Practical Japan: What to Pack for a Business Trip to the Land of the Rising Sun
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Your trip is set—you’re heading to Japan for work! Recently, we’ve seen people on social media preparing empty suitcases for their trips to Japan, intending to fill them with souvenirs on the way back.
While that’s fun and understandable for a leisure trip, it’s quite different for business travel. Here are, in our opinion, some essentials to have on hand for a business trip to Japan.
1/ Clothing
Bring classic business attire to meet your Japanese partners. While clean jeans might be acceptable workwear in France, that’s not generally the case in Japan. At a minimum, bring a blazer if you’re not packing a full suit.
Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off. It’s common in Japan to remove shoes, not only in people’s homes but also in some restaurants and tourist spots.
* If you have a tea ceremony on your schedule, bring a pair of white socks.
Finally, check the weather before you leave and pack accordingly. If need be, you’ll likely be able to buy appropriate clothing on-site.
2/ Electronic Equipment
Japan has a voltage of 110V and uses Type A outlets.
Most electronic devices needed for business travel (phone, laptop, tablet) have a voltage range of 100–240V and can be used without issues, but it’s always wise to check the device’s range before departure.
As for outlets, more and more hotels offer USB charging ports, but it’s advisable to bring an adapter for larger devices like laptops.
While it’s now easier to find adapters in Japan, this can waste valuable time, and adapters in stores might be intended for travelers leaving Japan, meaning they don’t fit Type A outlets.
3/ Hygiene and health
If you use certain products or medications, bring them along.
Japan has a wide range of cosmetics, but if you have sensitive skin, you’ll feel more at ease with your usual products. (Don’t forget to put containers over 100ml in checked luggage.)
For medications, remember that dosages and ingredients vary by country, so bring any pain relievers or other medications you might need.
4/ Communication
While many public places offer open Wi-Fi, it typically requires you to stay in one place, and there’s always a risk of hackers.
If possible, consider bringing a Wi-Fi hotspot (handy for connecting multiple devices simultaneously) or getting a SIM card (or eSIM) for internet access as soon as you arrive. Several services at international airports allow you to reserve and pick up these items when you land.
And when it comes to communication with Japanese colleagues, business cards are essential. Exchanging them is a customary part of introductions, so bring plenty (translated into Japanese, if possible!) to show that you understand Japanese culture.
Another communication point in Japanese business culture is small gifts. If possible, bring a small souvenir from your home region to show appreciation to your collaborators; you can also expect a small gift in return.
At tokimeki, we aim to make things easier for you and take care of technical requirements like these, so you don’t have to think about them. At the very least, as long as you have your travel documents, you’ll be able to sort things out!
Feel free to share your must-have items for a business trip to Japan with us!
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