Packing list Japan: The perfect hand luggage for your round trip

If you are on your Packing List for Japan If you think, you may be wondering if you really need a special list for this destination. The answer is a resounding yes! Japan is a country full of contrasts and peculiarities that also affect your luggage. A thoughtful Packing List for Japan Not only will you save space and weight, but also a lot of stress during your trip.

The Japanese infrastructure is excellent, but the cramped conditions in public transport and the many stairs in train stations quickly make heavy luggage a burden. In addition, the accommodation is often smaller than in Europe, which can make large luggage a space problem. With our optimized packing list, you can concentrate on experiencing this fascinating country instead of struggling with superfluous ballast.

Packing List Japan: download, print and tick PDF now

With this compact checklist you are guaranteed to forget nothing important for your Journey to Japan. The PDF is sorted by categories and offers you the perfect basis for your Travel arrangements. Just download them, print them out and gradually hake off all completed points. You can be sure that you are with your Departure from Japan are well prepared.

Here is the Japan Packing List:

Money and Finance

Your financial preparation is a central aspect for a worry-free Japan tour. Japan is still a very cash-oriented country, although contactless payment is increasingly widespread.

Here are the most important financial utensils for your trip:

• 2 different types of Travel credit cards (ideally from different providers)
• About 30,000 Yen as Emergency cash
• Slim wallet with RFID protection
• Digital copies of your cards (on encrypted USB stick or in the cloud)
• Small wallet for small change (in Japan you will have a lot of coin money)
• Note with block numbers of your cards

Hygiene

The Culture bags is often one of the place-eaters in hand luggage, but with a few clever tricks you can save a lot of space here.

Pack these hygiene items for Japan:

• Reusables 100 mlContainers for liquids
• Folding Toothbrush
• Solid shampoo and soap (saving space and liquids)
• Deo crystal
• Travel Size Sunscreen
• Small microfibre towel
• Moist toilet paper
• Contact lenses and care products (if needed)
• Female hygiene products (if needed)
• Transparent cultural bag for security screening
• Mosquito spray (especially in summer)

Clothing

When it comes to clothing for your trip to Japan, you should follow the onion principle. Temperatures can vary greatly depending on the region.

These clothes form a good basis:

• 5-7 Underpants
• 5-7 pairs of socks
• 3-4 T-shirts Respiratory Material
• 1-2 long sleeved shirts
• 1-2 trousers (lightly drying)
• 1 light sweater or sweatshirt
• 1 thin jacket (wind and water repellent)
• 1 sleeping shirt/pyjama
• 1 collapsible hat or cap
• 1 light scarf (multifunctional)
• Compression bag For space-saving stowage
• Rain jacket or collapsible rain protection

Apps

The right apps on your smartphone can Journey to Japan considerably facilitate and are indispensable digital companions.

You should install these apps before you leave:

• Google Maps with downloaded offline maps
• Japan Transit Planner (for train connections)
• Google Translate or DeepL
• NAVITIME for Japan Travel (for metro plans and connections)
• Japan Official Travel Approach
• Currency computers
• App of your travel insurance
• Booking.com or Airbnb
• VPN app (for access to domestic streaming services)
• Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi (for public Wi-Fi access)
• Weather app with severe weather warnings
• Japan Wi-Fi Auto-Connect
• App of your airline

Medications / Pharmacy

A well-equipped Travel pharmacies is essential for any trip, especially if you need special medication.

These medications should not be missing in your Japan travel pharmacy:

• Personal prescription medications (in the original carton with leaflet)
• Pain medications (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Diarrhea medicines
• medications for nausea (especially for Long haul flights)
• Plasters of different sizes
• Bladder patches (important for many walks)
• Disinfectants
• Anti-insect bites agents
• Antiallergic (especially in pollen time)
• Medications for cold
• Electric insect bite healer
• Small first aid kit

Papers and documents

Ordinary organized Travel documents Save yourself a lot of stress and are Absolutely in hand luggage to be carried.

These Important documents You should have it for Japan:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Copies of passport (digital and printed)
• Air tickets (printed and digital)
• Hotel bookings (printed and digital)
• International Health Insurance Card
• Vaccination passport
• Emergency numbers (Embassy, insurance, blocking numbers)
• Driving license (if you want to rent a car)
• International driving licence
• Student ID (for discounts)
• List of addresses of your accommodation in Japanese (helpful for taxi drivers)
• Business cards of your accommodation

Backpacks and bags

Choosing the right bags is crucial for comfortable travel with easy Luggage.

These bags have proven themselves for Japan travel:

• Cabin-Size Trolley; or Large backpack (maximum 55x40x20 cm)
• Daypack (foldable, for day trips)
• Walking backpack with waist strap (if hikes are planned)
• Chest bag or belly bag for valuables
• Folding shopping bag (there are often no free plastic bags in Japan)
• Watertight protective covers for electronic devices
• Bags to organize your main baggage
• AirTags or similar trackers for your Luggage items
• Small wallet for everyday life
• Folding travel bag for souvenirs

Footwear

Comfortable shoes are especially important for Japan, as you will be on foot a lot.

You should plan these shoes for Japan:

• Comfortable walking boots or sneakers (already running)
• Light casual footwear
• Flip-flops or sandals (for onsen or beach)
• Slippers (many traditional accommodations require taking off your shoes)
• Shoes that are easy to put on and take off (for temples, restaurants)
• Fabric shoe bags (to separate dirty shoes from the rest of your luggage)
• Insoles for added comfort on long walks

Other

This mixed list shall contain: Important thingswhich do not fit into any of the other categories.

Useful extras for your trip to Japan:

• Sleep mask For the flight and in bright hotel rooms
• Earplugs for quiet sleep
• Small umbrella or rain poncho
• pocket knife (only in the abandoned Luggage
• Small Water bottle (refillable since) Tap water Drinkable in Japan
• Travel laundry products
• Laundry line
• Sewing set for small repairs
• Laundry clamps
• Zip Bags in Different Sizes
• Travel fine (if not available in the hotel)
• Cloth or towel (for temple visits or as sun protection)
• Small Notebook and Pen
• Japanese language guide
• Guidebook or printed information
• Small gift for hosts

Technical equipment

Electronic devices are important travel companions, especially in a technologically advanced country like Japan.

You should pack these technical utensils:

• Smartphone with sufficient storage space for photos
• Camera (if you want to take more than smartphone photos)
• E-book readers for long train journeys
• Adapters For Japanese sockets (type A/B)
• Powerbank For travel (ideal with fast charging)
• Charging cables for all your devices
• USB multiple connectors
• Socket strip with several USB ports (saving) Adapters)
• SD cards or external storage medium for photos
• Noise Cancelling Headphones For flight and long train journeys
• Headphone splitter (if you are traveling with a travel partner)
• Waterproof mobile phone cover

Winter equipment

If you are visiting Japan in winter, you will need additional equipment for the cold temperatures.

For the Japanese winter you should take these extras:

• Warm winter jacket (light and compressible)
• Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
• Warm hat
• Gloves (ideally with touchscreen function)
• Thick scarf or neck warmer
• Warm winter socks (several pairs)
• Waterproof winter shoes
• Heat pads for hands and feet
• Lip balm against dry lips
• Moisturizer for dry winter skin
• Sun protection (especially in the mountains)
• Ski underwear (if you want to ski)
• Ski goggles (only if you plan winter sports)

Packing list: Japan in 3 weeks (only with hand luggage)

For a 3-week period Round trip Japan with only Hand luggage You need a particularly well thought-out packing list. Here’s what you should pack on a longer trip:

• Clothing:
  • 7 Underpants
  • 7 pairs of socks
  • 4 T-shirts
  • 2 long-sleeved shirts
  • 2 trousers (1 long, 1 short or skirt)
  • 1 light sweater
  • 1 thin jacket
  • 1 sleep outfit
  • 1 chic outfit for special occasions
  • 1 bathing suit
• Hygiene:
  • All basics in 100ml sizes
  • Hand wash bags
  • Travel laundry products
  • Mini travel wage (if not always available in the hotel)
  • Personal care products
• Technical:
  • Extra SD card or cloud storage for many photos
  • Larger Powerbank For long day trips
  • International SIM Card or Pocket WiFi
• Other:
  • Multiple bags to organize
  • Folding shopping bag for souvenirs
  • Travel diary for memories

For a 3-week trip, you should plan on doing laundry on the go. Almost all Japanese hotels offer washing services or have washing machines for guests. Alternatively, you will find coin laundries (Coin Laundry) in almost every city.

A supplementary packing list, if you travel only with hand luggage, can be found here: Travel only with hand luggage: Packing list for small holidays.

Packing list: Japan in 2 weeks (only with hand luggage)

For a 2-week trip to Japan, you can Luggage Something else to reduce:

• Clothing:
  • 5-6 Underpants
  • 5-6 pairs of socks
  • 3-4 T-shirts
  • 1-2 long sleeved shirts
  • 1-2 trousers
  • 1 light sweater
  • 1 watertight jacket
  • 1 sleep outfit
• Hygiene:
  • All basics in 100ml sizes
  • Mini travel detergents for one-time hand washing
• Technical:
  • Medium size Powerbank
  • Significant Chargers
  • Camera with sufficient storage space
• Other:
  • Small daypack for excursions
  • A foreign currency card plus cash
  • Digital travel guide on smartphone/tablet

Also at least one laundry is recommended for two weeks, especially if you travel in summer temperatures or hike a lot.

Packing List for Backpacking in Japan

Introduction Backpacking through Japan are flexibility and easy Luggage Particularly important:

• Backpack:
  • Walking backpack with waist strap (40-55 litres)
  • Ultralight daypack (foldable)
  • Rain cover for the backpack
• Clothing:
  • Fast-drying functional clothing
  • Few but versatile parts to combine
  • Thin merino wool shirts (odour resistant)
  • Compression bag For clothing
• Accommodation:
  • Silk sleeping bag (for hostels)
  • Earplugs and Sleep mask
  • Padlock for hostel lockers
• Other:
  • Multipurpose soap (for body and clothing)
  • Ultralight microfibre towel
  • Laundry line with suction cups
  • Trekking cutlery (if you want to cook yourself)
  • pocket knife (only in the abandoned Luggage
  • Reusables Water bottle

As Backpackers in Japan you benefit from the excellent infrastructure. Also in cheap hostels you will often find free amenities and washing machines. The excellent convenience stores (kombini) offer cheap meals and all the basics you need on the go.

For long-term travelers and Digital nomads We have a special Backpacking Packing List for World Travelers and Digital Nomads This can be perfectly combined with this Japan packing list.

Packing List for Japan in Winter

The Japanese winter can become very cold, especially in the northern regions. Here’s what you should pack in addition to the basic packing list:

• Winter clothes:
  • Warm, waterproof winter jacket
  • Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
  • Thick winter sweaters or fleece
  • Warm hat, gloves and scarves
  • Warm winter socks (several pairs)
  • Waterproof, warm winter shoes
• Equipment:
  • Pocket warmers (reusable or disposable)
  • Moisturizer and lip balm against dry heating air
  • Thermo bottle for hot drinks on the go
  • Sunglasses (especially in ski resorts)
  • Slip-resistant shoe spikes (for iced paths)
• Technical:
  • Additional Powerbank (Accumulators discharge faster in the cold)
  • Gloves with touchscreen function

In winter travel to Japan you should Compression bag Use for your winter clothes to save space in your suitcase. Remember: If you are traveling to Japan for skiing, it is usually worth renting the ski equipment on site instead of bringing it.

For special winter activities in Japan, you will need additional equipment. Take a look at our detailed Packing list Ski holiday: Checklist for your winter holiday so that you are optimally prepared.

Packing List for Japan in Summer

The Japanese summer is hot and humid. Here is your adapted summer packing list:

• Summer clothes:
  • Light airy clothing of natural fibres
  • UV protective clothing
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Light rain jacket (rainy season in June/July)
  • Swimwear
• Protection:
  • High sun protection (at least LSF 50)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Mosquito spray (Certainly pack!)
  • Moisture wipes for cooling (also useful as refreshment during air travel)
  • compartments (can also be purchased on site)
• Other:
  • Several light towels to wipe for sweat
  • Electrolyte powder against dehydrogenation
  • Extra large Water bottle
  • Light sleeping clothes

In summer, lightweight yet covering clothing is ideal, as the sun can be very intense and in air-conditioned rooms such as trains or restaurants often run strong air conditioners.

When traveling in the hot Japanese summer, proper preparation is crucial. In our article Packing list summer holidays: That should definitely go with it! find more important tips for the hot season.

Packing List for Japan in Spring

Spring is the most popular time to visit Japan with the famous cherry blossom. Here is your spring packing list:

• Clothing:
  • Clothing for layering (temperature fluctuations possible)
  • Light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings
  • Rain jacket (April can be rainy)
  • Slightly chic clothing for cherry blossom festivals
• Health:
  • Anti-allergic (poll time!)
  • Towels
  • Eye drops in sensitive eyes
• Other:
  • Picnic blanket for hanami (cherry blossom festivals)
  • Small umbrella
  • Camera with sufficient storage space for the many flower photos

In spring, the temperatures are pleasant, but can still be cool, especially in the morning and evening. Think of the onion principle in order to be able to react flexibly to weather changes.

Packing List for Japan in Autumn

The autumn foliage coloration (koyo) attracts many visitors to Japan. For this time of year you need:

• Clothing:
  • Warm sweaters or fleece
  • Light down jacket
  • Scarf and light gloves for cooler mornings
  • Waterproof jacket (autumn can be rainy)
• Walking equipment (if you want to admire the autumn coloring in the mountains):
  • Hiking shoes with good profile
  • Travelling socks
  • Small hiking backpack
  • Telescopic hiking sticks (only in the Check-in baggage)
  • Walking clothing (breathable)
• Other:
  • Thermo bottle for hot tea
  • Camera for the spectacular autumn colors
  • Umbrella

The Japanese autumn offers pleasant temperatures, but these can vary greatly depending on the region and altitude. Especially in mountain regions it can already be quite cool.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Packing List for Japan