Light Exposure In Japan: When To Avoid Travel

When preparing for a trip to Japan, it's important to consider the time of year and the activities you plan to do. Japan's climate varies greatly throughout the year, so checking the weather forecast before packing is essential. The summer months can be intensely humid, especially in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while areas in the mountains, such as Hokkaido and Nagano, have milder summers but cold, snowy winters. Packing light is ideal, and you can cover almost any situation in Japan without bringing too much. It's recommended to bring versatile clothing that can be layered, as the weather can be unpredictable. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as Japan's cities and attractions are best explored on foot.

In addition to clothing, there are several other essentials to consider when packing for Japan. Here is a list of some important items:

- Valid passport with at least six months of validity and one empty page

- Visa, if required (many nationalities can enter Japan without a visa, but it's best to check beforehand)

- Flight tickets and hotel reservations (printouts are helpful)

- Credit and debit cards (VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted)

- Cash in Japanese yen, as Japan is a cash-oriented society

- Portable charger for your electronic devices

- Plug adapter, as Japan uses Type A and B electrical outlets

- Toiletries, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the summer months

- Any prescription medications, along with a copy of your prescription

- Small gifts from your home country for guides or people you meet

Wear slip-on shoes

When travelling to Japan, it is important to consider the type of shoes you will bring. Many places in Japan, including temples, ryokans (traditional inns), and some izakayas and restaurants, require you to remove your shoes. This is also the case if you see tatami mats. It is considered impolite to be barefoot in these situations, so it is recommended to bring a pair of socks with you.

The best type of shoes to bring are slip-on shoes. This is because you will be taking your shoes on and off frequently, and you don't want to be fumbling with laces or buttons. Slip-on shoes will make your life much easier and will allow you to move through Japan in a more stress-free manner.

When choosing slip-on shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, opt for a pair that is comfortable and sturdy, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking. Secondly, choose a pair with a minimal design that can accommodate a variety of formalities, from casual strolls in the park to nicer restaurants. Neutral colours are also a good choice, as they will coordinate well with any outfit and won't draw too much attention.

If you are visiting Japan during the winter and plan on going to a snowy region, you may want to opt for a different type of shoe that is more suitable for the cold weather. However, if you are visiting cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, slip-on shoes are the way to go.

Some recommended slip-on shoes for men include the ECCO Soft 7 Slip-on sneaker, which features a soft leather outer and is highly rated for its quality and comfort. For women, the Allbirds Tree Loungers are a great option, as they are lightweight, breathable, and easy to slip on and off. They are also washable, which is convenient for travelling.

In addition to slip-on shoes, it is a good idea to bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops to wear around your hotel. If you plan on visiting temples or other cultural sites, make sure to bring socks to wear with your sandals, as bare feet are considered poor manners and can leave you susceptible to bacteria and fungi.

Overall, slip-on shoes are the best choice for travelling to Japan, as they are convenient, comfortable, and versatile. They will allow you to navigate the country with ease and ensure you have a stress-free trip.

Pack light

Packing light is a useful skill for travel to any country, but in the case of Japan, it is especially worth noting. Here are some tips for packing light for your trip to Japan:

• Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to save space in your luggage.
• Pack clothing that can be layered and mixed and matched, and that will be comfortable for walking.
• If possible, stay in accommodation with laundry facilities to reduce the amount of clothing you need to pack.
• Bring shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you will be taking your shoes on and off a lot in Japan.
• Use travel cubes to organise your clothes and maximise space in your luggage.
• Only bring the electronics you really need, and consider investing in a power bank to keep your phone charged.
• If you are doing a lot of train travel in Japan, consider buying a Japan Rail Pass.
• Leave room in your luggage for shopping – Japan is a shopper's paradise!

Bring yen

Japan is a very cash-oriented society, so it's important to bring yen with you when you travel there. Even though an increasing number of shops and restaurants accept credit cards, you'll probably need more cash than you're used to, especially in rural areas.

You can get Japanese yen before you arrive by ordering some from your bank, or by exchanging currency at the airport. However, you don't need to worry if you arrive without yen, as you can easily exchange currency or withdraw yen from an ATM at the airport.

ATMs can be found at 7-11 stores and post offices, and they typically offer a good exchange rate. However, it's worth noting that some ATMs have a withdrawal limit of 10,000 yen, and your bank may also set its own limits and fees. Credit cards are also widely accepted, but it's best to bring multiple cards in case one gets lost or damaged.

If you plan to spend over 10,000 yen per day, you can get the 5% sales tax refunded. You'll need to have your passport with you to get the refund, which is given in cash on the spot.

Respect personal space

Respecting personal space is incredibly important in Japan, where the concept of personal space is unique and distinct from the rest of the world. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of Japanese culture:

• The Japanese are notoriously shy and private, and are regarded as much more reserved than Koreans or Chinese. They value their privacy and personal space.
• Asking a lot of questions is considered pushy and rude in Japanese culture. People are expected to be quiet, for example, when on public transportation, where talking on the phone is discouraged.
• In Japan, it is common for people to wear hygiene masks, especially in urban areas. This is done for health reasons, but masks also provide a sense of personal space and anonymity.
• Napping is common and respected in Japan, especially for those who work hard. It is not unusual to see people napping on the train or in the office, as a way to take some time for themselves in their bubble of privacy.
• In crowded spaces, such as trains or cafes, it is common to see people absorbed in a book. Books are often sold with paper covers in Japan, so that others cannot see what you are reading, providing an additional layer of privacy.
• In Japan, bodily contact is generally kept to a minimum, especially in private settings. People tend to avoid touching others unless it is unavoidable, such as in a crowded public place.
• When standing next to friends or family, people usually maintain a distance of arm's length. This distance is greater among acquaintances.
• Eye contact is an important aspect of non-verbal communication in Japan, but direct eye contact may be seen as intimidating. Indirect eye contact, such as looking at the chin or another part of the face, is common when speaking to an elder or someone of higher ranking as a sign of respect.
• Bowing is a common gesture in Japan, used to express a range of emotions, including gratitude, remorse, and reverence. The etiquette of bowing has many intricate rules depending on the context, social status, and age of the person.
• In Japan, it is considered rude to point with a finger. Instead, people hold out their hand and gently gesture towards the person, location, or object.

Plan for the weather

Japan is known for its four distinct seasons, so it's important to plan for the weather when packing for your trip.

Spring (March-April)

Spring is generally pleasant, with high temperatures around 20°C (70°F) and lows around 5°C (40°F). It's still advisable to bring warm clothing, especially in early March when there may be leftover snow in northern Japan.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is hot and humid, with temperatures above 30°C (86°F). It's also the rainy season and typhoon season, so expect a lot of rainfall and potential closures of outdoor facilities.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is a great time to visit Japan, with cool and sunny weather. Temperatures in September range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), decreasing to highs of 14°C to 18°C (57°F to 64°F) by November.

Winter (December-February)

Winter is cold and dry, with an average daily high of 10°C (50°F). It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and higher prices.

Clothing Recommendations

• For spring and autumn, pack layers to accommodate changing temperatures.
• For summer, bring lightweight and breathable clothing, such as cotton and linen. Avoid denim, as it's heavy and holds moisture.
• For winter, dress in layers and cover your head, hands, and feet properly.

Other Weather-Related Items to Pack

• A lightweight fleece for air-conditioned spaces or colder days
• A quick-drying towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for spring and summer
• A basic first aid kit

Frequently asked questions