10 Things Reddit Says You Need in Japan (and Two You Do Not)
Japan has a lot of coins, few trash cans and rush hour trains. r/JapanTravel has thoughts on what to pack.
Intro
Updated October 2026
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The best travel gadgets for Japan are not fancy. According to r/JapanTravel, the MVP is a coin purse.
Our top pick: A coin purse with a tray and an eSIM instead of pocket wifi.
Travelers there also say skip pocket wifi for an eSIM, and buy umbrellas at the convenience store.
How we picked: Items repeatedly recommended in public r/JapanTravel and r/JapanTravelTips threads. Opinions are paraphrased.
Quick Selection Guide: Best travel gadgets for japan
| Pick | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Coin Purse With a Tray | Everyone | Check price |
| 2. An eSIM | Solo travelers | Check price |
| 3. Suica in Apple Wallet | iPhone users | Check price |
| 4. Power Bank | Map heavy days | Check price |
| 5. Crossbody Bag | Day trips | Check price |
| 6. Small Hand Towel | Everyone | Check price |
| 7. Foldable Tote Bag | Shoppers | Check price |
| 8. Luggage Scale | Big shoppers | Check price |
| 9. Reusable Water Bottle | Long walking days | Check price |
| 10. Type A Plug Adapter (If You Need One) | Non US travelers | Check price |
1. Coin Purse With a Tray
The hook: The top tip.
In r/JapanTravel, one traveler called a coin purse the number one item because most Western tourists will not have one.
Another suggested one with a little tray.
Key Features
- Coins add up
- Tray style
- Small
Best For: Everyone.
Shop: Shop coin purses with tray on Amazon
2. An eSIM
The hook: One less thing to charge.
A top comment in r/JapanTravel said SIM beats pocket wifi because it is one less thing to charge.
Another said pocket wifi was severely throttled.
Key Features
- No extra device
- Instant setup
- Check phone compatibility
Best For: Solo travelers.
Official site: Airalo Japan eSIMs
3. Suica in Apple Wallet
The hook: Tap through gates.
Travelers said adding Suica to Apple Wallet made ticket gates a breeze.
Visitor cards such as Welcome Suica are available too.
Key Features
- Tap and go
- Works at 7-Eleven
- iPhone and many Androids
Best For: iPhone users.
Official site: JR East Suica info
4. Power Bank
The hook: One is plenty.
The top r/JapanTravel comment said one power bank is fine unless you are on your phone all day.
Check airline battery rules.
Key Features
- Carry-on only
- Name brand
- Compact
Best For: Map heavy days.
Shop: Shop Anker power banks on Amazon
5. Crossbody Bag
The hook: Passport, water, trash.
One traveler found a crossbody bag incredibly useful for passport, charger, water bottle, coin purse and random trash.
Trash cans are rare in Japan.
Key Features
- Hands free
- Holds passport
- Theft resistant options
Best For: Day trips.
Shop: Shop crossbody bags on Amazon
6. Small Hand Towel
The hook: Restrooms often lack paper towels.
Several Redditors recommend a small hand towel because restrooms may have no paper towels or dryers.
You can also buy cute ones there.
Key Features
- Tiny
- Quick dry
- Cute options
Best For: Everyone.
Shop: Shop small hand towels on Amazon
7. Foldable Tote Bag
The hook: For all those souvenirs.
A traveler suggested a foldable tote because stores ask if you want to buy a bag.
It also saves space on the way there.
Key Features
- Folds small
- Reusable
- Light
Best For: Shoppers.
Shop: Shop foldable tote bags on Amazon
8. Luggage Scale
The hook: For the shopping haul home.
Japan trip packers in r/JapanTravel list a luggage scale.
Another traveler warned you will want to buy everything.
Key Features
- Avoid overweight fees
- Small
- Digital
Best For: Big shoppers.
Shop: Shop luggage scales on Amazon
9. Reusable Water Bottle
The hook: Bring it from home.
One Redditor said bring a water bottle, since you will want it on the plane.
Vending machines are everywhere for refills of a different kind.
Key Features
- Plane ready
- Reusable
- Light
Best For: Long walking days.
Shop: Shop collapsible water bottles on Amazon
10. Type A Plug Adapter (If You Need One)
The hook: Check your country first.
Japan uses Type A and B sockets at 100V, per travel checklists.
US plugs usually fit already. Europeans will need an adapter.
Key Features
- Type A
- Check voltage
- Small
Best For: Non US travelers.
Shop: Shop Type A adapters on Amazon
Where to Stay: Best travel gadgets for japan Trip Base in Tokyo
Ginza is central and well connected by subway, which is handy for first timers.
Book: Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier
FAQ: Best travel gadgets for japan
Do I need pocket wifi in Japan?
Most r/JapanTravel commenters prefer an eSIM.
Should I bring an umbrella to Japan?
Redditors say buy one there, they are cheap at convenience stores.
Do I need a coin purse in Japan?
Travelers say yes, coins add up fast.
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- Best Travel Gadgets Reddit 2026
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Details checked in October 2026. Where we could not verify a price, we link to current listings instead of quoting one. Prices, schedules and offers change, so check the official site before you go. Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This article is general travel information, not medical or safety advice.
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