Kagoshima Japan Travel Guide
Kagoshima's distinct seasons require varied clothing. Pack light to medium layers for spring (March-May). T-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, and a Light jacket or cardigan work well. Include a Rain jacket or Umbrella. For summer (June-August), choose lightweight, fabrics that breathe like cotton or linen. Shorts, t-shirts, and not heavy dresses are pleasant. Rain gear due to rainy season and potential typhoons. A Sun hat and Sunglasses for Sun protection. High humidity makes lightweight clothing a priority.
Modern Japanese society generally adopts a casual dress code. At temples and shrines, modest attire is appreciated, though not strictly enforced for tourists. Cover your shoulders and knees to be respectful, notably at more important religious sites. Take off your shoes before going in some temple or shrine buildings or traditional accommodations. Public onsen do not allow clothing. Swimwear is permitted only in specific "Swimsuit onsen" or spa resorts. Cover tattoos if you can, or check for tattoo-friendly onsen.
Prepare all required documents prior to your trip to avoid issues.
Stay connected and powered up with the right gear. Japan uses 100V. Frequency is 50Hz in Eastern Japan and 60Hz in The western part of Japan (Kagoshima). Most current gadgets are dual voltage and auto-switch (check charger labels for "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz"). Plug Type: Type A (a type a plug) and Type B (two flat prongs with a grounding pin). A two-pin Power adapter usually suffices.
Pack standard camera gear for landscape and city photography. A Tripod is useful for night shots or long exposures, like Sakurajima at night. Portable chargers and power banks for phones and devices on the go. Shop for camera gear at B&H Photo.
Use cloud services for photos and important documents.
For additional backup of data.
Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.
A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor issues. Include basic first aid items: Band-aids, antibacterial wipes, pain relievers, Anti-diarrhea medication, and medication for travel sickness (useful for ferry rides). For an entire kit, consider Adventure Medical Kits.
Personal hygiene essentials: Specific brands of toiletries may be hard to find. General items are widely available. Bring specific feminine hygiene products if you prefer certain brands. Reusable water bottle for tap water, which is safe to drink. Consider LifeStraw for water filtration if venturing very remotely.
Pack gear tailored to your planned adventures like exploring Sakurajima or Kirishima.
A small towel for modesty is useful, though onsen usually Provide or sell them.
Decide whether to rent or bring certain items, especially for outdoor activities.
These items elevate comfort and security during your travels. A Neck pillow and Eye mask for long flights or Shinkansen rides. While Japan is very safe, standard travel security items like locks, a Money belt, and PROTECTION from rfid skimming remain prudent. A small lock for hostel lockers is useful. Consider Pacsafe for anti-theft bags.
Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from tap water. A Reusable shopping bag is helpful, as plastic bags often cost a small fee. Reusable utensils reduce waste. A small towel for onsen visits. Pack specific dietary snacks or personal items that might be hard or expensive to purchase locally. This includes unique dietary supplements.
Carry water, coffee, or toiletries.
Avoid single-use plastics.
Reduce plastic bag use.
For small electronics.
Roll clothes tightly to maximize space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization and easy access.
Pack a few versatile items that mix and match to reduce the total number of garments needed.
