Japan uses Type A plugs at 100 V, needs a 1949 Geneva IDP to drive, and still runs on some cash. A full ski packing list, with what to bring and what to rent.
David
Pack your boots, goggles, gloves and base layers, and rent skis, poles and a helmet unless you ski powder often enough to own fat skis. Japan uses Type A two-pin plugs at 100 V, so most visitors need an adapter, and you can only drive with an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. The lists below cover the rest.
Documents and money
- Passport, valid for your whole stay. Check your airline and any transit country for stricter rules.
- Visa or eVISA if your nationality needs one.
- International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) plus your home licence, if you plan to drive. Japan accepts it for up to one year from entry. Drivers from Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan use an official Japanese translation of their licence instead (japan-guide). See our car rental and IDP guide.
- Travel insurance that covers skiing, and off-piste if you plan to use backcountry gates.
- A credit card with no foreign transaction fee, plus some cash. Small ski areas, onsen and buses still take cash only.
- An IC card (Suica, PASMO or Kitaca) on your phone or as a card, for trains and convenience stores.
Which ski gear should you bring and which should you rent?
| Item | Bring | Rent |
|---|
| Boots | Yes, if you own a pair that fits | Fine for a first trip |
| Skis or board | Only if you have powder skis or ski often | Usually cheaper, and no airline fees |
| Poles | Optional | Included with rental skis |
| Helmet | Yes if you own one (better fit) | Available at most rental shops |
| Goggles | Yes, ideally with a low-light lens | Rarely offered |
| Gloves or mittens | Yes, two pairs so one can dry | Rarely offered |
| Ski jacket and pants | Yes if you own them | Many resort shops rent full sets |
Our guides to bringing gear vs renting and where to rent in Japan compare prices. If you do bring skis, Yamato's ski delivery can carry them from the airport to your hotel; they need to go in a ski bag with Yamato's cover (¥400) and be sent two days before you ski (Yamato).
What clothes do you need for skiing in Japan?
Hokkaido in January is usually well below freezing on the slopes, and Honshu resorts are milder but wetter, so pack layers:
- Base layer tops, merino or synthetic, x2
- Base layer bottoms, three-quarter length so they stay out of your boots, x2
- Mid layer, fleece or light down, x1
- Waterproof shell jacket, x1
- Waterproof ski pants or bibs, x1
- Thin ski socks, x3 pairs (thick socks make boots fit worse)
- Neck warmer or balaclava, x1
- Beanie for the village, x1
- Warm boots with good grip for icy streets
Cotton hoodies under a shell stay wet once you sweat. On how much to spend, see do you need an expensive ski jacket for Japan.
What do you need specifically for Japan?
- Plug adapter. Japan uses Type A sockets at 100 V and 50 or 60 Hz depending on the region (mains electricity by country). Australia (Type I), Korea (C and F) and South Africa (C, M and N) all need adapters. Most phone and laptop chargers accept 100 to 240 V; hair dryers and curling irons from 230 V countries often do not.
- Power bank. Cold drains phone batteries quickly on the chairlift.
- Coin purse. You collect a lot of ¥100 and ¥10 coins.
- Slip-on shoes. You take shoes off at the entrance of ryokan, many restaurants and every onsen.
- Small towel and a handkerchief. Many public toilets have no paper towels.
- Any prescription medicine, in its original packaging. Some common foreign cold medicines are restricted in Japan, so check before you pack them.
How much should you pack on a budget, mid-range or premium trip?
| Trip style | Bring | Rent or buy there |
|---|
| Budget | Clothes, gloves, goggles | Skis, boots, helmet, maybe jacket and pants |
| Mid-range | Boots, goggles, helmet, clothes | Skis or board |
| Premium | Full kit including powder skis | Nothing, but ship the bag ahead |
Lay everything out, then take away a third of the casual clothes. Most ski towns are informal and you will wear the same jumper to dinner most nights. For a first snow trip, see the first-time snow packing list.
FAQ
Do I need a converter or just an adapter for Japan?
Usually just an adapter. Check the label on your charger: if it says 100 to 240 V, it works in Japan.
Can I rent ski clothes in Japan?
Yes. Many rental shops in big resorts rent jackets and pants as a set, which saves luggage space.