As someone who’s traveled to Japan numerous times now, I’ve picked up on some must-bring essentials that make every trip easier. This Japan packing list is best for all the essentials, clothing for every season, electronics, and toiletries to ensure that you have everything you need for your vacation.
Make sure to check out my other Japan travel guides, including my Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Kyoto, 2 Days in Osaka Itinerary and my Tokyo Itinerary for 5 Days.
This website uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Luggage/Bags for Japan Packing List
I personally am a super light packer (I brought JUST a carry-on and backpack to my 2-week trip to Japan and did laundry.)
If you’re a light packer like me, I recommend using a lightweight yet durable hardshell roller suitcase. The 360-degree wheels spin at the bottom, which makes it easier to roll by your side rather than lugging it around behind you. I recommend finding ones with TSA-approved locks.
A lot of people love Japan for its amazing shopping. If you plan to shop and think you’ll be filling your luggage to the brim, it may be wise to put a suitcase within another suitcase. There are luggage sets on Amazon for anyone planning to check in. If not, pack lighter than you usually would so you can fit everything that you buy in the country.
Travel Tip: Placing AirTags in your suitcase helps you retrieve them in case it gets lost.
A good travel backpack that is compact and allows for space for electronics is the MATEIN Travel Laptop backpack. I like backpacks with not TOO many compartments but have just enough to keep you organized throughout the day, and this works perfect for me.
This past year I’ve discovered packing cubes and it’s been SO helpful in organizing my luggage and saving space. Especially with clothing, it helps me find what I want much faster.
The Essentials: Japan Packing List
Even if you have nothing else on your Japan packing list, these are the most essential items to have within the country:
- Passport → Of course, anyone traveling from outside Japan needs to have a passport to even get in. I use a passport holder to keep my passport in pristine condition despite the wear and tear of travel.
- Another form of ID → Always carry a second ID in case something happens to the first. I always bring a state-issued license in my wallet.
- Physical Copies of IDs and Forms → In case you lose any important documents, it’s good to have a physical copy somewhere else in your bags.
- Smartphone → If its not Japanese, you’ll find that many people in Japan are NOT fluent in your native language. Having an offline translator app installed will be handy.
- Wallet → Essentials include credit cards, identification cards, and some cash.
- Coin Purse → Japan is a HEAVILY cash-based economy, so be prepared to bring a lot of cash. Many yen amounts come in coins, so you’ll get a lot of change while in Japan. Having a coin purse is a life-saver.
- Compact Umbrella → The rainy season in most of Japan runs between the beginning of June until mid-July. Having a small travel-sized umbrella is super helpful. You can buy clear umbrellas in convenience and department stores, but they’re often bulky and hard to carry around.
- Travel Insurance → Having travel insurance is important to keep you protected in case something unexpected happens during your trip.
- Medicine and Vitamins → This ranges from prescribed medications to over-the-counter medicine like Advil, Tums, and daily vitamins.
Travel Tip: Thoroughly check any forms required for entry to Japan before arriving at the airport. Every time I’ve been, they’ve thoroughly checked all our documents.
Clothing for Japan Packing List
With big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Japan is one of the most fashionable cities in the world! Every time I visit, I’m amazed and inspired by all the outfits I see.
Note: Japan is very conservative with clothing even in the summer heat. Be mindful of covering up any tattoos.
When considering how much you should pack for your Japan packing list, check if your accommodation has a washer and dryer. I rented an apartment for two weeks in Tokyo, and the in-unit washer and dryer allowed me to pack less clothing and do laundry every few days. I also suggest packing less clothing for anyone who enjoys shopping, because the apparel shopping in Japan feels endless.
Of course, your clothing choices depend on the weather and gender, but take this guide as a starting point:
- Long Dresses → One of my biggest culture shocks was that most women wear long dresses or skirts. If you decide not to pack one, there are plenty that you can buy while there!
- Long Skirt
- Slacks/Pants → Don’t forget to bring a belt if you need one.
- Long Sleeve Shirts
- T-Shirts
- A long coat → in the colder months, many people opt for the long trenchcoat look.
- Sweaters
- A windbreaker or rain jacket with a hood
- Thermal layers → These allow you to stay warm while also being fashionable. You might not even need to pack this – Uniqlo’s across Japan have GREAT thermal leggings and shirts. I always stock up while I’m there.
- Undies and Socks
- Pajamas
- Laundry bag → I use a dedicated travel-size laundry bag, but a plastic bag works fine.
Shoes for Japan Packing List
- Sneakers → You’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially in big cities. Make sure to pack a comfortable pair of sneakers for your trip. I also recommend buying a pair of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, a Japan-based brand, while you’re there.
- Flip flops → Depending on your accommodation (hostels, for instance), a pair of rubber flip-flops would be beneficial to protect your feet while in the shower.
- Boots → I LOVE my Madden Girl Boots. Be mindful with boots, however, that you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. For a unisex boots option, consider Timberlands.
Accessories for Japan Packing List
The accessories that you bring on your trip will vary depending on the weather, but here are some essentials you may use.
- Sunglasses
- Hat → A baseball cap is a great alternative to sunglasses to keep your eyes and face protected from the sun.
- Scarf
- Gloves → I recommend the finger gloves that allow you to still type on your phone.
- Jewelry
- Cross Body Bag → Cross-body bags are light and are a great way to keep your hands free while you walk around and shop.
Toiletries for Japan Packing List
TSA travel restrictions limits 3.4 ounces (100mL or less) for each item that is a gel, liquid, cream, paste, or aerosol.
- Clear Toiletries case → Many airports require your liquids to be in plastic bag. I use a clear toiletries case set for easy access and ease of bringing it out of the bag.
- Sunscreen → I recommend bringing a regular high-SPF sunscreen and a face sunscreen. The SuperGoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a great 40 SPF sunscreen.
- Lip Balm → SunBum is a great option with SPF 30 and flavors including coconut, banana, and watermelon.
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste Set → I bring the travel-sized, collapsable toothbrush and toothpaste. This has saved me so much space in my toiletries bag.
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Makeup
- Cotton Swabs
- Makeup Remover → I enjoy using the Micellar Water from Garnier. It doesn’t feel too oily on the skin and you’re able to remove all makeup in one go.
- Cotton pads
- Razors
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Shampoo & Conditioner → Many hotels and other accommodations will provide this already, but some people like to bring a travel-size of their own.
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties and hair clips
- Optional: Small Hair Straightener
- Optional: Pads & tampons → Tampons in Asia are generally harder to find compared to pads, so it would be wise to pack your own.
Electronics for Japan Packing List
- AirPods → I use the AirPods Pro, but Beats’ Studio Beats is also popular.
- Power Adapter → Japan uses a Type B Plug socket, so you’ll need a travel adapter if you don’t already have one.
- Portable Charger → I like the wireless magnetic ones that you can place on the back of your phone.
- Camera → Japan is a beautiful country, so having a camera handy is nice.
- Video Recorder → For anyone who likes to vlog or videotape their trips, a small and light camera to bring around is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. It’s small enough to be discreet and isn’t a pain to carry around.
- Tripod → A small tripod is helpful if you want to take pictures of yourself.
- Optional: Laptop and laptop case, iPad, or an E-Reader like a Kindle.
Optimal Comfort on the Airplane
I travel from Boston to Japan, which means extremely long flight times. My last trip to Japan was over 30 hours (including a layover!), so having the necessary Japan packing list materials for a comfortable flight is essential.
- Eye Mask
- Neck Travel pillow
- Ear Plugs → I use the Loop Quiet Ear Plugs.
Miscellaneous Essentials
- Pack of tissues
- Antibacterial wipes
- Hand sanitizer → I like getting the small packs that attach to the outside of your bag for easy access.
- First Aid Kit → At the very least, bring a set of bandages for your Japan packing list.
- Face Masks → COVID restrictions have recently eased throughout Japan, but you’ll still see many people wearing them. Pack some masks in case you need to wear them in certain stores or restaurants.
Japan Packing List with Kids
Traveling with kids calls for more to add to your Japan packing list:
- Diapers
- Baby Strollers
- Baby Formula & Foods
- Entertainment → This is often a mix of physical toys, storybooks, snacks, etc, to keep your kids engaged.
Wrapping Up
That wraps up my guide to the best Japan packing list! If there’s anything else that I didn’t list that you believe is essential for a trip to Japan, please send a message to my contact page.
Last, check out my other packing lists:
Leave a Reply