I’ve done a lot of international travel and have learned the hard way what is needed to have a safe and comfortable flight to your destination. Some of these items can also make your stay in a Foreign land more comfortable.
I want to pass on my discoveries to you so that you don’t have to go through an uncomfortable plane ride, hotel stays, or move. I don’t just recommend them for Japan but any international travel.
All of these items are listed on my Plan a Trip to Japan page.
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Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Water Bottle – Wide Mouth Straw Lid 2.0 – Multiple Sizes & Colors
- Keeps cold drinks icy cold and hot drinks hot
- The BPA-free water bottle is phthalate-free
- Made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel
- Slip-free powder coating doesn’t sweat and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and convenience
- Limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defect
I’ve had several water bottles in my lifetime and most of them break after a few uses. Mainly because I buy a cheap plastic one that sweats water everywhere and melts in my dishwasher. I needed something that would last so I Purchased a Hydro Flask Water Bottle about a year ago and it’s still like new.
The Hydro Flask keeps my ice water cold while I’m walking and biking in the Japan summer heat and my hot chocolate with marshmallows perfectly hot in the winter as I shop in Tokyo.
I recommend this water bottle to my readers.
Get your Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Snacks
Cookies, Chips & Candies Care Package Variety Pack Bundle Sampler (150 Count)
I’m going to break this to you as gently as possible. The snacks here in Japan taste nothing like snacks in America, the Philippines, South Korea, Europe, or anywhere else in the world. Everything here is low to no salt and sugar. Any snacks you’ll find here imported from another country does not taste as it does in that foreign country. Sometimes I think I’m eating hospital food.
I found Cheetos at the local store and bought some thinking I was going to have an awesome snack but I took the first bite and it was sweet. Cheetos are sweet in Japan. Chocolate has little sugar and Mountain Dew is bitter. These are just some examples.
Also, if you have a long flight you may find yourself feeling hungry. On my usual 18 hour flight, I received one small snack and two meals. I usually stay up the first 24 hours to get over jet lag quickly so I get hungry and need a snack.
If you want to eat healthily then you’ll only need a banana snack on the plane and then eat the food in Japan. If you think the 150 piece Cookies, Chips & Candies Care Package Variety Pack Bundle Sampler is too much to pack then take your favorites to Japan and leave the rest at home for work/school lunches.
Get your Cookies, Chips & Candies Care Package Variety Pack Bundle Sampler here.
Ear Plugs
Ear Plugs for Sleeping, 33db Hearprotek Noise Cancelling Sound Blocking Soft Sleep earplugs with Foam ear tips for Side Sleepers, snoring, Work and Noise Reduction
- Great noise blockers
- Perfect for Airplane noise
- Sleep on your side without hassle
- Different tips for different size ears
If you have been on an international flight then you know the amount of noise on the plane even when the lights are dim. Life doesn’t stop just because the lights are off. The noise can keep you awake the entire flight.
A good set of earplugs can muffle the noise so you can sleep but still hear an emergency announcement.
Also, the walls of buildings here in Japan are so thin that you can hear what is going on in your neighbor’s room.
I recommend you bring a set of earplugs for sleeping. While Japan is a quiet place, not every visitor has the same passion for quiet. Some Japanese can also have a little too much fun and create a lot of noise.
Get your Ear Plugs for Sleeping here.
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
The toothpaste and toothbrush set is straight forward and if you travel a lot you’ll need several tubs/brushes of your favorite. Some different selections are here with multi-packs, here with mouthwash, and here for singles.
Hand Sanitizer
Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer, 2 Fluid Ounce Bottles (Pack of 48), 96 Fl Oz
- Kills 99.99% of germs without water
- Effective at eliminating 99.99% of many common harmful germs and bacteria in as little as 15 seconds
- Contains moisturizers
- With Vitamin E
With the Coronavirus, colds, flu, and other germs attacking us constantly I recommend using Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer several times a day. I keep it in my pocket and use it after touching anything that other people have touched like money and delivery boxes.
Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer has moisturizers and vitamin E to combat dry itchy skin. I wash my hands so many times during the day that I develop eczema so I need the extra moisturizers and Vitamin E to help prevent eczema and the itch that accompanies it.
Get your Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer here.
Facial Mask
BDTTBZ 50pcs Face Masks Disposable, BFE>98%, F+D-A Medical Surg1cal Grade Hospital Use Safety Mask for Personal Care, Breathable 3-Layer With Adjustment Earloop and Nose Strip Masks
- Works for adults and children
- FDA medical standard
- Non-irritating
People in Japan wear a mask all the time (no sick days) so I wear one without thinking. With automatic doors and people bowing instead of shaking hands the transmittal of germs doesn’t happen often in Japan.
Almost all airlines won’t let you travel on their aircraft without wearing a mask. The BDTTBZ face mask uses the FDA medical standard and is adjustable for adults and children.
Also, the Japanese will freak out a little if they see a foreigner not wearing a mask.
Get your BDTTBZ face mask here.
Pen
Waterman Hemisphere White, Ballpoint pen
- Produces flawless lines
- Never drys out
- Stainless steel
I’ve listed the three essential features of this pen that you need for travel.
You need a pen that produces flawless lines when filling out landing paperwork for Japan. if Immigration and Customs cannot read you’re writing then you’ll need to fill out the paperwork again. Don’t use a Gel pen!
This pen never drys out so I can keep it in my travel bag for years and refill the pen if needed. You don’t want to reach for your pen only to find it won’t work.
Stainless Steel so I don’t need to worry about it breaking when my suitcase falls on my travel bag.
Get your Waterman Hemisphere White, Ballpoint pen here.
Questions about these products? Please ask in the comment section below.