Travel Necessities - Japan

A small collection.

When one travels one often has to bring some odd things and some normal necessities. Here we have  (clockwise) Downy Wrinkle Release, a pink micro-fiber towel, Tide packets, an orthopedic neck pillow, pocket tissues, travel bottles and passport carry holder thing.

These are a few of the supplies I've purchased with CC rewards from paying for plane tickets and hotels. I still have many more things that I need to purchase, as you can see Amazon Wishlist. 

Explanations:

1. The wrinkle release is because we plan to pack very lightly. I intend to bring nothing more than will fit in my Osprey Quasar. (with the exception of shoes) I will bring an empty suitcase!
2. We have two micro towels to supplement the hotel towels and to bring to Onsen/Sentou. 
3. Tide- for washing things in the sink~! Don't want to waste time waiting for the single washer/dryer in our hotels. 
4. The neck pillow is to help with some neurological/ortho problems I have. I am hoping for surgery before my trip but it may not happen.
5. Pocket tissues -  Some public restrooms have no toilet paper or paper towels because you are expected to carry your own. Sometimes, outside of train stations, you can get advert tissues/chirigami: a small packet of tissues with an ad for a company on the outside.  The only problem here is that foreigners may be passed over, as the ads may be viewed as wasted on them.
6. Travel Bottles- Typical reasons here. I think we'll get some toiletries at a hyakuen store, but some things we want will need to be brought. (P.S. I <3 Daiso)
7. Passport holder- I love these. You slip some money and your ID in, then stuff it in your shirt. Japan has a low crime rate compared to many places I've been and even where I currently live. I still feel more secure when I can have the tactile feel of my passport touching my skin. One of my skirts, my Macabi, also has an interior pocket that can not be easily accessed by others. It's nice piece of clothing for visiting less savory places. It's a nice skirt for any sort of travel, really.

Things we still need (We have some, but they are not rounded up yet!):

1. Thermals - We'll be in some cold areas! I want to get some more Cuddl Duds light thermals. They pack well.
2. Handkerchiefs - For drying hands.
3. Gallon Baggies- For our stuff, souvenirs, trash items (nearly impossible to find trash cans in Japan, may as will stuff it in a pack or purse), any pretty much everything.
4. Copies of everything from scripts to ID to itineraries- It's important to be prepared in case anything goes missing. In a foreign country, unless you are perfectly fluent or straying with someone, it's best to be as safe as possible. I have a binder that I'm gathering information in.
5. Travel journal - To collect memories, receipts and STAMPS!
6. A duffle-bag for our trip back, just in case we buy ALL THE THINGS.
7. Other things - Trying to think of more helpful stuff and blanking. I will probably post a picture of the unpacked/packed bags before we go.

Things to leave behind:

1. Excess anything - Too much bulk or weight is bad in a crowded country.

When I go to someplace local, or to visit relatives, I try to pack lightly. Every single time I manage to fail. I hope I can stick to my simple wardrobe plan! Only planning to bring three pair of shoes (tennies, small dressy shoes and Uggs) for two weeks. I may perish!