Planning your first trip to Osaka? Get ready for neon lights, mouthwatering street food, and unforgettable cultural gems! To ensure a smooth adventure, here’s a detailed checklist covering everything foreign travelers need.
📄 1. Travel Documents
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for 6+ months beyond your stay.
- Japan Visa: Check if your country qualifies for visa-free entry (e.g., 90 days for US/EU citizens).
- Flight Tickets & Itinerary: Print or save digital copies.
- Accommodation Details: Addresses and contact info for hotels/airbnbs.
- Travel Insurance: Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Tip: COVID-19 coverage is still recommended!
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Only if renting a car.
💴 2. Money Essentials
- Japanese Yen (JPY): Withdraw cash at airports or 7-Eleven ATMs (foreign cards accepted). Many small shops/street stalls are cash-only!
- Credit/Debit Cards: Notify your bank of travel dates. Visa/Mastercard widely accepted; Amex less common.
- IC Card: Buy a Suica or ICOCA card at Kansai Airport. Use for trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines.
- Coin Purse: You’ll accumulate 1¥, 5¥, 10¥, 50¥, 100¥, and 500¥ coins quickly!
👕 3. Clothing & Personal Items
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Expect 15,000+ steps/day exploring Dotonbori or Osaka Castle.
- Layered Outfits: Weather fluctuates—light jackets for spring/autumn, breathable fabrics for humid summers.
- Socks + Slip-On Shoes: You’ll remove shoes at temples, ryokans, and some restaurants.
- Compact Umbrella: Sudden rain is common! Buy a cheap one at Daiso (100-yen store).
🔌 4. Electronics & Connectivity
- Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM Card: Rent at Kansai Airport or book online (e.g., Ninja WiFi, Sakura Mobile). Public Wi-Fi is unreliable.
- Universal Power Adapter: Japan uses Type A/B plugs (100V). No voltage converter needed for US devices.
- Portable Charger: For all-day photo sessions at Universal Studios Japan or Shinsekai.
- Google Maps/Apps: Download offline Osaka maps. Install Japan Travel by Navitime for train routes.
💊 5. Health & Toiletries
- Prescription Medications: Bring originals in labeled containers. Some OTC drugs (e.g., pseudoephedrine) are banned in Japan—check first!
- Basic First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, and motion sickness pills (for windy bus rides).
- Travel-Sized Toiletries: Deodorant, toothpaste, etc. Many hotels provide shampoo/body wash.
- Hand Towel (Tenugui): Public restrooms often lack paper towels. Buy a cute Japanese-style cloth towel!
🎒 6. Miscellaneous Must-Haves
- Reusable Tote Bag: Avoid plastic bag fees (mandatory at stores).
- Trash Bag: Public bins are rare—carry trash back to your hotel.
- Phrasebook App: Learn key phrases like “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) or “Eigo no menyu arimasu ka?” (Do you have an English menu?).
- Small Backpack: For day trips to Nara or Kuromon Market.
🚨 Pro Tips for Osaka
- Taxis are pricey: Use trains/subways—Osaka’s network is efficient!
- Convenience Stores (Konbini): 7-Eleven/Lawson/FamilyMart sell hot meals, tickets, and essentials 24/7.
- Queue Etiquette: Stand in line orderly—especially at ramen shops!
Final Advice: Pack light! Osaka’s stations involve stairs and crowded transfers. Leave space for souvenirs—matcha snacks and Kit Kats await! 🌸
With this checklist, you’re set to embrace Osaka’s chaos and charm. Eat takoyaki, wave at the Glico Man, and soak in the Kansai energy—you’ve got this! ✨🇯🇵