After three trips to Japan (and more packing spreadsheets than I’d like to admit) I’ve finally gotten packing down to a science. The first time I went, I overpacked “just in case.” The second time, I still brought too much, but learned what I actually used. By the third trip, I realized the key to enjoying Japan isn’t having more, it’s carrying less.
This packing list is for travelers who want to move easily through busy train stations, navigate hotel rooms with limited space, and maybe most importantly, leave room for everything they’ll bring back. Because if you’re anything like me, you’re not leaving Japan empty-handed.
Before we get started…. some general packing tips:
Keep your carry-on simple and intentional
Stick to the essentials—documents, valuables, a change of clothes, and anything you couldn’t easily replace. If you’re unsure what belongs where, check out my quick guide on what to pack in your carry-on vs. checked bag HERE.
Wear your bulkiest items on the plane
Shoes, jackets, and heavier layers take up the most space. Wearing them in transit frees up valuable room in your luggage (and doubles as a blanket if your flight gets cold).
How many bags should you pack?
For two adults, our go-to setup is: two personal items, two carry-on-sized bags, and one empty large suitcase. It might sound like a lot, but the key is that the large suitcase starts empty. This gives you flexibility on the way home without overpacking on the way there and trust me, you’ll be glad you saved the space.
Nest your bags to save space (pro tip)
Put one of your carry-on-sized bags inside the large suitcase on the flight over. It keeps everything compact going there, and gives you an extra fully usable bag for the trip home when your luggage inevitably expands.
Don’t overpack “just in case” (biggest mistake to avoid)
Japan is one of the easiest countries in the world to buy anything you forgot. Whether it’s toiletries, clothes, or even an extra bag. Overpacking “just in case” only slows you down when you’re navigating train stations, hauling luggage up stairs, or trying to fit everything into a compact hotel room. Pack for what you know you’ll use, and trust that you can grab anything else once you’re there.
The Packing List
Clothing
- Pants/ Shorts – 5 Pairs total
- Shirts – 7 total
- Shoes – 2 Pairs. Both should be good walking shoes
- Socks – 7 Pairs
- Underwear – 7 Pairs
- Night/lounge clothing – 2 sets
- Bras – 2-3
- Raincoat
- Belt
- (Optional) Sweater/ cardigan – 1 depending on weather
- Seasonal Clothing – Swimsuit, sandals, jacket, boots, hat, gloves, etc.
Toiletries
- Skincare – Face wash, Toner, Serum, moisturizer, sunscreen
- Cotton pads – for the skincare
- Deodorant – pack a good deodorant. This is not the time to try out aluminum free.
- First aid kit – band-aids, blister pads/moleskin, Neosporin, cortisone cream, tweezers, nail clippers, and a couple strips of KT tape are what we pack in ours.
- Hand sanitizer
- Feminine hygiene – Bring what you’re most comfortable with, as options may differ in Japan
- Small hand towel – Some public restrooms do not have a way to dry hands. You can also wait to buy one as a souvenir. They are easy to find in major train stations.
- Hairbrush
- Hair styling tool – this does not include a hair dryer. All hotels will provide this
- Hair styling products
- Bobby pins/ hair clips/ hair ties
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Razor
- Makeup – Foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, eye pencil, mascara, 2 lip products, perfume, and tools to apply
- Medication – Some examples: Ibuprofen, sleep supplements, Prevacid, Tylenol, gas x
Electronics
- Camera and Batteries
- iPad – Usually would say not to pack this but Katlyn uses it for editing photos while on the trip
- Headphones
- Chargers – Phone, iPad, camera, portable battery, headphones
- Portable battery
- Power converter
Miscellaneous
- Water bottle – Leave empty until you are though TSA
- Wallet/ Coin purse
- Passport/IDs
- Sunglasses
- Sleep mask
- (Optional) Hat
- (Optional) Day bag – If your personal item isn’t a bookbag this is a nice thing to pack to stow away items throughout the day.
- (Optional) Laundry Detergent Sheets – These are great if you need to do a quick hand wash. We buy this kind here.
Thanks for taking the time to read through this packing list! I hope it helped simplify your planning and gave you a better idea of what you actually need (and what you can leave behind). Packing for Japan can feel overwhelming at first, but once you get it dialed in, it makes the entire trip smoother. If you’re still in planning mode, be sure to check out my other guides for an itinerary, eating in Japan, and general travel tips to help you feel even more prepared before you go.
Other Guides:
- Our Ultimate 14 Day Japan Itinerary for First Time Travelers
- What to Pack for Japan: A Simplified Traveler’s Checklist
- How To Plan A Trip To Japan
- My Photography Packing List for Japan
また後で!
Katlyn
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