The first time I traveled to Japan, there were several things I wished I had in my bag. After several stops to public restrooms left me with dripping hands, I needed a hand towel.
Not to mention a pass-holder for my Suica transit card would’ve been nice instead of swiping my entire wallet across the reader, or even worse – letting the pass raw-dog a pocket or bottom of a purse.
Plus, we were on a pretty tight schedule that didn’t allow for too much browsing time.
Luckily, souvenir shops and even regular ol’ stores carry those and more, but at the time I had no idea how easy it is to kit out your “everyday carry” so to speak.
So these are my personal daily essentials living in Japan. And for those of you vacationing here soon – this is a guide for you too.
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What's in my bag
Everyone has different needs and wants while traveling abroad. A far cry from my first time in Japan, I now keep a variety of helpful items in my Mokuyobi sling bag (not an affiliate link… just obsessed with their designs and quality).
Typically I’m the magic-bag-of-holding type of person who has everything but the kitchen sink in their pack, so take this with a grain of salt.
While I don’t keep every single item on the list in my bag 100% of the time, I’ll often swap things in and out depending on the weather or what I’m doing that day or week.
Check out the video for a tour of all my EDC items, or keep reading for the breakdown! I’ve separated this bag tour into a few core categories:
Must Haves
- Keys
- Wallet
- Pass card (ie. Suica, Passmo, or digital wallet card) & Lanyard
- Mask
- Phone
- Hand towel
- Hand Sanitizer
- Tissues and/or Handkerchief
- Medicine sachet
- Sunscreen
Personal Care
- Lotion
- Lipgloss
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair wax
- Compact mirror
- Deodorant or Perfume
- Sunglasses
- Nail File
- Floss
@shiawasekat Shout out to my sibling who embroidered the pineapple onto the handkerchief for me!! And honorable mention to the tote bag on the side, which is filled with random plastic bags that I also carry around with me 9 times outta 10. Also I rly need those mini soaps/soap sheets bc they never have soap in random bathrooms out here either 🥲 #PremiereRush #whatsinmybag #everydaycarry #everydaycarrybag #japan #livinginjapan #japantok #fyp #bagtour #mokuyobithreads #bag ♬ Jazz Bossa Nova - TOKYO Lonesome Blue
For me personally, sunscreen, lipgloss, and a medicine sachet are absolute must-haves, though everyone may not feel the same (though I really insist on the medicine and sunscreen).
After all, the last thing you want on a trip is to have a searing headache or upset stomach with no relief (shout out to all the migraine and upset tummy girlies out there).
And in my experience, with so much to see and do, there’s not usually time to stop back at your hotel.
While you can pick up medicine in Japan, if you don’t read Japanese, it can be difficult to identify the right kind of medication you need. So I would definitely prioritize it.
Tips for your bag when Traveling to Japan
As many of you may know from traveling abroad, some of these things are nice, but how necessary are they?
That depends on how long you’re in Japan, for what purpose, and where of course!
These are just a few tips on packing your everyday carry so you don’t miss out on any experiences.
Download and print the free “What to Pack – Bag Edition” PDF
So you never forget what to pack in your bag when you’re in Japan!
1. Check the weather
I can’t count how many times it has just spontaneously started downpouring as I’m leaving a station or mall. Don’t get caught in a moist situation–
Before you leave your hotel or hostel, take a look at the forecast for the area.
This can be crucial in determining whether you’ll need an umbrella, coat, or poncho. Or if you’ll need a fan or water bottle so as not to get heat exhaustion.
Hand and pocket warmers are also a good addition during Winter.
2. Take a Couple Extra Tote Bags
While Japan is well-known for its plastic bag usage, believe it or not, this has been going down in recent years.
Clerks at convenience stores will often ask if you need a bag, and many places have taken a page out of California’s book and have added a nominal fee – usually 10 cents or so to buy one.
While you can certainly get one, having a larger backpack or a tote stored away gives you more flexibility while you’re touring the country.
3. Wifi & Chargers
Making sure your devices are all charged before you set out is all well and good, but having a charger will make your life easier.
Alternatively, if you don’t have one, Lawson convenience stores actually have portable chargers available to borrow and drop off at another location. You do have to sign up on their app to use it, however.
Nowadays plenty of restaurants, cafes, etc. also have charge ports so even keeping a charging cable handy is a good idea.
Also, depending on your preference, you can get SIM cards and ditch the Wi-Fi pucks. I find the pucks can be helpful but I dislike carrying them around for fear of losing them.
4. Prioritize your Must-Haves
Ultimately, if you don’t care one way or another that your hands are wet, or that your pass is hanging around in your pocket, you don’t need to carry all these items.
But I’m a stickler for preparedness, so follow your heart when it comes to your own everyday carry.
These items keep me happy and healthy while I’m on the move, so I hope they help give you an idea of what’s best to carry around Japan!
And if you still need help packing, check out my Quintessential Japan Packing List!