Japan Packing List

Clothing

General Principles

Layer up: Japan has distinct seasons and even within a trip you can experience cold mornings and warm afternoons.

Slip-on shoes are essential: You remove shoes constantly — at temples, traditional restaurants, ryokans, some homes. Laces slow you down. Slip-on sneakers or loafers save significant time.

Smart casual matters: Japan is a relatively formal country. Extremely casual dress (torn clothing, very revealing outfits) can limit access to some restaurants and experiences.

Walking shoes are non-negotiable: You’ll walk 15,000–25,000 steps per day. Prioritize comfort over style.

Summer (June–September)

• Lightweight t-shirts × 5–7
• One light long-sleeve shirt (for air-conditioned spaces — restaurants and shops can be very cold)
• Shorts or light trousers × 3
• Light dress/skirt (women)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals (for temples and casual walks)
• Light rain jacket (summer rain showers are common)
• Light cardigan (air conditioning)

Spring/Autumn (March–May, September–November)

• T-shirts × 4–5
• Long-sleeve shirts × 3
• Light sweater or fleece
• Mid-weight jacket
• Jeans or casual trousers × 2–3
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Compact umbrella

Winter (December–February)

• Thermal base layers
• Warm sweaters × 2–3
• Warm waterproof jacket or coat
• Scarf and gloves
• Warm walking boots or shoes
• Jeans or warm trousers
• Extra socks (feet get cold)

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Footwear

1 pair: comfortable walking shoes (your primary shoes — wear them 10+ hours daily)

1 pair: slip-on shoes or sandals (for temples, ryokans, casual days)

Optional: 1 pair smart casual shoes for nicer restaurants

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Toiletries

Bring from home:

• Deodorant (Japanese deodorants are often milder than Western types)
• Sunscreen (Japanese sunscreens are excellent but pricier)
• Any prescription medications (bring enough + 1 week extra)
• Contact lenses (Japanese equivalents exist but finding your prescription can take time)

Available everywhere in Japan (don’t bother packing):

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Razor, shaving cream
• Skincare products (Japanese drugstores like Matsukiyo are excellent)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)

Japan-specific item to buy on arrival:

• Kairo (heat packs): Adhesive heat pads for sticking inside clothing in winter. Japanese innovation, extraordinarily useful, cheap.

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Electronics

Essential:

• Voltage converter/adapter (Japan uses 100V, US-style two-flat-pin plugs — European and UK plugs need adapter)
• Power bank (charger for long days out)
• Phone with Google Maps (download offline Tokyo map)

Highly recommended:

• Noise-canceling earbuds (for planes and trains)
• Small camera (phone cameras are fine but Japan rewards dedicated photography)

Optional:

• Laptop or tablet (if working remotely)

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Documents and Money

Always carry:

• Passport (original — required for some transactions and checks)
• Color photocopy of passport (keep separate from original)
• Travel insurance documents
• Hotel confirmation printouts (useful when arriving somewhere unfamiliar)
• Emergency contacts written on paper

Money:

• Suica card (buy on arrival)
• Cash (yen) — ¥30,000–50,000 for your first week
• Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
• Backup card (different bank)

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What NOT to Bring to Japan

Ibuprofen in large quantities: Codeine-containing medications and some ADHD medications are controlled substances in Japan — check your medications before traveling.

Pepper spray / self-defense tools: Illegal in Japan.

Certain prescription drugs: Some medications legal elsewhere are controlled in Japan. Bring a doctor’s letter and check mofa.go.jp list.

Large luggage for temple towns: Moving large bags by train in Kyoto is challenging — consider luggage forwarding services (takkyubin) between cities.

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Japan-Specific Items to Know About

IC Card holder: A small wallet card holder for your Suica card — makes tapping gates faster.

Umbrella: Buy a cheap transparent one in Japan (¥500 at convenience stores) — Japanese umbrellas are excellent and you won’t worry about losing it.

Business cards: If meeting people professionally, bring a small supply.

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Related Guides

• Japan travel tips
• Japan on a budget
• Japan travel costs
• Best time to visit Japan