You’ve finalized your itinerary, booked your accommodations, and maybe even ordered your JR Pass. Now comes the crucial step that can make or break your Japanese experience: packing your suitcase. Whether you’re traveling in the middle of a freezing winter or during the sweltering summer, this guide will help you remember everything you need to fully enjoy your adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.
1. Understanding Japan’s climate: Winter vs. Summer
Before packing your suitcase, it is essential to understand what kind of climate you will be facing. Japan has four distinct seasons, and the two extremes—winter and summer—require radically different preparations.
Japanese Winter (December to February)
Winter temperatures vary considerably depending on the region. In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, expect temperatures ranging from 2°C to 12°C during the day, dropping to 0°C at night. If you are planning trips to higher altitudes such as Hakone or Nikko, be prepared for even lower temperatures with the possibility of snow.
The Japanese winter climate has one key feature: the air is cold and dry outside, but interiors are extremely well (too well?) heated. This constant temperature difference between the freezing outside and the overheated inside requires a specific clothing strategy: the layering system.
Japanese Summer (June to August)
In contrast, Japanese summers are hot AND humid (very humid)—a formidable combination that often surprises travelers. Temperatures climb between 77°F and 95°F, with peaks reaching 104°F during heat waves. But the real challenge is not so much the heat as the humidity, which regularly exceeds 70%.
The summer period begins with the rainy season (tsuyu) in June-July, bringing frequent rainfall and increased humidity. After this period, the country faces intense and stifling heat, which is particularly difficult to bear in large cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
A Japanese peculiarity: Unlike winter, when you have to constantly take layers off and put them back on, the Japanese summer requires you to wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing while always carrying something to protect yourself from sudden showers. 2. Clothing: Adapting your wardrobe to the season
2. Clothing: Adapting your wardrobe to the season
2.1 The layering system for winter
The key to surviving the Japanese winter is the three-layer system (layering). This technique allows you to quickly adapt to constant temperature changes between outdoors and indoors.
Thermal underwear
Invest in quality thermal T-shirts. Uniqlo’s famous Heattech line is a benchmark in Japan for good reason: it’s effective, affordable, and available everywhere. Plan ahead (depending on the length of your trip and how often you do laundry):
- 4 to 6 long-sleeved thermal T-shirts
- 2 to 4 thermal leggings or long johns
- Warm socks (avoid cotton, which retains moisture)
💡 Tip : You can buy Heattech directly in Japan at any Uniqlo store. It’s often cheaper than in France, and you can adjust your purchases according to the actual weather.
Middle Layers
These layers make up your “social” outfit, which you will wear most of the time indoors:
- 3 to 5 light sweaters or fleeces
- Long-sleeved shirts (if you like)
- 3 to 5 comfortable pants for walking
- Jeans or casual pants
⚠️Please note: Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off. You’ll be surprised how many times you’ll need to adjust your outfit in a day!
The Outer Layer
Your defense against the cold:
- A waterproof and windproof winter coat (this is the most important investment)
- A light jacket or vest for air-conditioned interiors
- Possibly a light raincoat or compact umbrella (rain can occur even in winter)
Essential Accessories
Never underestimate these small items that will make all the difference:
- Hat, gloves, and scarf (essential for freezing mornings/evenings)
- Comfortable, waterproof shoes (you will be walking a lot!)
- Slippers or flip-flops for indoors (you constantly take your shoes off in Japan)
A Japanese peculiarity: In temples, ryokan, and even some restaurants, you will have to take off your shoes. Make sure your socks are in good condition and without holes—they will be seen!
2.2 The Lightweight Strategy for Summer
The Japanese summer requires a radically different approach: forget layers, make way for lightness and breathability.
Essential Summer Clothing
To survive the humid heat:
- Lightweight clothing made from natural fabrics: cotton and linen will be your best allies
- Loose-fitting, breathable T-shirts (avoid ones that stick to your skin with sweat)
- “Dry” or technical clothing: available at Uniqlo in Japan, these wick away sweat
- Lightweight shorts and skirts (while remaining respectful in cultural sites like temples)
- Lightweight white underwear under your tops (to absorb sweat)
💡 Summer tip: Choose light colors that reflect heat. Avoid black and red, which retain heat.
Summer accessories
- Hat, cap, or umbrella (essential sun protection)
- Sunglasses
- High protection sunscreen
- Comfortable sandals (but keep closed shoes for long walks)
⚠️ Summer warning: The period between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. is the peak of the heat. Many travelers plan their indoor visits (museums, shopping malls) during these hours.
2.3 Specific Considerations for Your Itinerary
Whether you are traveling in winter or summer, pack your suitcase according to your planned activities.
For Amusement Parks (Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Dome, etc.)
In winter: Bring very comfortable and warm clothing. You will spend long hours outside waiting in line in the cold. A good warm jacket, gloves, and a hat are essential. Don’t forget a fully charged external battery (the cold drains batteries faster).
In summer: Ultra-light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and constant hydration. Waiting in line under the sun can be challenging.
For nature excursions (Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura)
In winter: Waterproof hiking boots are a must, warm layered clothing, protection against possible snow. These mountainous regions are significantly colder than Tokyo.
In summer: Breathable clothing, extra sun protection, and a light raincoat in your bag (sudden storms are frequent).
For cultural visits (temples, shrines)
All seasons :
- Shoes that are easy to take off and put back on
- Respectful attire covering shoulders and knees
- Socks in excellent condition (you will see them, and so will others!)
Specific to Japan: In many sacred places, you will walk barefoot or in socks on floors that are sometimes cold (winter) or hot (summer). Good quality socks are essential.
For Shinkansen journeys
Japanese high-speed trains are very well air-conditioned (cool in summer, heated in winter). Bring an extra layer even in summer, as the air conditioning can be intense and you can quickly feel the chill.
3. Practical Essentials and Hygiene
3.1 Toiletries bag
Whether you are traveling in winter or summer, certain products are essential:
For winter :
- Rich moisturizer (the dry Japanese air dries out the skin)
- Repairing lip balm
- Moisturizing body lotion
- Western deodorant (difficult to find in Japan, especially for men)
For summer :
- High protection sunscreen (the Japanese sun is intense)
- Deodorant (even more crucial in the heat and humidity)
- Refreshing wipes
- Talcum powder or antiperspirant powder
All seasons :
- Shampoo, soap, toothpaste (available at konbini, but you might as well bring your favorite products if you have room in your suitcase)
- Microfiber towel (dries quickly)
Specific to Japan: Japanese hygiene products are excellent but often come in mini sizes. If you have specific preferences, bring them from home.
3.2 Health and Medication
- First aid kit (bandages, compresses, disinfectant) also available at your local convenience store or pharmacy.
- Personal medication with prescriptions translated into English (required to pass through customs)
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
- Antihistamines (useful in spring for pollen, but also in summer or if you have allergies)
- Masks (still very common in Japan, especially in winter to prevent colds)
💡 Tip: In summer, bring rehydration salts. The humid heat causes profuse sweating and can lead to dehydration.
3.3 For Women
- Menstrual products, especially tampons (almost impossible to find in Japan)
- Sanitary pads (available but brands may differ)
- Specific cosmetics and skincare products
4. Technology and Accessories
4.1 Essential Electronics
Japan uses type A/B plugs with a voltage of 100V.
Here’s what you absolutely need to bring:
- Universal power adapter (essential!), which you can easily find on Amazon, for example, or at airports (but often at a much higher price)
- High-capacity external battery (power bank – the days are long and intense)
- Chargers for all your devices
- Extra memory card for photos and videos
- Spare cables
💡 Tip: Japanese outlets (type A) generally accept European two-prong plugs, but not large grounded plugs. A universal adapter is still the safest option.
⚠️ As I explained in my previous article (How to prepare for your trip to Japan), external batteries are subject to restrictions. They must be carried with you in the cabin and are often limited to a maximum capacity of 100W. Be sure to check your airline’s restrictions to avoid any surprises!
4.2 For Content Creators
If you plan to document your trip (vlogs, photos, social media):
- Camera with extra batteries
- Lightweight tripod or stabilizer (note that some places in Japan prohibit the use of tripods, monopods, etc. Check before visiting these places, or you may be refused entry)
- External microphone (for high-quality videos)
- External hard drives for backups
- Multi-socket charger to charge several devices simultaneously
4.3 Navigation and Communication
- Unlocked phone (to use an e-SIM as explained in my previous article, or to use a pocket Wi-Fi device)
- Useful apps to download before departure:
- Google Maps (works perfectly in Japan, offline mode available)
- Google Translate (offline mode also available)
- Japan Travel (by Navitime) or Google Maps (for trains)
- PayPay (Japanese mobile payment)
- Line (equivalent to WhatsApp in Japan, if you plan on making Japanese friends)
⚠️ Warning: Even though Japan is ultra-connected, having offline copies of your plans and reservations can save you.
5. Documents and Money
5.1 Essential Documents
It may seem obvious, but here is a short list of things you must not forget:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months remaining validity)
- Travel insurance with full medical coverage (Japan also offers one-time insurance, but it can only be purchased from within Japan, https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/do_travel_insurance04.html )
- Printed reservations or digital versions downloaded to your smartphone/tablet:
- Accommodations
- JR Pass (exchange voucher) or other subway/train pass
- Shinkansen tickets
- Tickets for attractions/activities (Universal Studios, Disney, Tokyo Tower, etc.)
- Reservations for Michelin-starred restaurants, if that’s your thing.
- Photocopies of all these documents (kept separately from the originals, in digital and paper form; you can never be too careful, and it’s so easy to forget or lose something when you’re distracted by your trip)
- Waterproof pouch to protect your documents if necessary.
- Downloaded and printed copy of the QR Code that will be given to you on the VisitJapanWeb website.
💡 Tip: Take photos of all your documents and email them to yourself. That way, you’ll have access to them from anywhere. I recommend the free Android app Genius Scan, which lets you easily scan all these documents!
5.2 The Money 💴
Japan remains a largely cash-based society, despite recent advances.
Bring :
- Cash yen (exchange before departure or withdraw from 7-Eleven/Lawson ATMs at the airport)
- International credit card (Visa or Mastercard), Revolut, Curve, etc.
- A wallet suitable for Japanese coins (widely used, from 1 to 500 yen)
Japanese peculiarity: Many small restaurants, temples, and local shops ONLY accept cash. Always carry at least 10,000 yen with you.
6. Day backpack
In addition to your main suitcase + carry-on, a good everyday backpack is essential:
Essential contents:
- Reusable water bottle or flask (there are dispensers everywhere to fill it up), especially in summer
- Snacks (who hasn’t felt hungry after walking for several hours? 😁)
- Survival kit:
- Folding umbrella (in all seasons)
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Power banks
- Small kit with basic medicines (always handy)
- Prepaid transportation card (Suica/Pasmo)
- Notebook and pen to write down your discoveries (or if you collect “Eki Stamps” (station stamps))
In winter, add:
In summer, add:
⚠️ Caution in summer: Avoid backpacks that stick to your back and make you sweat. Opt for shoulder bags or crossbody bags. But be careful not to overload them so you don’t ruin your shoulder.
7. Tips for organizing your suitcase
7.1 Optimizing space
A few proven techniques for maximizing your space:
- Rolling technique: Roll your clothes instead of folding them (saves space + fewer wrinkles)
- Packing cubes: Organize by category (underwear, tops, bottoms, accessories)
- Use empty spaces: Slip socks and underwear into your shoes, for example
- Compression bag: Ideal for bulky winter clothes (coats, sweaters)
💡 Tip: Wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothes on the plane (coat, walking shoes). This frees up a lot of space (and weight) in your suitcase.
7.2 Suitcase vs. Travel bag
For Japan, a suitcase with wheels is generally preferable to a travel bag :
- Japanese infrastructure is excellent (elevators, ramps, smooth surfaces)
- Trains have designated luggage spaces
- Less tiring in the long run
- Easier to organize
- Leave room for souvenirs! Shopping in Japan is irresistible
A Japanese specialty: Coin lockers at train stations are a blessing. You can store your large suitcase and explore lightly all day long. Available sizes: small (¥300-400), medium (¥500-600), large (¥700-800).
7.3 Overpacking
Japan is a highly developed country. You can find almost anything you need there:
No need to overpack:
- Excess clothing (laundromats and dry cleaning services are available almost everywhere)
- Basic hygiene products (available at convenience stores 24 hours a day, or almost)
- Sports or hiking equipment (can be rented at resorts)
- Too many books (download ebooks)
Pack light and buy what you need locally: Uniqlo, Don Quijote, and konbini will save you if you forget something.
8. Summary Checklist
Here is a short checklist to go through before you leave:
📄 Documents
- ☐ Valid passport (+ photocopies)
- ☐ Travel insurance
- ☐ JR Pass voucher and/or other metro/train passes
- ☐ Accommodation reservations
- ☐ Tickets for attractions/activities
- ☐ Prescriptions (translated into English)
- ☐ International driver’s license (if you plan to drive, please note that you will need to have it translated locally if it is not already, which usually takes less than half a day, but should be planned for)
👔 Winter Clothing
- ☐ 4-6 thermal t-shirts
- ☐ 2-5 leggings/thermal underwear
- ☐ 3-5 sweaters/fleece jackets
- ☐ 3-5 comfortable pants
- ☐ Waterproof winter coat
- ☐ Lightweight jacket
- ☐ Hat, gloves, scarf
- ☐ Warm socks (5-7 pairs)
- ☐ Underwear (7-10)
- ☐ Comfortable waterproof shoes
- ☐ Slippers/flip-flops for indoors
- ☐ Compact raincoat/umbrella
👕 Summer clothing
- ☐ Lightweight, loose-fitting T-shirts (5-7)
- ☐ Lightweight shorts/skirts (3-5)
- ☐ Lightweight pants (2-3)
- ☐ Technical “dry” clothing
- ☐ Absorbent white underwear
- ☐ Hat/cap
- ☐ Comfortable sandals
- ☐ Closed-toe shoes for walking
- ☐ Lightweight raincoat
- ☐ Swimsuit (onsen/beach)
🧴 Hygiene and Health
- ☐ Complete toiletries kit
- ☐ Moisturizer
- ☐ Sunscreen + lip balm
- ☐ Deodorant
- ☐ Absorbent towel (for summer)
- ☐ First aid kit
- ☐ Personal medication
- ☐ Painkillers, antihistamines
- ☐ Face masks
- ☐ Menstrual products (women)
🔌 Technology
- ☐ Phone + charger
- ☐ Universal power adapter
- ☐ External battery
- ☐ Camera + accessories
- ☐ Extra memory cards
- ☐ Earphones/headphones
- ☐ Extra charging cables
💰 Money
- ☐ Cash in yen (purchased before your departure or collected on site)
- ☐ International credit card
- ☐ Coin-friendly wallet
🎒 Everyday backpack
- ☐ Water bottle
- ☐ Snacks
- ☐ Tissues
- ☐ Folding umbrella
- ☐ Wipes + hand sanitizer
- ☐ Basic first aid kit
- ☐ Notebook + pen
- ☐ Hand warmers (winter) / Fan or cooling patch (summer)
🎁 Miscellaneous
- ☐ Reusable bags (for shopping)
- ☐ Lock for lockers
- ☐ Sunglasses
- ☐ Book/e-reader for traveling
- ☐ Waterproof document pouch
💡Find this checklist in PDF format below:
Conclusion
Packing for Japan isn’t rocket science, but it does require careful consideration of the country’s climate and cultural specificities. Whether you’re facing the dry cold of winter or the humid heat of summer, the key is to prioritize comfort and practicality over pure aesthetics.
Remember: Japan is a highly developed country. If you forget something, you can probably buy it easily there, often at a reasonable price. Don’t overload your suitcase when you leave—leave room for all the treasures you’ll bring back!
The most important thing is to travel light and focus on the experience that awaits you: majestic temples, dazzling neon lights, exceptional cuisine, and unparalleled hospitality. Your suitcase is just a tool to help you fully enjoy this extraordinary adventure.
Have a great trip, and may your stay in Japan be unforgettable !🗾
💡 To go further: Check out my article on how to prepare for your trip to Japan for all the logistical aspects (visa, transportation, accommodation, budget).
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