What to Pack & Bring: Kanazawa

Seasonal Clothing Guidance

Pack layers for most seasons. Specific items cater to Kanazawa's distinct weather patterns.

Spring & Autumn

T-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters.
Medium-weight jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings.
A Light rain jacket for unexpected showers.

Summer & Winter Attire

Warm to hot summers demand breathable wear. Cold winters require insulated layers.

Summer June-August & Winter Dec-Feb

Summer: Light, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen); shorts, T-shirts, dresses.
Winter: Thermal underwear or Base layers, warm sweaters, insulated pants.
Waterproof winter coat, Scarf, Gloves, and a Warm hat for heavy snow.

Footwear Recommendations

General Sightseeing

Comfortable, broken-in Walking shoes or sneakers are good. You will walk significant distances.

High mileage expected

Winter Footwear

Waterproof, insulated boots with good grip are essential for snow and icy conditions.

Snow and Ice ready

Summer & Convenience

Breathable shoes or supportive Sandals. Slip-on shoes are convenient for frequent shoe removal at traditional sites.

Easy on/off

Essential Documents

Documentation Checklist

Carry the following documents to prevent issues during your trip.

Passport & Visa: Original passport, valid for entire stay. Visa confirmations. Digital and physical copies separate.
Travel Insurance Policy: Physical or digital copy. Emergency contacts, policy number, coverage details.
International Driving Permit: Legally required for car rental with domestic license.
Vaccination Records & Health Documentation: Copies of records. Doctor's note for prescription medications.

Printed & Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, hotels, trains, tours.
Emergency Contact Information: Physical card with family, friends, embassy contacts.
Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts (ISIC, etc.), inquire at attractions.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Mobile Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up with the right gear.

Voltage & Plug Types

Voltage: Japan uses 100V. Kanazawa (Eastern Japan) operates on 50Hz.
Plug Types: Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins with a round grounding pin).
A Universal travel adapter may be necessary if your devices use different plugs.

Phone & Camera Essentials

Capture moments and stay connected on the go.

Connectivity & Imaging

Mobile Phone: Most modern smartphones compatible. Consider eSIM (e.g., Airalo) or physical SIM cards.
Pocket Wi-Fi: Rent for reliable internet on multiple devices.
Camera Equipment: Mirrorless/DSLR for quality. A Smartphone with a good camera for quick shots. Extra batteries and memory cards.

Digital Preparedness

Portable Chargers

A Portable charger (Anker PowerCore) for devices throughout long sightseeing days.

Recommended Apps

Google Maps for navigation. Google Translate (Offline Japanese language pack) or DeepL for translation. Japan Official Travel App for tourism info. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Backup Solutions

Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos/documents. A Small external hard drive for larger data backups.

Health & Wellness Items

Essential Health Kit

Pack a personalized health kit for minor ailments and wellness on the go.

Medications & First Aid

First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), allergy medication.
Prescription Meds: In original containers, copy of prescription, doctor's note.
OTC Meds: Cold/flu, stomach upset (Anti-diarrhea), minor aches.

Protection & Hygiene

Shield yourself from elements and maintain personal care.

Sun & Insect Protection, Hygiene

Insect Repellent: Warmer months, especially in parks.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, Wide-brimmed hat, Sunglasses year-round.
Personal Hygiene: Bring preferred brands (shampoo, etc.). Consider multi-purpose soap like Dr. Bronner's.

Motion Sickness & Water Safety

Motion Sickness

Kanazawa city has no high altitudes.
If excursions to mountainous areas (e.g., Shirakawa-go), Motion sickness remedies benefit comfort.
Bus trips to these areas involve winding roads.

Water Safety

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Kanazawa and Japan.
No water purification needed for tap water.
Confidently refill reusable water bottles from any tap.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Walking & Sightseeing

Pack gear suited for extensive exploration on foot.

Comfortable walking shoes are primary.
A small, Packable daypack (Osprey Hikelite 18) for essentials.
A Light jacket for changing temperatures.
Souvenirs and snacks fit in a daypack.

Snow Activities Winter

For nearby snowy mountains, prepare with dedicated winter gear.

Dedicated Waterproof pants.
Warm gloves and appropriate cold-weather outerwear.
Ski/Snowboard Gear: Rentals widely available at resorts.
Renting is often more convenient than bringing bulky equipment.

Specialty Photography

Capture Kanazawa's beauty with appropriate camera equipment.

A good camera with versatile lenses for gardens and districts.
A Compact travel tripod for low-light or long exposures.
Useful for evening illuminations and serene landscapes.
High-quality images for lasting memories.

Renting vs. Bringing

Items to Rent Locally

Bicycles: Easily rented via Machi-Nori bike share or private shops. No need to bring your own.
Ski/Snowboard Gear: Rental services available at nearby resorts. More convenient than transport.
Specialty lenses: If you only need a specific lens for a day, consider rental shops in larger cities.
Pocket Wi-Fi: Often rented at airports for easy connectivity during your stay.

Items Better to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes: Personalized fit is for extensive walking.
Socks: Required for entry into many traditional buildings.
Prescription Medications: Specific brands or dosages may be hard to find locally.
Larger Shoe Sizes: Harder to find in Japan. Pack all necessary footwear.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small items significantly enhance travel comfort and security.

Travel Aids & Safety

Comfort Items: A TravelRest Ultimate Travel Pillow for long journeys. An Eye mask and earplugs for sleep.
Security Items: A Money belt or neck pouch for valuables. An RFID-blocking wallet. Small Luggage locks for Backpacks.
Power Adapter: Don't forget your Power adapter to keep devices charged.
VPN Access: A virtual private network like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Sustainable & Local Items

Reduce waste and be prepared for local weather.

Eco-Friendly & Kanazawa-Specifics

Reusable Water Bottle: Collapsible bottle (Hydro Flask) from safe tap water.
Reusable Shopping Bag: Many shops charge for plastic bags.
Reusable Utensils/Chopsticks: For street food or picnics, avoid disposables.
Portable Umbrella: Kanazawa is known for "bento-boshi" (lunchbox rain). A sturdy Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is advisable year-round.

Items Difficult to Find Locally

Specific Medications

Brands/dosages may differ. Bring enough for your trip.

Preferred Toiletries

Specialty products may be harder to find. Pack your favorites.

Larger Shoe Sizes

These are harder to find in Japan. Pack all necessary footwear.

Niche Camera Gear

Specific lenses or accessories might need advance ordering from B&H Photo.

Clothing Cultural Notes

Cultural Dress Code

Casual wear is generally acceptable in public spaces.
Modest dress shows respect at temples, shrines, or traditional sites. Shoulders and knees covered.
Remove shoes before entering many traditional buildings, homes, ryokan, and some restaurants. Wear Socks.

Formal Occasions

Upscale restaurants or formal events may call for smart casual attire.
Consider collared shirts, trousers, or a dress for such occasions.
Business casual options fit well.

Packing Pro Tip

Consider packing cubes. They optimize space and keep your luggage organized. This saves time during unpacking and repacking.

Roll clothes instead of folding to minimize wrinkles and compress items effectively.

What to Pack & Bring