Updated on March 20th, 2025 by Okinawa Hai
Tokyo might get a lot of attention, but my favorite large Japanese city is Osaka. Osaka is Japan’s third largest city and offers a much more laid-back and affordable experience for tourists. It’s big enough to allow visitors to get a feel for the high-tech/futuristic side of Japan, yet avoids much of the stress and frantic pace that Tokyo is famous for.
If you are lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit Osaka, it’s important to take the time to prepare for your trip and pack the essential travel gear. This will go a long way to make sure your Osaka adventure goes smoothly. Below you will find a packing list of must-have items for Osaka, as well as how to dress for the weather, what NOT to pack, and FAQs.
What to Pack for Osaka
Shopping and Dining
No trip to Japan would be complete without joining the locals in one of their favorite activities: shopping and dining. Shopping and eating in Osaka is a delight for all your senses, with unexpected encounters at every turn. In this section, we’ll list a few items that you should make sure to pack before exploring Osaka’s shopping district.
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1. Reusable Shopping Bags
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2. Activated Charcoal
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3. Deodorant Wipes
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4. Unisex Slip-on Shoes
Touring the City
From the fishing boat docks to Universal Studios and Osaka Castle, Japan’s third-largest city is a perfect place for joining a tour or exploring on your own. The city has enough sights to keep any visitor busy for weeks. Below are some items that I always make sure to bring with me whenever I’m out exploring the streets of Osaka.
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5. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger
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6. Camera
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7. Windproof Travel Umbrella
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8. Packable Daypack
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9. Water Bottle with Built-in Filter
Boating, Fishing, and Watersports
Osaka is located on the eastern end of the Setonaikai Sea, and it’s been a hub for boaters, fishermen, and sailors for centuries. It’s one of the best places to go if you want to explore Japan’s Inland Sea or get out on the water.
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10. Quick-Dry Travel Towel
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11. Floating Wrist Strap
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12. Dry Bags
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13. Cooling Towels
Packing hacks
Ever since I started traveling regularly, there are certain items that I’ve found to be extremely useful no matter where I go. These travel essentials are things that I take with me on every trip in order to make for an easier and more enjoyable adventure.
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14. Packing Cubes
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15. Hanging Toiletry Bag
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16. Travel-Sized Toiletry Bottles (TSA Approved)
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17. Personal Item Bag
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18. Jet Lag Relief
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19. Luggage Strap
Travel Safety Essentials
Since I often travel to remote regions, it’s always important to put a lot of thought into safety while traveling. The following items have helped me stay safe in dozens of countries around the world.
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20. Neck Wallet
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21. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
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22. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
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23. Travel Insurance
Other Osaka Packing List Items Not to Leave at Home
- Travel Backpack
- Electronics Bag
- Earbuds
- Tablet
- Keypad Tablet Cover
- Hard Drive
- Guidebook
- Map
- Travel Journal
- Multipurpose Pen
- Japanese-English Dictionary
- Sunscreen
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Body Wipes
- Travel Toiletries Set
- Portable Kettle
- Travel Utensils Set
- Travel Laundry Detergent
- Swiss Army Knife
- Mini Lighter
- Sewing Kit
- First-Aid-Kit
- Ultralight Blanket
- Travel Pillow
- Emergency Poncho
- Watch
- GPS
- Anti-theft Belt
- Collapsible Water Bottle
- Selfie Stick w/Tripod
What to Pack for the Weather & Different Seasons
Spring – March, April, May
Compared to much of Japan, the weather in Osaka is pretty mild. My favorite time to visit the city is in the spring or fall, when it’s not too crowded and the weather is pleasant. Spring in Osaka is cool but not too cold, with a decent amount of rainfall. For this time of year, it is a good idea to pack a rain jacket and a hoodie. The weather in spring is perfect for hiking and exploring, so don’t forget your walking shoes.
In March, average temperatures range from the high 30’s F to the mid 50’s F, and by May, average temperatures range from the high 50’s F to the high 70’s F.
Summer – June, July, August
Summer is often a busy time to travel to Osaka, which is great for people who love parties and excitement. In the summer, the city can get pretty hot and humid. This time of year, it’s a good idea to pack shorts and activewear-style shirts. You’ll also want to make sure to bring plenty of sun protection.
In the summer, average daily temperatures range from the low 60’s F to the low 90’s F.
Fall – September, October, November
Along with the spring, fall is my other favorite time of year to visit Osaka. In the fall, the humidity has died down from the summer, and the daily temperatures are ideal for outdoor activity. This time of year, you should pack a light down jacket and hiking pants. Early fall is peak typhoon season, so keep that in mind and don’t forget your emergency poncho.
In early fall, average temperatures range from the low 70’s F to the mid 80’s F, but by November, they drop down to the high 40’s to the low 50’s F.
Winter – December, January, February
Winter can be a surprisingly pleasant time to visit Osaka. Unlike many other parts of the country, the weather gets cool, but it rarely freezes, so you don’t have to worry about snow and ice. It can still be chilly, so pack your warm base layer and a winter coat. Waterproof shoes are ideal for keeping your feet dry and cozy while exploring.
In the winter, average temperatures range from the mid 30’s up to the low 50’s, depending on the month.
What to Wear in Osaka
Traditional culture is still an important part of life in Japan, so many travelers worry about wearing clothing that won’t offend locals. There isn’t an official dress code for foreigners, but it’s still considered polite to dress modestly. The weather in Osaka is mild compared to much of the country, so it’s not too hot in the summer or freezing in the winter. However, the city can be affected by high humidity, so it’s a good idea to pack shorts and t-shirts for the summer. Since typhoons can affect the area, you should watch the weather and make sure to bring a poncho or raincoat. Don’t forget to pack slip-on shoes and extra socks, since it’s considered rude to wear shoes indoors.
Women
- Kimono Bath Robe
- Shorts
- Hiking Pants
- Knee-length Skirt
- Long Sleeved Shirt
- T-shirt
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sweater
- Windbreaker
- One-piece Swimsuit
- Slip-on Shoes
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Bucket Hat
Men
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Button-up Shirt
- Blazer
- Undershirt
- Boxers
- Socks
- Swimming Trunks
- Shorts
- Slacks
- Hiking Pants
- Hoodie
- Windbreaker
- Slip-on Shoes
- Sandals
What NOT to Bring to Osaka
- Regular Sized Toiletry Products Large bottles of shampoo and conditioner aren’t allowed on the plane, so it’s a good idea to bring travel-sized toiletry bottles instead.
- Too Much Stuff People who travel with too much stuff almost always regret it. Try to pack minimally and leave behind anything you didn’t use on your last vacation.
- Oversized Luggage Most baggage compartments on buses and trains in Japan are small, so oversized luggage is a nightmare to lug around the country. Bring the smallest-sized pack that can fit your essential gear.
- Bath Towel In Japan, most hotels will provide towels, and a regular bath towel takes up far too much space in your bag. Pack a travel towel instead, which is much smaller and dries off quickly after each use.
- Tons of Cash Japan is a very modern country, so you will find that most businesses accept credit cards and there are ATMs everywhere. Only bring a small amount of cash for emergencies.
FAQs About What to Pack for Osaka
- What type of clothing is appropriate for Japan?
In Japan, there is no official dress code for foreigners, but it’s polite to dress modestly in most places. Men should wear semi-formal outfits like button-up shirts and slacks, and women should avoid short skirts or revealing clothing. While swimming or at the beach, ladies should consider wearing a one-piece swimsuit instead of a bikini. Nudity is required in most hot springs and spas, and people with tattoos or piercings probably won’t be allowed. - Will I need to bring slippers to wear indoors?
In Japan, you are expected to remove your shoes when you enter someone’s home and in many small restaurants or businesses. Sometimes, people choose to wear slippers inside, while others just wear socks. I like to wear shoes that are easy to slip on or off, and bring lots of extra socks, so they’re always clean and fresh. - Will I Need a Travel Adapter for Japan?
Japan is one of the only countries in Asia that uses type A and type B power outlets. Since these are the same type of outlets that are used in North America, travelers coming from the USA won’t need to bring a travel adapter. Japan is a modern country with a very good power grid, so blackouts or power surges are rare. - Can I import my prescription drugs to Japan?
This can be tricky since there are a number of legally prescribed drugs in the US that are illegal in Japan. If you use prescription medication, make sure to do your research to confirm that your medications can be legally imported to Japan. For prescriptions that are allowed, tourists are usually permitted to bring a one month supply for personal use only. - Can I easily obtain a local SIM card in Osaka?
Most US cell phone plans won’t work in Japan, so many travelers choose to buy a local SIM card once they arrive. This is a simple, cost-effective solution for using your phone inside the country, but make sure that your cell phone is unlocked before you travel. SIM cards are easy to buy once you land in Osaka.