You’ve done your research and come to the very smart decision to travel to Osaka and visit Universal Studios Japan. Congratulations! With flights secured, theme park tickets booked, and your itinerary drafted, the only thing left to do is pack your bags for what I can pretty much guarantee will be an unforgettable travel experience.
Whether you fancy yourself an over-packer, under-packer, or somewhere in between, I’m here to help. Below are my various packing lists for travel essentials, long flights, and what to bring to Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
Basics (or: I Probably Shouldn’t Have To Include These But I Am)
Just in case this is your first big trip or you’re using this article to literally check off your packing list (wow, I’m honored), here are the items you should always travel with:
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- Wallet
- Keys
- Phone
- Theme Park Ticket Confirmation Details
- Flight/Hotel Confirmation Details
PRO TIP: Most places throughout Japan (and definitely at USJ) will accept major credit cards, but I still recommend taking some cash out to exchange for smaller gift shops and markets. Or you can pop into a convenience store as most of them have ATMs available.
Travel Essentials (or: What I Put In My Checked Bag)
If I’m traveling anywhere for longer than five days, I’m checking a bag. And if you’re wondering how many days you need for a vacation to Japan, it is definitely more than five days. So get that big suitcase out and let’s fill it!
- 1-2 outfits per day | Osaka is cool but comfortable in the winter months and fairly hot and humid in the summer. Depending on the time of year that you’re traveling, you may want to build in the option to switch from a daytime outfit to a nighttime outfit. I recommend outfits that are comfortable and easy to layer if the temperature rises or falls during your trip.
- Cosplay fits | Guests at Universal Studios Japan have completely elevated theme park fashion. If you’ve got a fandom-centric look in your closet, be sure to count it as one of your outfits for your theme park day.
- Toiletries | What you pack in your toiletry bag is between you and airport security. Just don’t forget the must-haves like deodorant, medication, and your toothbrush!
- For what it’s worth, Osaka has plentiful and excellent convenience stores, so if you forget something at home, it is super easy to find a replacement.
- Good walking shoes | You’re going to be walking a lot in Japan, especially around the theme park. Make sure whatever shoes you pack are up for a minimum of 10,000 steps per day. I hit an average of 19,000 steps per day on my most recent trip to Universal Studios Japan and was very thankful for my good sneakers.
- Rain protection | Check the forecast for your trip and if it includes rain, be sure to toss a rain jacket and umbrella in your bag. Or don’t pack the umbrella and plan to buy one during your trip — Japanese umbrellas are lightweight, portable, and legitimately great souvenirs.
- If you plan to bring your umbrella to USJ to protect yourself from either the rain or the sun, there are dedicated umbrella holders on certain rides for you to stow it in.
PRO TIP: If your travels include meeting up with anyone you know from Japan, plan to bring a few items from your hometown as a gift! It is a common custom called Omiyage that shows your appreciation and respect for your hosts.
For the Long Flight (or: What I Put In My Carry-On)
How you decide to pack your carry-on bag for a long flight is a personal decision based on a myriad of character attributes. I can only speak to my own, so take the below as strong suggestions from someone you may or may not be aligned with in regards to the merit of airplane snacks.
- Phone charger | You’re not going to want to get stuck with a dead phone battery, so make sure to toss your phone charger in your carry-on bag so you can charge in-flight or at the airport.
- Entertainment | Based on how long your flight is, you may want to pack a good book, some knitting, or download a few podcast episodes (and grab your headphones…don’t be one of those people!) to pass the time.
- Snacks | I always like to have a handful of snack options on board with me in case I’m sleeping through mealtime or want an alternative option to what’s offered. Think of snacks that will give you energy and make you feel full. I usually opt for granola bites, turkey jerky, and pretzels stuffed with peanut butter.
- Sleep gear | If you have a long flight to Japan, you’re going to want to do your best to get some sleep in. I usually pack some melatonin, an eye mask, and earplugs. I also recommend either bringing a sweatshirt or a neck pillow to get as cozy as possible.
- Pharmacy essentials | This is where I’m probably being a little extra, so, under-packers, take me with a grain of salt! I find my immune system needs a boost after long flights, so I pack some vitamin c and hydration packets to mix with water and help me feel as normal as possible in the air. I’m also a big believer in the power of compression socks, and you probably should be, too.
- Toiletry essentials | Now I’m being really extra, but my preference before/after sleeping on a flight is to trick my brain by simulating as much normalcy as possible. I pack a toothbrush/toothpaste, face wipes, and some lotion so I can replicate a mini nighttime and morning routine.
PRO TIP: Outside of the USJ park, Japan as a whole doesn’t have many public trash cans. For your non-USJ days, I recommend having a plastic shopping bag on-hand to carry any trash you may accumulate throughout the day.
For the Theme Park (or: What I Can Fit In My Small Bag)
I tend to pack pretty light for theme park days, opting for a small cross-body bag or fanny pack instead of a big bag. Below are my must-have items besides the obvious things like my phone, hotel key, and wallet. Be sure to also read USJ’s Entering The Park Guide for more information on what items aren’t allowed in the theme park.
PRO TIP: If you prefer to pack a bigger bag, there are lockers available at USJ to stow your items. There are (a limited number of) large, daily-rental lockers at the front of the theme park for larger items and smaller one-time use lockers before you get on certain rides.
- Portable phone charger | You’re going to be relying on the official USJ app a lot during your theme park day, so this is crucial to keep that phone battery alive and well.
- Sun protection | While there are plenty of indoor attractions to take a break from the heat (Universal Monsters Live Rock and Roll Show is a must), this is a theme park and you will be exposed to the sun! I recommend making sure you’re never too far from sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Refillable water bottle | Staying hydrated is crucial 365 days out of the year, so jot that down. But even more so when you’re in the sun and gallivanting around a theme park! (NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, cans, and glass bottles are not permitted in the theme park.)
- Queue entertainment | You could end up in some long lines waiting for popular rides at USJ, so be sure to bring something to keep you entertained or download a few games on your phone.
- Hand sanitizer | The last thing you want is to delay biting into a churro because you need to go wash that theme park attraction feeling off your hands.
PRO TIP: The merchandise game in Japan, and especially at Universal Studios Japan, is truly on another level. For the serious shoppers, I recommend bringing an extra suitcase (or leaving substantial room in yours) to bring back a few items!
Did we leave any of your packing essentials off the list? Let us know in the comments below!