re visiting outside of ‘plum rain’ season (June and July), Japan’s island-weather system means it can rain almost any time of the year. Inexpensive umbrellas are available for purchase, of course, but they don’t fold up, and you may find that a compact travel umbrella is easier to carry when the sun comes out again.

Want a sneak preview of cherry blossom season? Watch this traveller’s video.

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Comments

16 February 2010 11:22AM mrjwhouser Report this comment
I would also bring mosquito repellent if you plan to walk outdoors a lot. I was bitten three times in one day during a tour of Kyoto. This was in October during the late part of the Japanese summer.
2 March 2010 6:48PM kuri Report this comment
I only agree with one of these, the shoes and that's because you probably wont be able to find your size here. You will be handed free tissues outside train stations that's advertising internet cafes, pachinko parlors or hostess bars & for the rest, head into a 100 yen shop & pick them up for 105 yen each along with trinkety souvenirs for the ones you love. I might recommend a slightly more expensive umbrella if you are planning on heading out on windy days.
10 March 2010 4:34PM remelila Report this comment
Another good tip, mrjwhouser! My first time to Kyoto was in October, too, and the mosquitoes at Fushimi Inari temple ate me up like I was a bowl of edamame.
Kuri, you have a good point -- on my first (early autumn) trip to Japan I was given a lot of free tissues. However, on my most recent (winter) trip, I didn't see many tissues people at the train stations at all, especially outside of peak hours.
(The shoes tip was based on my boyfriend, who brought his favourite army boots along but soon started to regret it!)
21 April 2010 8:07AM melsenpai Report this comment
I would also recommend 2 things that most people don't think (or even bother) to bring:
1. A map of the city. There's already a nice handy fold out map in the back of your travel guide, so why not put it to good use. You'll be surprised how much you'll be looking at it, since most of the streets don't even connect OR even travel in a straight line in Tokyo. Plus, reading an address is darn near impossible. There are no house numbers with a direct street name, and everything is based by block, row, and building number. So, it's easier to pull out that map and count the number of blocks.
2. Bring a compass. Any cheap plastic compass will do as long as it points correctly North etc. My boyfriend and I used a compass and map throughout our entire stay in Tokyo, and we NEVER had to ask for directions once! Using the compass, as long as you know the general direction that you want to go in...then this is the best tool.
25 April 2010 3:09AM pictureperfect Report this comment
Hello,
If you are not used to eating alot of rice, bring
some FIBRE.