What to pack for Tokyo?

Tokyo in T-5 days!

We're staying in hostels & here's my packing list:

1) Waterproof windbreaker - it may be the rainy season so packing the just-in-case jacket.

*This definitely came in handy. Japan isn't known for it's HOT climate.

Here is my TOP TEN LIST.

2) Phrase book - many Japanese people even in Tokyo really don't speak English very well.

*You can find Tourist information desks at major stations. They speak English. Especially in Kyoto, Tokyo station, and Shinjuku station.

3) Medicine - it's hard to get painkillers or any stomach medication without going to the hospitals. In Japan there are no over-the-counter pharmacies like the ones in much of Europe or North America.

4) Comfy shoes - runners & flip flops

*You will look underdressed no matter what in Tokyo. Go with it. You're a tourist and your feet will thank you for wearing comfy shoes!

5) Universal adapter - to charge camera batteries/hair dryer (princess move). Japan uses US/Canadian three-pronged 110V pins.

*Definitely get one. It's great for charging your camera, phones, and any misc technology.

*Hair dryer was NOT needed. I should have checked with the hostels before hand.

6) Some ¥ as most places in Japan take cash only. There are places to withdraw cash but it's handy to have some on the get-go.

*Definitely recommend getting cash before hand. I took out ¥20,000 and it lasted about 4 days.

*Go to Post Offices for withdrawls of cash - there's an English prompt.

*Not all ATM will accept foreign cards, so get as much as you think you need so you're not stranded. Big shops will take credit cards, but for the little quaint shops, cash is best.

7) Tissues - in case you're in the toilet and you've got nothing to wipe with. See link: TokyoTopia

*I found that in Tokyo people were handing out tissues hand over fist. So there is no need. I would recommend bringing hand sanitiser or your own soap as public toilets DO NOT have soap dispensers. Or should they have the dispenser, no soap is avail. So bring you're own. After using the Japanese style toilets you'll want to get a good hand washing.

8) A notebook - to make little charades-type drawings when talking to people (also for directions: there are no street signs in many areas!)

*I liked playing charades with the Japanese. So much more comedic moments that way. Also they'll just keep speaking Japanese to you and hope that some revelation will come.

9) ID - passport/ticket reference #/ JR passes (TBD) if you're travelling alot outside of Tokyo it would be handy to have. But at £201 for 7days it's adding up. See link: Japan Rail Pass

*Definite BUY. It came in handy when we would enter and exit a station several times because we got lost.

10) Towel - it's a hostel. It's low maintenance. So you'll have to bring your own as well as shampoo/soap.

*Check on the shampoo. I found that the hostels had everything but a towel and toothbrush.

Send tips in if you got any for Japan!