What to pack for Japan

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Light clothing and good shoes to walk everywhere.
Some raincoat is good always when traveling and a swim dress if you are planning to go to the Japanese communal baths house called Sentō (銭湯), where customers pay for entrance. Traditionally these bath houses have been quite utilitarian, with one large room separating the sexes by a tall barrier.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: The normal AID box will serve you. Not too big is better.

Photo Equipment: Bear in mind that you will need and not regret a great camera and lots of cards to store your photos.
There are beautiful and awesome paths, events, signs, very different from what in Occident know, so It is good to deserve a good camera and eye will capture those :)

Miscellaneous: I think this is a very USEFUL book while traveling to/around Japan.
There are good tips and recommendations as well as the culture history in any region!
THIS SHOULD BE A MUST :)

Miscellaneous: We used in Japan the guidebook of Lonely Planet. That was good enough for all the basic information we needed, especially in some locations outside the major cities where information in English in the internet was not easy to find.

Miscellaneous: The Japan electric system is more similar to the one they use in the USA with electric plug of two thin flat pins (see image). So just in case, if you need to charge some of your electrical items have a plug converter to be able to plug your items as I have and you can see in the image. You do not need usually power converter as most electric items these days, from laptop to cameras can use 100-240v.

Miscellaneous: Japan is known to be one of the biggest economies in the world and so also very expensive. That might be true, but I must tell that Japan is not as expensive as its image and if you do wisely you can save a lot on your expenses.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: We were in Japan in the summer, we had very light tropic climate cloths as it is hot and humid. We had sandals for most of the time.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: If you go to the countryside in the summer, have mosquito repellent with you.

Photo Equipment: The good part is, that all the best photo equipment is made in Japan, so if you miss something, here you can easily get it :)

4 more images

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Yukata
Bath Robe (not all hotels)
Slippers (some are personal disposable type)
Disposable Body Wash Towel (not all hotels)
Hand Towels
Bath Towels

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Soap
Shampoo
Body Foam
Conditioner
Disposable Razors
Disposable Brush/Comb
Sewing Kit
Disposable Toothbrush with Paste
Disposable Shower Caps
Hair Dryer

Miscellaneous: In-Room Pants Press (not all hotels)

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In winter, why bring lots of winter clothes when you can buy them at Daiso (100Yen Shop) in Japan.

Some of the items spotted in Daiso:
Thermal Wear
Glove
Wool Shoes In-Sole
Tights
Caps
Ear Muffs

I was at Kinshicho and visited the Daiso at the Acrakit Building. It is big and besides the Daiso, there are other individuals shops selling various kinds of products.

Luggage and bags: Preferably if you are backpacking all across Japan do no bring a suitcase but rather a back pack that can roll like a suit case. This came in so handy, you can roll it when your backs hurting and pop the handle down instantly and throw on your back when you need to climb stairs. When you do not need them you can get a locker for a few dollars and store it as long as its not to big.

Another good thing to have is a water proof camera backpack that way you can store extra things and it will keep your camera dry when it is pouring down rain.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: An umbrella, the weather can change drastically and never trust the weather man. Also bring a jacket, when its cool outside. Sunglasses are a must since many times it can be very bright especially in Tokyo. All the glare from the buildings makes it hard to see at times.

Sun screen is a must. All the glass windows from the buildings can easily give you a sun burn if your not covered up from the reflections, so while it may not be hot out you will get burnt.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Toilet paper. Not all places supply it but rather have vending machines to buy it. Take some with you. Good deodorant especially if you plan on walking a lot. It can get really muggy and hot.

Headache medicine.

Photo Equipment: Tripod, mini tripod are musts along with extra batteries and a lens hood. If you try to buy a lens hood in Japan its going to cost you double what it would cost in the states. Prices start out at $50 and most stores do not have universal hoods. Waterproof case for camera or at least a bag.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Good hiking shoes.

Miscellaneous: Lots of places do accept major credit cards like visa, and mastercard however some of the best shops do not. I would take both with you.