Ultimate Japan Packing Guide for Every Season 🍁❄️🌸☀️
If you’ve landed here, I’m guessing you are in the thick of planning that highly anticipated trip to Japan you’ve been dreaming about forever. 👀 As someone who has been privileged enough to travel to Japan throughout my life, I feel a personal responsibility to help you out. 😉 After all, you already have an endless amount of things to worry about and figuring out what and how to pack is one of the last details on the list. Whether you’re visiting in the spring, summer, winter, or fall, this guide will help you curate a packing list tailored just for you.
One last thing… Before we dive into the plethora of information I’ve provided for you, I want to share one of my favorite resources for staying fashion forward on vacation. If you’ve ever been curious about renting clothes, feel free to use my code to try Nuuly for $30 off your first month.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff…
BASELINE TIPS
Packing for Japan is relatively similar for every season with a few tweaks. You’ll want to think of packing in a way that allows you to build upon and mix your wardrobe. Efficiency is key!
Pack lighter than you think.
You’ll likely want to shop… a lot, so the more room you can leave in your suitcase, the better. Not to mention, if you’re a chronic over-packer like me, you may not even wear/use many of the items you bring.
FYI:Japan still doesn’t have very many plus size friendly options, although this is slowly, but surely changing so keep this in mind if you’re planning to shop.
Shoe sizes are measured in cm, and if you have a large foot, you’ll likely have a very difficult time finding your size. In this case, pack accordingly!
Many hotels + accommodations provide basic toiletries - even pajamas!
Most hotels and airbnbs will carry basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and even sometimes toothbrushes and pj’s depending on where you’re staying.
That being said, there are a few things I always make sure to bring:
Pajamas: Even if the hotel provides it, I always bring my own
Deodorant: IMO, the deodorant options in Japan aren’t great
When in doubt, always remember that Japan has everything you’d need and then some. Whether it’s a hair dryer, vitamins/supplements, hair spray, cotton swabs… the list goes on. Unless you require a specific type of shampoo, it’s best not to bother bringing most of this kind of stuff.
What about medication?
*Information can be found via the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Japan website and the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan
You can bring up to 2 month’s supply of non prescription medication that isn’t illegal
For prescription medication, check the MHLW document along with FAQs, or email yakkan@mhlw.go.jp.
Is there a dress code?
*Unless you’re in a professional setting or participating in foreign exchange at a Japanese school, you won’t really have to worry about this
Exposed shoulders: You won’t see tank tops very often unless it’s during a hot summer day (most locals are fairly modestly dressed - i.e. you’ll rarely see cleavage exposed), but tbh… nobody cares!
Yoga pants: People don’t really wear athleisure unless they’re going to do something active. Yoga pants aren’t taboo by any means, but you might just look like a tourist. Again, who cares. ;)
Exposed tattoos: Tattoos have historically had a stigma in Japan due to their association with the Yakuza - a famous organized Japanese crime group. However, they’ve slowly become more and more accepted. Be mindful in certain sacred spaces such as shrines and temples and also be aware that many onsen (bath houses) don’t allow tattoos.
What to do about electronics
Standard voltage in Japan is 100 volts to US 120 volts so be mindful of the electronics you bring. For most things like your phone charger or computer this won’t be a problem, but if you’re super concerned you can buy a voltage + frequency converter. I’ve personally never used or needed one.
PACKING PREP
Create a buildable wardrobe - Bringing versatile pieces of clothing will maximize space in your suitcase
Layers are key 🤌🏽 - There are frequent temperature changes especially when going from outside to controlled temp environments
Weather prep - Research the typical weather patterns for the months you’re traveling and check the forecast leading up to your trip
PACKING STAPLES
Good walking shoes
You’ll be walking several thousand steps each day, so make sure to have the right shoes
Take into consideration that you’ll occasionally be taking your shoes on and off when entering various spaces such as homes, dressing rooms, some restaurants, and certain historical sites.
(1) Seasonal shoe
Depending on the duration of your stay and the season, I like to bring an additional pair of shoes that is both comfy + stylish.
ITEMS YOU WOULDN’T THINK OF
*All of these items can also be found at stores like Daiso once you arrive in Japan
Coin purse: For all of the coins you’ll accumulate on your trip
Compact reusable bag: You don’t know when you’ll want to shop or need to carry your trash around 🤭 iykyk
Portable charging bank: To ensure that you can adventure, capture moments, and document all day
Portable slippers: For the airplane
Small towel: For the washrooms without paper towels or patting yourself dry in the heat of summer
Cross body bag: More compact and convenient than a bulky backpack IMO. I actually bought mine at UNIQLO in Japan.
ITEMS TO (MAYBE) SKIP
Umbrella: Even if you’re traveling during rainy season, umbrellas are affordable and abundant. Unless you prefer to carry your own compact umbrella, you might want to save space in your suitcase.
Portable water bottle: While there are apps that help to navigate where refillable stations are, I personally don’t ever use my water bottle when I lug it with me all the way to Japan. If it’s something you think you’ll use, by all means, bring it along!
Socks: This may sound weird, but I only bring a couple pairs of socks when I go to Japan with the sole intention of stocking up on my favorite socks from Muji and UNIQLO.
SEASONAL PACKING
Always consider the duration of your trip before deciding how much to actually pack. Any specified quantities below are estimated based on the standard 10-14+ day trip. Please use discernment with quantities and materials of clothing items based on weather predictions and duration of your trip.
AUTUMN
*End of hot season to 👉🏽 temperate weather to 👉🏽 cold
Seasonal shoe options: boots, sneakers
T shirts, tank tops for layering
(1) lighter material long sleeve shirt
(1) cardigan or sweater
(1) set of standard pajamas
Button down to throw on over t shirts and tank tops
(2-3) bottoms - options include skirts, pants, jeans, khaki, or other materials for versatility
Dress or jumpsuit (optional)
(1-2) Jackets: options include jean jacket, bomber, canvas, lighter coat
Hat options: Ball cap, bucket hat, lighter beanie
WINTER
*Cold season
Seasonal shoe options: waterproof shoes or boots good in the snow
T shirts for layering
(2-3) long sleeve shirts
(1-2) sweater for layering
(2-3) bottoms - options include thicker material skirts, pants, jeans
(1) set of warm pajamas
Scarf
Beanies/warm hats
Gloves
Tights
Warm socks (or buy heat tech socks from UNIQLO)
(1-2) Jackets: options include warm/thick coat, down jacket
SPRING
*End of cold season to 👉🏽 temperate weather to 👉🏽 hot/humid
T shirts, tank tops for warm days
Button down to throw over shirts
(2-3) bottoms - options include lighter skirts, pants, jeans, khaki, linen
Dress or jumpsuits (optional)
(1) set of standard pajamas
(1-2) Jackets: options include lighter jackets, canvas, wind breaker (possibly water resistant)
Hat options: Ball cap, bucket hat
SUMMER
*Hot + humid season (Focus on light, breathable materials like linen + cotton)
Seasonal shoe options: lightweight, breathable shoe or walking sandal
Light, roomy, breathable clothing (cottons, linens)
T shirts, tank tops for hot days
(2-3) bottoms - options include lighter skirts, pants, jeans, linen, cotton
(1) set of lightweight pajamas (shorts recommended)
Beachwear
(1) Jacket: options include light waterproof or water resitant jacket
CONCLUSION
I hope this packing guide helps you for your upcoming trip! Please feel free to HMU with additional questions by leaving a comment, sending an email, or sending a DM through social media. I don’t guarantee responses through DM’s and email, but I always monitor my messages for future videos and blog posts.
Lots of love,
Sugi 🫶🏽
