Every trip to Japan, I tell myself I’ll pack light and just enjoy the sights. And every trip, I end up hauling home the same random, slightly chaotic list of products anyway. Some are skincare holy grails, some are snacks I will fight someone over, and some are just… weirdly essential to my day-to-day life now. Here’s what’s permanently on my Japan shopping list, and why.
For the Flight: Megurythm
If you’ve never tried Megurythm, these are steam eye masks that heat up on contact and are an absolute must-have for long flights. I put one on right after takeoff, and it’s the difference between landing looking like a raccoon and actually feeling somewhat human. They come in different scents too, so you can pick whatever feels the most calming mid-flight.
Comfort Food: Tonjiru from Muji
Muji’s instant tonjiru (pork and vegetable miso soup) is one of those things that sounds unremarkable until you actually try it. You get real chunks of pork and vegetables, and the flavor is so comforting it genuinely feels homemade. It’s become my go-to on lazy nights or when I just want something warm and easy without ordering delivery.
The Hangover Cure: Shijimi Miso Soup
This one is a Japanese essential, and for good reason. Shijimi clams are known for supporting liver function, and shijimi miso soup is basically the unofficial national hangover cure. I always keep a few packets on hand after a night out, and I genuinely think it works better than anything else I’ve tried.
Mascara Remover That Doesn’t Require Rubbing
I didn’t know I needed this until I used it, but Japanese mascara removers are next level. The formula breaks down mascara so effectively that you barely have to touch your under-eye area, let alone rub it, which means way less irritation and way fewer stray lashes. Once you try one, it’s hard to go back to a regular makeup remover for your lashes.
Pimple Patches That Actually Stay On
I’ve tried pimple patches from all over, and the ones I pick up in Japan just perform better. They stick well, stay put overnight, and don’t peel off at the edges the way so many other brands do. A small thing, but a genuinely reliable one.
Sheet Masks (an Ever-Growing List)
This category alone could be its own article. There are so many options that I basically restock a rotating lineup every trip. Currently on repeat: Numberzin No.5 (a Korean brightening mask that, funnily enough, my Japanese friends put me onto), the Manyo Galactomyces serum mask, and Torriden masks. It’s a bit of a mix of Korean and Japanese brands at this point, but that’s honestly how most of my routine works these days.
Serum: Currently Rotating in Medicube PDRN Pink Serum
My serum picks change constantly depending on what my skin needs that season, but this trip I’m planning to repurchase the Medicube PDRN pink serum. Serum recommendations are so personal though, since it really depends on whether you’re targeting hydration, brightening, texture, or something else entirely.
Lipstick: Kate Lip Monster
This is my safe, no-fail pick. Kate Lip Monster gives a nice tint and plump without being sticky or drying, and the shade range works for pretty much any mood. It’s affordable too, which makes it an easy one to stock up on.
Stationery: Dr. Grip 4+1 Pen
I always end up buying at least one more Dr. Grip 4+1 pen, even though I already own several. The grip is genuinely so comfortable to write with, and it makes a great, practical souvenir for friends who appreciate good stationery as much as I do.
Electrolytes: Pocari Sweat Powder
I keep Pocari Sweat powder on hand year-round at this point. It’s great after a workout, but it’s just as useful when you’re feeling under the weather and need something gentle to rehydrate with. Lightweight to pack and easy to portion out too.
Surviving Heatwaves: GATSBY Body Sheets and Cooling Products
Living in Europe, summers have gotten brutal, and Japanese cooling products are an absolute lifesaver. GATSBY body sheets and minty cooling sheets like 熱さまシート (the ones originally made for bringing down fevers) have become part of my regular summer routine, not just something I use in Japan.
Snack Emergency: Black Thunder
My favorite chocolate snack, hands down, is Black Thunder, specifically the 72% cacao version. It’s crunchy, not overly sweet, and dangerously easy to eat an entire box of in one sitting. I always buy extra because I know I’ll run out before my next trip.
Pantry Staples: Dashi, Seasonings, and Ochazuke
Lastly, I always restock dashi packets, a few go-to seasonings, and ochazuke. Basically, I need a solid lineup of “ご飯の供” (ice accompaniment) on hand for the lazy days when cooking feels like too much, but I still want something that actually tastes good over a bowl of rice.
Honestly, looking at this list all together, it’s such a random mix — skincare, snacks, pantry staples, stationery — but every single item earns its spot in my suitcase every single time.
What’s on your repeat-buy list when you travel? Let me know in the comments, or tell me if there’s a specific category (skincare, snacks, stationery) you want me to go deeper on next!