I have a What to Pack with Kids when going to Japan post and also a Preparing for Japan article (more geared towards adults.). These blog posts include apps, things to prep in advance and other random tips such as what to do in an emergency, etc.
However, I know that some people (just like me) preferred to have detailed specific lists of what exactly to make sure they have in their suitcase when travelling to Japan.
I’m writing this assuming that most people reading will be travelling to Japan for 1-2 weeks.
*Please note that, of course, the weather can always surprise us so it is best to check weather reports and forecasts as you pack for unseasonably hot or cold weather
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR SUITCASE, REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF YEAR:
–Passport (and take a photo of your passport and boarding pass before boarding plane so you don’t need to deep dive for these items when filling out immigration forms.)
-A piece of paper with your first accommodation address written out or printed out (even better if it is written in Japanese and English) This makes life easier when going through immigration AND for showing to a taxi driver or anyone you may need to ask directions from at the other end
–Plane entertainment for kids (I write in detail about what to pack for planes with kids here)
-(although not technically in your suitcase…) Hand luggage (I write in detail about what we always include in our hand luggage here)
–Underwear and Socks* for at least 5 days (more if you haven’t been clever enough to book a hotel with an on-site coin laundry- highly recommend doing this, if you can) *Make sure the socks don’t have holes in them. Japan is one country where you will be taking shoes off and everyone will see your socks.
–Shoes that are easy to take on and off (this is not the time for boots with a gazillion buckles and zips) … I recommend packing two pairs of comfy good quality walking shoes (sneakers etc) per person and, if one of those two options aren’t suitable to wear out to a dinner at a nice restaurant – then one extra pair too. The reason I recommend two sets of good quality sneakers/walking shoes? Because sore feet need a break from different types of shoes. Different shoes just wear differently and press on different types of the feet so it’s great to be able to give your feet a “break.” It’s also a great option if one pair of shoes break. I mention it in my Preparing for Japan article but, depending on your shoe size, it can’t always be easy to purchase shoes in Japan.
-(although not technically in your suitcase…) Strollers & Baby Carriers
–Chargers and International Adapters for your devices
-A wallet with a coin section or a seperate coin purse – Japan is still a society that relies on cash for many purchases. You will be carrying around more coins than you may be used to.
-Collapsible laundry hamper – this isn’t a must but I never travel without one. It is keeps a small space tidy and also is handy for using a hotel’s on-site coin-laundry.
–Baby food and familiar snacks for kids (even if your children aren’t picky eaters – the convenience stores in Japan have amazing options and lots of healthy options but it’s also great to have a few favourite snacks from home while everyone adjusts.)
–Nappies / Diapers for the first 3-4 days – just so you’re not hunting around for these items as soon as you arrive. In major cities, it can be hard to find nappies – here are my tips on where to buy nappies in Tokyo.
-A few Ziplock Bags – I find this handy when travelling with children as they don’t always finish their meals and … well… I’m not too fancy to be “that Mum” sliding those leftovers away and then into my bag.
–Tampons -unless you’re ok with using the Japanese plastic self-applicator type
–Deodorant as I just don’t find the brands in Japan for be more than a light body spray type and prefer to bring my own
–Medication (make sure it’s approved and allowed in Japan) – I speak about this in more detail in my What to Pack with kids article here.
–Plastic Bags (a few folded up plastic bags in your handbag are a good option – rubbish bins aren’t found easily when out and about so it’s good to have options to store wrappers and tissues etc as you go until you are able to dispose of it later in the day.)
–Fibre Supplements or a powder you can add to juice etc- it’s handy to have these as many people experience constipation when first visiting Japan. I speak more about this in my blog post about explaining awkward scenarios in Japanese here.
–Toothpaste – especially if you like Colgate. Japanese toothpastes are often fruit flavoured and colgate is hard to find. So bring from home if you have a certain brand that you are loyal to.
–Items to help keep your hotel room safe (and fun) for kids
–Stickers and colouring books to keep kids entertained in restaurants and on longer haul bullet train trips.
-A portable charger for devices
WHAT NOT TO PACK FOR JAPAN
– Medication that isn’t allowed in Japan
–Perfume and Colognes (it’s seen as impolite to wear an overpowering scent in spaces that need to be shared by others)
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR SUITCASE FOR JAPAN IN DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY, EARLY MARCH
So, if you will be going to the snow to ski, you will definitely need snow gear, but if you are sightseeing and exploring Japan during the winter months I recommend packing the following:
– A good quality puffer jacket for everyone (long or just past the waist is best) *During Winter, I find Japan to be extremely overheated indoors and inside public transport so I think layers and layers of clothing is a big mistake -having one layer to be able to quickly and comfortably peel off is a game-changer.
-A beanie and a set of gloves for everyone (and a scarf, if you like.)
– Not a must but I like to wear ankle boots in Japan during the colder months and mix it up with my sneakers.
–Long trousers such as jeans (2-3 pairs)
– 3-4 shirts (a mix of long or short sleeved shirts) – more if you haven’t booked accommodation that has an on-site coin laundry
-At least one outfit to wear out for a nice dinner (as I mention in my What to Wear in Japan blog post, Japanese people dress very well and it’s nice to not feel like a tourist all of the time.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR SUITCASE FOR JAPAN IN MID-LATE MARCH, APRIL, MAY
– A medium to light jacket/coat for cooler days, mornings and evenings
-A beanie or some kind of hat
-1-2 sweaters
-3-4 shirts (a mix of long or short sleeved shirts) – more if you haven’t booked accommodation that has an on-site coin laundry
-3-4 pairs of trousers
-At least one outfit to wear out for a nice dinner (as I mention in my What to Wear in Japan blog post, Japanese people dress very well and it’s nice to not feel like a tourist all of the time
– Hay fever medicine (be sure to check that your medication is allowed in Japan)
-Mosquito repellant (especially for the mid-end of May or if the weather is reported to be unseasonably warm)
-Although not required, it can be a good idea to have a couple of disposable ponchos on hand for rainy weather
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR SUITCASE FOR JAPAN IN JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER
-Although not required, it can be a good idea to have a couple of disposable ponchos on hand for rainy weather
-Mosquito repellant
–Sunscreen
-a sun hat
-5-6 shirts (a mix of long or short sleeved shirts) – more if you haven’t booked accommodation that has an on-site coin laundry. I believe you need more shirts at this time of year as the humidity is a LOT – especially in July and August. Make sure all fabrics are light, breathable and wash and dry easily.
-3-4 pairs of shorts or trousers
-Swimsuits in case you decide to use a pool or you have a swimming pool at your accommodation in Japan
-An empty spray bottle or a portable fan (both of items can be purchased in Japan too but if you don’t want to spend your time hunting around.. then bring from home. These items are both great to be able to attach to a stroller when travelling with small children.
-June can be rainy so, for little kids, light plastic gumboots can be nice to pack (as long as they are comfortable to walk in) and my kids also like to wear waterproof sandals in these months as, even if it’s wet it’s still hot and humid.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR SUITCASE FOR JAPAN IN SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & EARLY DECEMBER
– A medium to light jacket/coat for cooler days, mornings and evenings
-A beanie or some kind of hat
-1-2 sweaters
-3-4 shirts (a mix of long or short sleeved shirts) – more if you haven’t booked accommodation that has an on-site coin laundry
-3-4 pairs of shorts or trousers
-At least one outfit to wear out for a nice dinner (as I mention in my What to Wear in Japan blog post, Japanese people dress very well and it’s nice to not feel like a tourist all of the time
– Not a must but I like to wear ankle boots in Japan during the colder months and mix it up with my sneakers.
– Hay fever medicine (be sure to check that your medication is allowed in Japan)
-Mosquito repellant (especially for September or early October or if the weather is reported to be unseasonably rainy and humid)
-Although not required, it can be a good idea to have a couple of disposable ponchos on hand for rainy weather
–Sunscreen
-A sun hat
I also have a pre-travel checklist of all the places and things to organize before your Japan holiday here.
If you’re at the very beginning stages of planning your Japan holiday, I walk you through all the step by step things to organize here.
