Packing a toiletry bag for Japan is all about balance: bringing what you know you’ll need while leaving room for the fun discoveries along the way. After multiple trips (and plenty of trial and error) I’ve learned that a little preparation can save you time, stress, and unnecessary drugstore scavenger hunts once you arrive. This is our tried-and-true toiletry bag setup: the essentials we always pack, a few Japan-specific lessons we learned the hard way, and what we confidently leave behind every single trip.
What is in My bag?
The Basics
- Deodorant – This is one thing we will NEVER wait to buy in Japan. The deodorant there is not the same. You are going to sweat, you will smell, please pack a good deodorant.
- Hairbrush or Comb – Wet Brush makes a great travel size brush
- Razor
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Face Wash
Skincare
This is a great time to streamline and simplify your routine .
- Micellar Water – I reused a small eye makeup remover bottle and filled it with my favorite micellar water.
- Toner
- Serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Cotton Rounds (for the micellar water and toner)
Makeup
I try to stick to the basics and one of each category. Japan is a great place to shop for cosmetics and skincare. I always purchase a few new products to try throughout the trip.
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Small eye shadow palette
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Lip balm
- Lipstick
- Brushes/ sponges
- Perfume/ Cologne – In Japan it can be considered rude to smell strongly (good or bad). If you like to wear perfume or cologne, make sure it is not one that enters a room before you do. I like to travel with the Glossier “You” solid perfume. It’s a great size for travel and you don’t have to worry about it breaking and spilling in your bag.
Hair
- Smoothing serum
- Styling paste
- Bobby pins
- Hair ties
- Claw clip
- Hair styler – In the past I didn’t pack a styler but she purchased a Revlon hair dryer brush and took it with me on the last trip. I really enjoyed it, however if you can actually do a blowout using a normal hair dryer this is not necessary at all.
- Travel Flat Iron – I actually purchased this while on our last trip because I needed something to tame my bangs in the humid summer weather. It’s so compact that I decided to make it a permanent addition to my travel bag.
First Aid kit
These are things I wouldn’t want to make a special trip to the drugstore for.
- Band-aids
- Blister pads/moleskin
- Neosporin
- Cortisone cream
- Q-tips
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- KT tape
- Medication – Ibuprofen and tylenol. Drug stores are a bit different than what we are used to here in America. You won’t see your typical tylenol and ibuprofen on the shelves. There are different brands and medications. And unless you know japanese you will be using lot’s of google translate. To avoid spending precious travel time double checking that you are actually buying something for a headache and it won’t interact with a different medication just pack your normal otc pain killer. Also when you purchase medications you have to go to a separate counter and purchase from a pharmacist (yes even if it’s just otc).
Feminine Products – I prefer to just bring what I am used to and avoid last minute trips to the drug store
What is NOT in my bag
In 3 Trips and 10 different hotels, ryokan, and homes every single accommodation has provided the below items. Obviously if you have specific needs, pack what you are used to and will make you the most comfortable.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Hair dryer
Everyone’s routine looks a little different, but this list has served us well trip after trip. Take what works for you, skip what doesn’t, and leave a little room for new favorites that you may pick up along the way.
If you need a simplified packing list for your big trip check out this post! What to Pack for Japan: A Simplified Traveler’s Checklist
また後で!
Katlyn
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Disclaimer: Any products I mention or link are not sponsored and are genuinely products I enjoy.