Tokyo Travel Essentials: 13 must-have items

With nearly 37 million residents. Tokyo, JapanCurrently, is the largest metropolitan area in the entire world. The futuristic skyscrapers meet the sci-fi neon city lights ancient shrines dating back to 645 AD This bustling city is both technologically advanced and steeped with history. As someone who was lucky enough to explore Tokyo’s most notable highlights and landmarks, I’ve experienced this city’s unique blend of modern conveniences and age-old customs—and all of the unique travel quirks that this mashup entails.

Looking back at my first trip to Tokyo, I am eager to return to Japan in the future. Admittedly, there are some tips I wish I had known about beforehand—like the absence of public trash cans—and some handy essentials I didn’t pack that would have made a world of difference during my travels. Want to know which ones? travel must-haves What should I pack for my return trip? Continue reading to find out what I would recommend packing for your trip to Tokyo. organizational carry-on bags, comfy, on-trend sneakers. zippered coin pursesStarts at just $4

33,000ft Packable Rain Jacket

While some major cities in Japan offer free umbrella rental services—a major perk during the country’s rainy season—access isn’t always guaranteed. Always carry a spare umbrella rain jacket Bring a travel umbrella when you visit Tokyo. If you are caught in a sudden shower, you will be grateful you had one. It’s important to bring an umbrella with you when touring Tokyo. If you get caught in a surprise shower, it will be a relief that one was brought. pint-sized rain coat This raincoat is far superior to plastic ponchos. Not only does it have four functional waterproof zippered pocket, but also an adjustable drawcord waistband and hood. And, you can neatly pack it into its own pouch. The underarm zipper vents allow for air flow on hot days.

Bagsmart 4-in-1 Duffel Bag

You can find closets and wardrobes in many larger Tokyo hotels. However, if you are staying in a capsule hotel or public hostel you may not have access to personal storage. Bring a bag to organize your items in case you are unable unpack it. travel bag that has plenty of pockets. Bagsmart’s duffel bag is on sale at $32 and has many exterior and interior pockets to keep your shoes, clothes, and toiletries separate. This bag can be worn either as a shoulder or backpack.

Fenfen KN95 Disposable Face Masks

The rest of the world has had to adapt quickly to wearing face masks Japanese residents were ten steps ahead during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Face masks, which are used to stop illnesses spreading, have been worn in Japan since years. As such, wearing one when you’re sick is considered a common courtesy. I suggest putting a few N-95 disposable masks in your bag. If you ever catch a cold or have allergies, you will always be prepared. 

Buy Hiqu and Hist Reusable 6-Pack Shopping Bags

From clothing stalls in Harajuku to electronics outlets in Shinjuku, there’s no shortage of shopping opportunities in Tokyo—and all across Japan, for that matter. I suggest slipping in an extra 100. reusable shopping bag Keep a bag or two with you to collect souvenirs and trinkets on the go. This six pack includes a selection of colorful, printed shopping bags. Each bag folds neatly up into its own pouch. It also comes with a metal clasp that can be attached to your bag or key. 

Taketoday Collapsible Water Bottle

Tokyo’s street corners are dotted with vending machines that sell water, green-tea, coffee and juice. While the ability to buy a drink anytime, anywhere was one of my favorite perks about Japanese city life, it made it way too easy to blow my spending money on water bottles—and once I reached the leg of my trip that was outside Finding these vending machine in the big cities is much harder. 

I would recommend throwing away a collapsible water bottle Just in case, keep a spare in your luggage. Taketoday’s option is leakproof, and it neatly rolls into itself so that you can fit less in your bag or backpack. It’s worth it to have a refillable water bottle with you in places where vending machines may not be as common, such as on hiking trips or when exploring ancient temples. 

Dickies Women’s Advanced Dri-Tech Moisture-wicking socks 6-pack

In Japan, it is common to remove your footwear before entering a restaurant, temple, shrine, or home as a way to show respect and maintain cleanliness. If you’re planning to wear sandals to explore Tokyo, you should pack a pair in your daybag in case you need to remove them. These moisture-wicking crew socks Dickies shoes are comfortable, supportive and breathable. They have a cushioned sole and compression all over. 

Doris & Jacky Leather Zipper Coin Purse

In Japan, paper currency is a common thing. However, yen coins are also widely used. The Right Way to Buy The United States coin has more purchasing power. Since this nation is very reliant on coins for smaller transactions, I recommend always carrying a coin wallet with you. Amazon has tons of cute coin purses That capture the kawaii style of Japanese street fashion. What is the example? This adorable leather cat coin purse from Doris & Jacky, which has an attached keychain for clipping it onto your day bag, and fully zips to keep your coins from falling out.

Zippered Passport Wallet, Zoppen

​Between the punctual city buses and lightning-fast Shinkansen bullet train, Japan prides itself on having an exceptional public transportation system. But keeping track of your travel documents can be tricky—especially when you’re stuck trying to navigate the train station in the middle of rush hour, while hundreds of locals are zipping around you to get home. Keep your passport, tickets, ID cards and cash well organized, especially if you’re visiting big cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. 

Amazon offers a wide range of products. passport wallets Zoppen’s wallet is one of my favorites. One of the reasons it’s so popular is that you can zip everything up, ensuring nothing gets lost. There are also multiple card slots, pouches, and pockets to hold your passport, cards, money, coins, tickets, and more. The interior keychain can be used to store the keys to your room, locker or day bag.

Hotouch Womens Oversized Button Down Shirt

A lightweight button-down shirt This is a must for packing in Japan. It’s important to dress modestly and neatly. There are no rules about how visitors must dress. This is not to say that you should pack only modest pieces. You can also bring some statement pieces. I recommend reserving your best looks for Harajuku.Remember that Japan tends to be more conservative with regards to clothing. This simple, over-sized button-down can be worn as a cover up, with trousers to go out for dinner, or to dress up a pair of jeans. 

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Disposable Bag Dispenser

Japan is among the cleanest places I have ever visited, even though there are very few trash cans in public areas. Locals take their trash with them to their homes at the end each day and dispose of it in their own private containers. Although a 7/11 plastic bag will work in an emergency, it is easier to keep your trash separated inside your day bag by carrying small trash bags. This disposable bag dispenser This clip is from Arm and Hammer and contains a roll containing diaper trash bags. They are lavender-scented and perfect for food wrappers and crushed cans. 

Furtalk Women’s Widebrim Sun Hat

Summer in Japan can be hot and humid—it is a chain of islands, after all—and the sun can quickly become your worst enemy while exploring the cities on foot. My baseball cap didn’t provide enough shade, and now I regret not packing one. Next time, I will make sure to bring a hat with a large brim, like this option from FurtalkOn sale for just $27. It has UPF80+ sun protection and an adjustable chin-strap. It can also be folded up to fit in a suitcase without damaging its shape. 

Reebok Women’s Classic Az Legacy Sneakers

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for a Japan trip, as you will be walking quite a bit. Tokyo is also a major fashion hub, alongside New York City and London. If you’re planning on walking thousands of feet in and out of major cities, then I recommend choosing a pair fashion-forward sneakers, such as these Reebok Classic Legacy sneakers, $75. According to, they have a retro low-profile style that’s in fashion right now. The shoes are constructed with EVA, foam footbeds, and a heel pad that allows you to “walk about all day without issues.” one five-star reviewer. The neutral colors make it easy to wear with anything, even if you are planning on wearing a bold print.

Copyleaf Women’s Cargo Pants with Parachute

Packing shorts and pants without pockets or with only minimal pockets was my biggest mistake when visiting Japan. After climbing Mount Fuji wearing a pair pocketless leggings I will never visit Japan without packing at least two pairs of cargo pants. These roomy parachute cargo pants are functional but stylish and—especially for Tokyo, a city known for being a street fashion hub. Currently available for $25, this pair of cargo pants is functional and stylish. Copyleaf pants These pants feature multiple pockets so you can keep all your essentials at hand. They’re also made of a fast-drying fabric blend that won’t weight you down during humid weather.

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