Japan travel guide: what to pack, what to eat & entry rules

What to pack for Japan

Japan has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with a rainy season in early summer in most regions; winters are cold, and very snowy in the north and on the Sea of Japan side. Spring and autumn are mild and popular.

That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.

Pack with Japan in mind

• Slip-on shoes and neat socks — you take shoes off in homes, temples, ryokan and some restaurants
• Light, breathable clothes and a small towel for humid summers
• Warm layers for winter, especially in Hokkaido and the mountains
• A compact umbrella

Start from a full checklist

Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:

• City break packing list · 48 items
• Ski trip packing list · 55 items
• Carry-on only packing list · 45 items

What to eat in Japan

These are dishes most visitors to Japan will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.

• Sushi

  Vinegared rice with raw fish or other toppings, with soy sauce.

  FishShellfishSoyGluten

• Ramen

  Wheat noodles in broth, often pork-based or topped with chāshū pork.

  Contains porkGlutenSoyEgg

• Tempura

  Seafood and vegetables in a light, crisp batter.

  ShellfishGlutenEgg

• Okonomiyaki

  Savoury cabbage pancake, often with pork, topped with bonito flakes.

  Contains porkGlutenEggFish

• Tonkatsu

  Breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet.

  Contains porkGlutenEgg

• Yakitori

  Grilled chicken skewers, often glazed with a soy, mirin and sake sauce.

  Contains alcoholSoyGluten

• Miso soup

  Miso in dashi stock, which is usually made from fish.

  SoyFish

• Mochi

  Soft rice cakes, often filled with sweet red bean paste.

  Vegetarian-friendly

Avoiding pork? In this list, Ramen, Okonomiyaki and Tonkatsu usually contain pork.

Meal times, tipping and water

• Dashi (fish stock) and soy sauce (contains wheat) are in many dishes that look vegetarian or gluten-free.

Local chains you will see

Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:

• Yoshinoya — Beef rice bowls (gyūdon).
• CoCo Ichibanya — Japanese curry rice.
• Ichiran — Tonkotsu ramen in solo booths.
• MOS Burger — Japanese burger chain.
• Sushiro — Conveyor-belt sushi.
• Saizeriya — Budget Italian-style family restaurants.

General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.

Entry rules for US and UK passport holders

A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for Japan. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.

Quick answers

Is tap water safe to drink in Japan?

Generally safe to drink. Tap water is generally treated to a safe standard, though some travellers prefer bottled water for taste. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.

Do you tip in Japan?

No tipping. Good service is part of the price, and a tip can cause confusion.

Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in Japan?

Halal food: limited. Vegetarian food: limited. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Mochi. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.