🎒 Packing List

Essentials

• Passport (valid 6+ months)
• Travel insurance docs
• Phone + charger
• Portable battery pack
• Headphones
• Wallet + cash (Japan is still cash-heavy)
• IC Card (get at airport: Suica/ICOCA)

Clothing (Late Nov — Autumn, 10-18°C)

• Light jacket / layers
• Long pants ×3
• T-shirts ×4
• Warm sweater
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Umbrella (November can be rainy)

Tech

• Universal power adapter (Japan uses Type A, same as US)
• Pocket WiFi or SIM card (order in advance)
• Camera

Useful Apps

• Google Maps — transit times in Japan
• Google Translate — camera translate for menus
• Navitime — Japan-specific train schedules
• XE Currency — live exchange rates
• PayPay — Japan's QR payment app

Tips

• Japan is very clean — no public bins, carry a small bag for trash
• Cash is king at small shops — withdraw yen at 7-Eleven ATMs
• Remove shoes when entering temples, ryokans, some restaurants
• No tipping in Japan