Tank tops, tattoos, visas, temple and shrine etiquette, packing for each season and more!
Whenever my friends visit me in Japan, I always get a lot of questions, such as: can I wear tank tops in Japan? Is it okay to wear sleeveless shirts and flip-flops in temples and shrines? Is the Japan Rail Pass really worth it? Amongst other etiquette and general questions.
I get it– Japan can seem like a whole other planet when you first visit, but have no fear! Here’s the comprehensive guide to some common do’s and don’ts, items you’ll need to pack for a trip to Japan for each season, and other pro tips to make your trip as smooth as butter!
FAQs
First off, the question everyone is always dying to know–
1. Can you wear sleeveless tank tops in Japan? How about flip flops/sandals?
YES.
There is no cultural taboo against tank tops, and with the increase of foreign tourists, you can generally spot lots of sleeveless tops in the Japanese summer.
There IS an unspoken cultural norm of not showing a lot of skin (especially cleavage) stemming from Japan’s culture of modesty– even in the height of summer Japanese women tend to pair flowing linen pants or a long skirt with a sleeveless top. On the other hand, if they are wearing shorts or a mini skirt, it tends to be paired with a higher neckline or even long sleeves.
Sandals are also common, though flip-flops aren’t. Flip-flops tend to be seen as too casual and are generally reserved for the beach.
That being said, most major cities are very accustomed to foreign visitors and therefore won’t bat an eye if you don’t dress to Japanese expectations– so make sure you dress in what’s comfortable for you on your trip to Japan.
2. Are there special clothing requirements for shrine and temple visits?
Generally, no.
As long as you behave in an appropriate and respectful way, you can dress however you want. Flip-flops, sandals, shorts and tank tops are allowed at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
What isn’t allowed is shouting and disruptive behavior, damaging cultural property, bringing pets, smoking or otherwise defiling shrine/temple grounds, littering... and so on.
Remember, visiting a shrine may be a sightseeing spot or photo opportunity to tourists, but it is a way of life for many locals and deserves the same respect as any other religion.
3. Should I cover up my tattoos?
No, you don’t have to for your day-to-day activities.
There used to be a strong association of tattoos (irezumi) with Japanese organized crime, but tattoos are much more normalized now with the influx of tourists and a more open-minded young generation.
Be aware that you might not be able to enter a hot spring or public pool if you have tattoos; if that’s on your bucket list, be sure to research hot springs that allows tattoos in advance.
4. Do I need a visa to enter Japan?
A US passport allows you entry without a visa and a stay of up to 3 months. The requirements are different for each country and can change with little notice, so be sure to check the Visa page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan before you book your trip.
5. Should I carry my passport around with me?
No, generally, you can leave it at your hotel safe or just bring a copy.
If you plan on doing a lot of shopping and want to get tax-free benefits as a tourist, you will need your passport.
6. Is a Japan Rail Pass worth the money, or should I just buy regular tickets?
The answer depends on what kind of trip you’re taking.
If you plan on traversing the country via train or shinkansen, and your trip fits neatly into the 7, 14, or 21 day packages offered, then the pass may be an affordable way to travel Japan!
On the flip side, if
1. You prefer to travel without worrying about train schedules, other tourists, which trains your pass is eligible for, or
2. You plan on staying within one or two cities, the JR pass may not be for you.
Keep in mind, that you won’t be able to ride the fastest bullet train, the Nozomi Shinkansen, and that there are other limitations. I suggest comparing the JR pass to the prices of regular tickets for where you’ll be headed, if you really want to get to the bottom of it.
For the most up-to-date package and pricing, check out JR’s Japan Rail Pass website here: japanrailpass.net
7. Do I need to carry a large amount of cash around with me?
It’s a common misconception that Japan is still old-fashioned and does not accept credit cards. The last few years have seen vast progress, and you can get around most major cities paying via credit card, Apple Pay, and other electronic methods.
However, if you are visiting smaller restaurants, mom-and-pop shops in a big city or if you are traveling to the countryside, it’s a good idea to carry around 10,000 to 20,000 yen in cash, with some small bills as well.
Some restaurants only accept cash or have ticket machines that only accept small bills (1000 yen), so beware!
8. Will I be able to access healthcare/buy medicine if I get sick or injured?
If you have a pre-existing condition that you are medicated for, it’s a good idea to bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription as well as extra medicine on your trip to Japan.
Japan has different standards for prescription and over-the-counter drugs— for example, NyQuil is banned, and Adderall can’t be prescribed without jumping through many hoops, even if you have been diagnosed back home.
Many of my Western friends have complained that Japanese over-the-counter pain relievers don’t work for them, so it may be a good idea to bring some pain relievers that you know work for you. Check with your embassy for banned substances before bringing anything in!
Japan has an accessible and excellent healthcare system, but it’s a good idea to look into travel insurance before your trip, just in case. Many insurance companies also offer translation services to help people overcome the language barrier.
9. What should I pack for each season?
All Seasons:
- Comfortable shoes. Expect to do a lot of walking–whether that’s at temples and shrines or to and from the train station. Japan tends not to rely on cars the same way some Western countries do.
- A camera or camera phone. You wouldn’t want to miss a moment of this beautiful country, no matter the season.
- Your prescription medicine or OTC pain relievers.
- One dressy outfit if you plan on dining out at a nice restaurant.
- Deodorant. This can be difficult to find in Japanese drugstores.
Otherwise, check out these items you’ll need for Japan’s different climates and conditions each season:
Spring (March to May)
Items:
- A compact umbrella for rain showers.
- Allergy medicine for hay fever.
Clothing: shirts, cardigans or other layers to deal with the temperature difference during night and day, especially in March – April.
Summer (June to August)
Items:
- Rain boots and a poncho or foldable umbrella for the rainy season, which tends to be in June-July.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or UV umbrella, a portable fan, and handkerchief or towel to deal with the heat and humidity.
- Bug spray– the mosquitoes in Japan can be quite feisty.
Clothing: tops and shorts or skirts made with light breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen.
Autumn (September to November)
Items:
- A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, as cities like Tokyo and Kyoto can be quite hot up until mid-October.
- Bug spray. Those mosquitoes can be active well into autumn.
Clothing: lightweight t-shirts and warm jackets for layering. Towards mid-November you may want sweaters, scarves, and warmer layers.
Winter (December to February)
Items:
- Gloves, knit hats, scarves and boots for warmth.
- Heavier lotion or moisturizers, especially if you’re in Tokyo, which is notorious for its dry and biting winters.
Clothing: heat tech or other thermal underwear, sweaters, down jacket. Fashionable coats can be great, but I recommend down jackets as they are warmer and lighter for traveling.
And that’s [ALMOST] a wrap!
★ For a more comprehensive guide on what to wear to dress like a local in Japan, check out What to Wear in Japan
Keep in mind that a lot of these items and toiletries can be purchased locally while you’re in Japan if you want to travel light and aren’t afraid of dealing with the hassle of translating the packages. The only thing I would recommend you absolutely bring is medicine that you know you’ll need.
And of course, pack for the activities you will be doing– if you’re going hiking or skiing, pack accordingly.
10. What’s there to do, and where can I eat?
What are some destinations around Tokyo/Kyoto to visit? Do you have any hole in the wall recommendations?
★ Absolutely. Check out these great destinations for Tokyo and Kyoto!
- 10 Must-See Tokyo Attractions in 2 Days
- Kamakura: Cafes, Temples, and Beaches a Stone’s Throw from Tokyo
- What to do at Ueno Park
- The Incredible Nijo-jo Castle of Kyoto
- World Famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Surrounding Area
Conclusion:
Whether you’re going for cherry blossoms in spring, matsuri festivals in summer, autumn foliage or skiing and snowboarding in winter, a trip to Japan can be the memory of a lifetime. Especially if it’s your first time visiting!
With the cultural differences and the ever-changing weather, knowing what to bring and what to do can be worrisome for first-timers.
With this article, you now know how to pack for each season, and also have some cultural insight and tips on frequently asked questions for an amazing adventure in Japan.
Let me know in the comments if you have other questions you want an article about!
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