Booked your ticket to Hokkaido? Are you all set?
Before you pack your bags and head off to Hokkaido, there are a few things you should consider bringing with you to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
In this article, I will walk you through each item you should bring for summer and winter trips, as well as things you don’t have to bring and can’t bring to Hokkaido, Japan.
Let’s dive in!
Useful Resources
✨Traveling to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Eastern Hokkaido Travel Planner
✨Planning a winter trip? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner
✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice
Hokkaido Packing Essentials
Credit card & cash
Credit cards are widely accepted in Hokkaido, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand. Especially in the countryside, some shops and restaurants might not accept credit card payments. Make sure to exchange some of your home currency for Japanese yen before your trip or at international airports.
Items for long transportation
Hokkaido is a large island, and you may find yourself traveling long distances by train, bus, or car. Make sure to pack some essential items to make your journey more comfortable, such as earphones, earbuds, motion sickness pills, mobile, and batteries.
Especially using a high-quality eye mask and neck pillow really helps on a long flight to Japan!
Comfortable walking shoes
Hokkaido is home to beautiful natural landscapes and hiking trails, so having a good pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Pack a pair of shoes that are sturdy, breathable, and provide good support for your feet.
Plug adapter
Japan uses a different plug and voltage system than many other countries. Japanese plugs are Type A, which has two flat parallel pins, and the voltage is 100 V. Make sure to bring a plug adapter (multi adapter is good to have for all your future travels). Check if your electronic devices are compatible with 100 V if you're planning to use them in Hokkaido.
Plug extension for a hotel room
Japanese hotel rooms often have limited outlets. A plug extension can come in handy if you need to charge multiple devices at once. My quick travel hack - just bring one plag adopter and one plug extension, so that you don’t have to get multiple adapters!
SIM card
Having a reliable internet connection is crucial while traveling, and Hokkaido is no exception. A wifi or sim card will help you stay connected and make it easier to find your way around, make reservations for restaurants, and look up activities.
You can order a SIM card to your home in advance, or get one at any international airport upon your arrival. It’s available at Wifi/mobile shops or SIM card vendor machines. Grab one before you head out!
Travel insurance
Accidents and unexpected events can happen while traveling. Having travel insurance can give you peace of mind and financial protection in case of emergencies. Make sure to get travel insurance before your trip to Hokkaido.
What to add for a summer trip to Hokkaido
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
You will be spending quite a lot of time outdoors on a summer trip in Hokkaido. Be prepared to protect yourself from the sun!
By the way, you can get high-quality Japanese sunscreens at any drugstore or convenience store. Popular brands are ANESSA, Biore, and Skin Aqua. They make a good souvenir for your friends who are into skincare!
Insect repellent
This is a must during the summer months, if you are going to do outdoor activities. Bring some insect repellent to keep bugs at bay and enjoy the outdoors without getting bitten.
Jacket, cardigan
It could get a little chilly in Hokkaido even in summer, especially in the mornings and the evenings. Pack a light jacket or cardigan that you can easily layer to stay warm and comfortable.
What to add for a winter trip to Hokkaido
Winter jacket with a hood
Make sure to pack a warm, thick, and waterproof jacket with a hood to protect yourself from the cold and snow. You might want to invest a little bit of extra in your new winter jacket - you wouldn’t regret it, especially if you are thinking to go active outdoors. It could easily go below -10 Celcius degrees in winter in Hokkaido.
Hot pack
A hot pack like this can provide some much-needed warmth and comfort when you are walking around outside. Pack a few hot packs to keep yourself warm during your travels.
Warm inners
Layering is key to staying warm in Hokkaido during the winter. UNIQLO’s HEATTECH is a lifesaver for me. Get a long sleeve top as well as leggings. If you are especially sensitive to the cold, get the extra warm ones instead of regular HEATTECH.
Scarf, ear cover, cap
The key to surviving the cold in Hokkaido is to cover your skin as much as possible. I found wearing ear covers especially helpful - it makes so much difference! My favorite is these band-less earmuffs that can go into your pocket when not in use. So handy!
Snowshoes/boots
Make sure to pack a pair of waterproof and insulated snow shoes or boots with a nice grip. If you are not used to walking on icy, slippery streets, get snow shoes in Hokkaido that have built-in spikes attached under the soles. You can flip them in when you don’t need them indoors.
Long socks
In addition to snow boots, pack some thick, long socks to wear under your snow boots to keep your feet warm and comfortable. Bringing spare pairs always helps when they get wet.
Hokkaido Packing List
So here’s a recap! Make sure to pack everything you will need for your Hokkaido trip.
Hokkaido Travel Essentials
- Credit card & cash
- Items for long transportation
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Plug adapter
- Tap extension for a hotel room
- SIM card
- Travel insurance
What to add for a summer trip
- Sunscrean
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Jacket, cardigan
What to add to a winter trip
Things you don’t have to bring
Toothbrush, toothpaste, body soap, shampoo, conditioner
Pack light! Many hotels in Japan provide these items for guests, so you don't need to pack them. But if you are trying to travel responsibly, it’s always a good idea to bring your toiletries.
Things you can’t bring to Japan
Meat and animal products
Due to Japanese customs regulations, it is prohibited to bring meat and animal products, including milk, eggs, and cheese, into Japan.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
It is also prohibited to bring some fruits and vegetables into Japan. Make sure to check the regulations before packing for your trip.
Useful Resources
✨Traveling to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Eastern Hokkaido Travel Planner
✨Planning a winter trip? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner
✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice
THAT’S ALL!
Hope you enjoyed this Hokkaido Packing List. I’d love to hear from you, whether it’s feedback or questions - Reach out to me on my Facebook page or Instagram. We also have Eastern Hokkaido Travel Group on Facebook where you can ask questions or share experiences about trips to Eastern Hokkaido. Join us!
NEED ADVICE ON YOUR TRIP PLAN?
I’M HERE TO HELP YOU!
I’ve been helping international travelers plan their dream trips to Hokkaido for the past 3 years. I’d be happy to plan your itinerary with you for Eastern Hokkaido as well as other regions.
Check out what you can ask me & why you should plan with a local expert like me.
