Spring in Japan is a breathtaking season when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating stunning landscapes. However, to make your trip more comfortable, it's important to prepare for the climate and cultural aspects. This article introduces essential items for a spring trip to Japan and explains why they are useful.
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1. Light Outerwear
While spring days can be warm, mornings and evenings can still be chilly. Especially from March to early April, temperatures can drop to single digits. If you wear light clothing during the day, you might find yourself feeling cold in the evening. Bringing a light outer layer allows you to adjust to temperature changes easily and stay comfortable throughout your sightseeing. A lightweight, foldable jacket or cardigan is particularly recommended.
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2. Sunglasses
Spring brings stronger sunlight, making sunglasses an essential item, especially for those concerned about UV rays. Whether you're strolling along cherry blossom-lined paths or riversides, sunglasses help protect your eyes and reduce glare. With many sunny days in spring, sightseeing often involves spending long hours outdoors. Choosing sunglasses with high UV protection can reduce eye strain and help you enjoy the beautiful scenery more comfortably.
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3. Parasol
Like sunglasses, a parasol is also recommended for sun protection. In Japan, using a parasol is common, so you won’t feel out of place at tourist spots. However, when viewing cherry blossoms, be mindful not to damage the branches—folding your parasol while walking near trees is considered good etiquette. To stay prepared for crowded areas or sudden light rain, a foldable parasol is the best option. Choosing a lightweight one that fits in your bag makes it easy to carry around.
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4. Hand Warmers
If you plan to enjoy nighttime cherry blossom viewing or visit illuminated gardens, it's important to prepare for the evening chill. Spring nights can be much colder than the daytime. Having pocket-sized disposable hand warmers or rechargeable hand warmers can help keep you warm and make your experience more comfortable. Warmers designed for hands and feet are especially useful for long hours of outdoor sightseeing.
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5. Comfortable Shoes
Spring in Japan offers many opportunities for sightseeing and cherry blossom viewing, meaning you'll likely be walking for long periods. To ensure a comfortable trip, choose easy-to-wear sneakers or walking shoes. Many tourist spots have cobblestone paths or slopes, so shoes with good cushioning and slip resistance are helpful. Also, wearing thick socks can help prevent blisters, making your walk even more comfortable.
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6. Picnic Sheet
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a must-do event in Japan during spring, and a picnic sheet is essential for enjoying it in parks or along riverbanks. A lightweight and compact foldable sheet is easy to carry. A waterproof one is especially useful in case the ground is damp. Choosing a colorful design can also make your hanami photos more vibrant. Before settling down, check whether the area allows picnic sheets.
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7. Trash Bags
Garbage sorting rules in Japan are strict, and public trash bins are often scarce. This can be an issue, especially during spring festivals and food stalls, where you might struggle to find a place to dispose of waste. To avoid any trouble, bring plastic bags (which you can buy at convenience stores and supermarkets) to carry your trash. Be sure not to litter, whether it's food packaging, plastic bottles, or cans!
✏ Read about Japan’s garbage etiquette
8. Coins
Spring festivals and events often have many food stalls, but most of them only accept cash. Having small change, especially ¥500 and ¥100 coins, makes shopping at these stalls much smoother. You'll also need coins when visiting shrines and temples for offering money. Preparing change in advance will save you the hassle of searching for it later. Carrying a small coin pouch separate from your wallet can also make payments quicker.
9. Eye Drops
Spring in Japan is also allergy season. If you suffer from itchy or dry eyes, carrying anti-allergy eye drops is highly recommended. Japanese drugstores sell a wide variety of eye drops, including anti-allergy formulas and cooling ones. You can choose the type that suits your needs best. Eye drops are also useful after a long day of sightseeing when your eyes feel tired. Single-use eye drops are convenient and hygienic.
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10. Face Mask
A face mask is another must-have for allergy protection. In Japan, wearing a mask is common, not only to prevent pollen allergies but also as a courtesy to others. Early spring is also a time when colds are common, so wearing a mask can help you stay healthy while traveling. You can easily find disposable masks at drugstores and convenience stores, but many people also wear reusable cloth masks.
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SIM Card for Traveling in Japan in Spring
One thing you should prepare in advance is a SIM card. If you rely only on Wi-Fi hotspots for internet access, you may find yourself without a connection when you need it most. Having a SIM card that works in Japan ensures that you stay connected even when Wi-Fi isn’t available. Be sure to get one for a hassle-free trip!
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Spring in Japan is a fantastic season filled with beautiful scenery and exciting events. However, the fluctuating temperatures and pollen can affect your comfort. By preparing the items listed in this article, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable spring trip in Japan!
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