Packing Tips for First-Timers to Japan 2024 | Don't Make the Same Mistakes

[@purberri]

I’m American and travel to Japan frequently. Here are my tips- many electric plugs in Japan don’t have the third ground plug that many 110 v plugs have. If you have the third ground prong you will need an adapter otherwise you won’t be able to plug in. Many hotels have the adapter that you can borrow but I’d bring one just in case. There are many ATM machines but I’m not able to use many of them because they are Japanese bank owned and they have different networks. The only full proof one is in a 7-11 or 7 bank. They are in the airports and all 7-11 convenience stores. If you are not good with chopsticks bring plastic utensils with you just in case. Some restaurants that have foreign tourists may have them but don’t count on it. Practice before you come to Asia. Most hotels don’t have facecloth so bring your own. The hotels have what we would call a scrub cloth but it’s for your body not your face. Every hotel I’ve ever stayed at has a hair dryer you don’t need to bring one. You don’t need slippers every hotel has disposable ones. If you forget toothpaste toothbrush, razor all hotels have them. Oh and most hotels have washing machines and dryers so pack light you can wash clothes to save space.

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

That's really good advice! Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@sudhajain7781]

Thanks for sharing

[@SailorChiMoon]

I didn't even think about bringing a souvenir from my country as a thank you for someone helpful! I always thought of bringing souvenirs home, so thank you for that tip! Also thanks for the note on the food! Knowing me, I'd pack some beef jerky and mess up the whole trip LOL

[@MattBrain9336]

Here's another tip applicable to any tourist: Consider bringing an extension cord (about 3-5 meters) Usually hotels have maybe one or two wall sockets where you can charge your devices (one of them is probably in the bathroom for the hair dryer) An extension cord will allow you to charge multiple devices at once, or handle situations where your device charger cord is too short to reach the wall socket

[@CostcoSamurai]

for the size of luggage while traveling I prefer any carryon on size roller, however for the check in size the perfect size is around 62L or M size. Anything bigger is too obstructive on the trains and hard to carry in taxis. I live in Osaka so many travelers with their oversized luggage is a bit of a problem especially around shin Osaka station.

[@vaultboi76]

Can’t wait for my trip in November! 😎

[@ElijahNetzel]

Me too! 97 more days for me! So excited!

[@caturina]

Me too! ❤

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

Have a lovely trip, guys!

[@maitawana]

Lucky you I’m so jealous. Have fun ❤❤❤❤

[@linaD08]

51 days for me!!!

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

▶Contact us for the Private Tours: meglog-trip.com ▶Business Inquiry linktr.ee/meglogtokyo Share your thoughts and questions in the comments!

[@amiihearts33]

Thank you so much for your great advice as usual!!! Love your videos 😊

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

That means a lot to me!! 😊

[@Matto-91]

Thanks for the video Meg! I am horrible with packing, I always bring way to much clothes! I usually don't forget anything essential but if I want to bring back souvenirs I always have to buy a second suitcase in the country that I am in 😅 this upcoming trip to Japan I am going to try really hard not to pack lots of clothes also I got a really nice back pack that can store a lot of things as well 😁 I think Japan weather in October will still be very warm so I wont need heavy clothes 🤭

[@shawnbell6392]

I take carry on only with a second pair of pants and multiple t shirts and I have enough outfits for several days. I usually wear black jeans on the plane and at my destination too. So you can dress up a bit or be more casual as needed. For October it should be comfortable but just bring a lightweight down jacket or something for any chilly mornings.

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

Well, yes you should just bring a light jacket just in case. It's pretty hot during the day but it gets a bit chilly at night sometime

[@TheMusicGirlsWorld]

Thank you!

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

Sure thing

[@mountbeckworth1]

A comment from Australia. Try wearing the neck pillow around the other way. Or get a Temu wrap around neck pillow that is a bit like what you would have after a car crash. More supportive when you sleep. And the official Japanese entry site is hopeless and looks like something from the 1990s.

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

That's good advice. Thank you!

[@darthlaurel]

People are more likely to bring Sudafed than maryjane. And that is also not allowed.

[@lz738]

Can you give some ideas of small gifts that people in Japan would like to receive from the U.S.? I have no idea what might be wanted or appreciated, or what would be the appropriate amount of money to spend on these small gifts.

[@montgomeryfortenberry]

Its really not necessary unless maybe youre staying with someone at their house. I would suggest keeping it simple and lightweight. A postcard featuring your town or a nearby attraction would be nice.

[@lz738]

@@montgomeryfortenberry Oh, because she said the small gifts would be in lieu of tipping (for a service). So, I wouldn't tip someone whose house I was staying at. I would tip a hotel concierge if they were really helpful, or hotel cleaning staff, etc.

[@montgomeryfortenberry]

@@lz738 the difference is thats their job. If they do a good job just be sure to let them know how much they helped you and how appreciative you are. Its not my culture so i didnt want to make any faux pas.

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

You don't need to bring that expensive goods. I mean, it really depends how they helped you. I would say $5 or so

[@lz738]

@@MegLog_JAPAN Yes, I understand that it should not be expensive. But I was wondering what specific types of gifts would be appreciated by Japanese people working at hotels, etc. What specifically would you like to receive if you were in that situation?

[@prosenjitadhya9883]

Can I bring paracetamol with me when I will travel to japan? If yes, where to put it carry on or check in luggage? Thanks in advance. ❤

[@CrystalVisionx]

thank you!!!!

[@borg386]

Thanks! How about silver coins? How would you suggest packing them? Thanks for any answers!

[@Makanalani66]

I enjoyed watching your video and all the wonderful tips. I do have a question regarding medication for example, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc? Are you allowed to travel with your prescribed medication with you?

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

I think general medicine are allowed to bring in Japan. If you are worried, please check the official government website.

[@lz738]

Thank goodness you mentioned medicines! After checking the website of the Japanese government, it seems that I will need to get permission for two of my medications. I'm shocked! I hope I can get approval otherwise my trip will be ruined.

[@Buggiy]

This should not be a problem!

[@Karmillina]

I think it's harder for your meds to not be approved than the opposite. Have faith! They might not even check them, but be ready just in case.

[@TigerStackerJR]

I studied abroad and got six months worth of high-dosage medication approved. As long as you file the paperwork in a timely fashion, you will be fin.

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

That should be fine. Hope those medicined will pass!

[@introvertspeaks]

Question: Can you use VISA card in Japan, including withdrawals? I saw someone mention that only Mastercard and AmEx work in Japanese establishments and not Visa.

[@shawnbell6392]

I used Visa card for purchases with no problems. I used another card for cash withdrawal so I can't speak to that part. I did have to sign my name on the computer screen in some places when using a card.

[@montgomeryfortenberry]

I used my visa at international atm at convenience store with no problems

[@introvertspeaks]

@@montgomeryfortenberry perfect! Thank you!

[@introvertspeaks]

@@shawnbell6392 good to know. I only have Visa and don't plan on getting Mastercard so this is great. Thanks a bunch.

[@weibinglee5297]

Meg, many thanks for sharing this information. Many people use fake branded goods, including my friends. I have to warn them not to bring their fake LV handbags to Japan.

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

Yes, tell them not to bring their bags! Just in case

[@evraalexandrite3770]

Can i bring small tripod on my cabin bag?

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

Camera tripods and monopods may be carried on board as long as they are folded and less than 60 cm in length.

[@hninayewai2415]

🎉Thanks for your video. please mention me website you tell in video.

[@DuroinJapan]

Can i carry toothpaste of 100gm or a shaving foam of 250gm in my checking bag?

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

You can bring it with you if you check it in with your suitcase, etc.

[@MurtadhaJlil]

Hello if I completed visit Japan web site and got qr code is it helpful?

[@montgomeryfortenberry]

It wasnt helpful for us because we couldnt pull it up in the airport because there was so many people trying to do the same thing but the paperwork was so easy and didnt slow us down one bit

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

Thanks for sharing.

[@jlindsey1991]

​@montgomeryfortenberry just screenshot it from your phone

[@montgomeryfortenberry]

@@jlindsey1991 yes but we didnt have it and ultimately it didnt matter

[@HelenAbelardo]

Is it permitted to bring a cigarette lighter because my husband smokes?

[@akombalasau4022]

Basically i can bring portable power bank? But bring it hand carry on my shoulder bag? Not checked in my suitcase?

[@JM.TheComposer]

Power banks must be in your hand carry. It's due to the fire risk of lithium batteries. The airlines will have info warning you about this.

[@ivettetriana114]

When I am leaving Japan, can I leave with fruits in my luggage? I want to bring back some for my family lol

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

I expect you can bring them from Japan but not sure you can bring to your country.

[@JM.TheComposer]

It depends on the regulations in your home country. In the US / Canada, almost certainly not.

[@jackyisking]

0:26 wait that's not Korea 😂.

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

@@jackyisking Oh that's just the image!

[@NikkiCN]

❤❤

[@nishachauhan2654]

Medicine allowed??

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

Basically yes

[@JM.TheComposer]

Depends on the medicine. Some medicines available outside Japan may be illegal in Japan. Do your research.

[@tkm-r3b]

Indian accent

[@Kiianu]

Meg, why are you still wearing Masks 😷

[@MegLog_JAPAN]

It's a fashion....maybe 🤔

[@AnonZero0]

*Viewers actually want to see your face.*