Good sleep and happy legs are what let you do it again tomorrow. Earplugs, a mask and the kit for long days on your feet.
Hostel dorms, thin guesthouse walls and early trains all make noise. Soft reusable earplugs are the cheapest sleep upgrade there is, and sleep matters a lot when your energy is limited.
Keep in mind: Try a few nights at home first so you know which tip size seals without pressure.
Japanese summer sunrises come early, and paper shoji screens in ryokan let in plenty of light. A soft cotton mask helps you sleep past dawn after a long day.
Keep in mind: Cotton is cooler than foam in humid weather.
Long flights to Japan and 20,000-step city days are both hard on legs. Graduated compression socks are a common choice for both.
Keep in mind: If you have circulation problems, a history of clots, or you've had a stroke, ask your doctor which compression level is right for you before buying.
Kyoto
Kumano · Wakayama
Tokyo
Heat & coolingWalking & restPacking lightPower & phoneCamera kitShopping & souvenirs