Aihara Kanagawa, Japan Travel Guide
Layering frequently is helpful for changing the climate in Japan. Pack light jackets, long-sleeved shirts, and light sweaters in the spring. Summers call for easy to carry, airy fabrics like cotton or linen, short-sleeved shirts, and shorts. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is useful in the wet season.
Japanese dress generally reflects modesty and neatness. While no strict dress code applies to tourists in most public spaces, respectful attire displays consideration. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. This applies to both men and women. Remove shoes before entering many indoor areas of temples, traditional homes, and some restaurants.
Absolutely needed. You will do a lot of walking, exploring Aihara's streets or navigating train stations. Choose Supportive footwear.
Select footwear you can slip on and off quickly. This proves useful for frequent shoe removal at temples, traditional restaurants, and some accommodations.
Bring these if you plan to hike in the nearby Tanzawa Mountain ranges or other natural areas. Ensure they offer good ankle support and grip. Shop Hiking footwear.
Careful organization of your travel documents helps prevent issues and makes for a smooth trip. Keep both physical and digital copies.
Prepare your electronics for use in Japan to keep connected and powered. Japan uses 100V with Type A and Type B plugs. Most modern electronics adapt automatically; check your device chargers for "INPUT: 100-240V." A two-pin Power adapter often suffices.
Bring a camera with extra batteries and memory cards for scenic photo opportunities. A Portable charger is highly advised for devices on the go. Utilize online storage for backing up photos and important documents. For camera gear, B&H Photo has many options.
Use cloud services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for backing up photos and essential documents.
An External hard drive offers additional backup if you carry a laptop.
Ensure devices have strong passwords/biometrics. VPN usage is advised for public Wi-Fi.
A small, well-stocked Personal first aid kit and your personal medications handle minor health issues. Include band-aids, sanitizing wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), Anti-diarrhea medication, allergy relief medicine, antacids, and blister treatment. For first aid specifically, Adventure Medical Kits is a good source.
Bring over-the-counter cold and flu remedies or cough drops for familiar options. While local drugstores carry similar items, known brands bring comfort. Insect repellent is advised for summer, especially near water or natural areas. Sun protection (Sunscreen, hat, Sunglasses) is useful for summer and outdoor activities.
If hiking in the Tanzawa Mountains, bring a Daypack and appropriate layers. Personal items like comfortable shoes and a water bottle are vital.
Few direct camping sites exist in Aihara itself, but nearby mountains or lakes offer options. Consider renting bulky gear locally where possible.
A small towel or handkerchief is useful for drying hands in restrooms (many lack dryers/paper towels) or wiping sweat.
A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs are useful for long flights or train journeys. Use Luggage locks for checked bags. A Money belt or hidden pouch offers peace of mind for carrying valuables. An RFID-blocking wallet is an optional item for credit card information protection.
A reusable water bottle is essential for refilling with safe tap water and plastic waste reduction. Japan charges for plastic bags, so a Reusable shopping bag is practical. Reusable utensils are a good choice if you buy many convenience store meals.
Reduce plastic waste, tap water is safe.
Avoid fees for plastic bags.
Minimize disposable plastic with meals.
Consider local impact of purchases.
Roll clothes tightly to be space-efficient and avoid wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items within your luggage.
Create a checklist to confirm all necessary items are included.
