Packing for Japan: What Tourists Get Wrong (From a Tour Guide)
Packing for Japan is different from packing for most trips!
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In this video, I walk through how to pack for Japan in a realistic, experience-based way, based on living here and guiding travelers every day. Weโll cover suitcase choices, smart packing structure, luggage forwarding, what tourists usually overpack, what you actually need, and how to pack comfortably for Japan, including tips for traveling with kids.
The goal is simple: move easily, walk more comfortably, and enjoy Japan without managing your luggage all day.
Japan packing guide, what to pack for Japan, Japan travel tips, packing for Japan with kids, Japan luggage forwarding, Japan travel advice
50 Comments
Traveling with 4 kids in May, and we are planning on just doing a carry on with some other smaller bags, and checking a bag with our stuff on the way back. Thanks for the other tips!
Shoe de-odorizer is essential lol
Excellent advice as always, Abby)
Did I hear correctly that Japanese people dont wear deodorant?๐คฏ
One of the best things we discovered for Japan is to rent a wifi hotspot. They're good for up to 4 devices and worked everywhere (even in small mountain towns). We never once took our phones off airplane mode. This allowed us to text and make calls any time, not just when in the hotels. Often, the hotspot had better wifi than the hotels. We hooked up two phones, a tablet, and a phone for a friend – no international plans – and it was cheap – $6 a day covered 4 devices.
And yes, have a hand towel in your pocket or bag. We needed it every day.
suggestion: at least for males, merino wool underwear. they're not a knit sweater for your junk. they are light . you can get them at any mont-bell. biggest advantage: can be washed at the hotel sink and they will dry overnight with the extractor fan. they are INCREDIBLY NON SMELLY! even after one day walking.
socks, get some DARN TOUGH brand in america. you can wear them for 2-3 days without washing. they won't stink!
i am a merino wool maximalist now!
I just got back from a three-week trip, and this is great advice I wish I had heard before I went; especially the hand towel thing.
I recommend unscented deodorant, if possible.
Toothpaste is pretty bad in Japan, it is not the same as what you can get in the US.
I wish that I had brought my other camera with a long lens in addition to my small standard zoom camera. There are several sights you can't really get close to, like Kinkaku-ji.
I couldn't find a coin purse I liked, but I didn't really need one. The watch pocket on the average pair of jeans works fine.
Great advice! The thing I would add is that if you come from a country that uses 240 volts (so not the US but many other countries), you will need a voltage converter as well as a pin converter as the Japanese voltage is 100.
I was planning on just a carry on for a 14 day trip. Im a guy.
Iโm luckily not most people, I work in a warehouse and do 17k-20k steps..I gotta get some stair work though
Fantastic list. When you get on the shinkansen you'll see it all: A full oversized baggage area in the back of the car, and trying to shove huge suitcases into the overhead racks or behind the seat in front of them, curling their feet up and onto the suitcase. That stuff is way better to forward on a luggage delivery service.
* Bring "trusted" clothes with you. Know how it handles wash and dry cycles, that it won't shrink, that it's comfortable, and how it feels in different weather conditions. If you want to bring something more "tech" fabric or travel oriented, make sure you put it through its paces at home for a month or two first.
* Some items, especially light jackets or layering pieces, are ideal to buy in Japan and you should be able to find something season appropriate – As long as you are in a size that is generally available (don't count on this if you are very big or tall)
* A packable down jacket may NOT be the only jacket you need for cooler weather, but it is versatile even as a layering piece.
* Dressing "smart casual" does seem to be appreciated. If you're polite and reasonably dressed, you'll be just fine. Just dress in layers if possible. I liked wearing a light jacket over a simple, solid color t-shirt.
* You do NOT want to bring a reusable water bottle. Will you carry the brushes you need to clean a reusable bottle's crevices, lids, and gaskets? Just buy the bottle of water at the convenience store and take it with you. If you can't bring a bottle inside with you to a destination, oh well, just empty it and toss it in the PET bottle recycle bin.
* I do recommend bringing fingernail clippers. After a week you're likely to need them for your own grooming. And you can usually clip the plastic tags off of purchases back in your hotel room if you don't have scissors.
Also, I advise against bringing too many electronics. A small e-reader/Kindle or a tablet is helpful for the flight or as a backup device if something happens to your phone. But chances are you're not going to have time to play a ton of video games off the flight. You'll be taking in so many new things during the day, even on transit, and at night you'll be so tired that you'll fall asleep almost immediately. I won't lug around a Nintendo Switch 2 or Steam Deck to Japan.
Umbrellas, coin purses, and hand towels are super fun to buy in Japan. Try and find cool designs from stationary stores or attraction gift shops or special features (like a compact UV blocking umbrella). Your nearby stationary stores as well as large Bic Cameras and Yodobashi Cameras will have tons of selection.
Great advice thank you so much! Looking forward to our return trip to Japan in a few weeks time. This is excellent advice. Traveling with carry on luggage on public transport is the way to go. Laundry services are the best. Pack quick dry clothes that dry overnight, avoid heavy cotton items as they take for ever to dry!
Compression lacking cubes are the best.
If you plan on buying a kitchen knife or katana will require checked luggage!๐
6:25 Literally saved me at the immigration. The officer just singled me out, at least when I was there maybe because it's my first international travel and that I'm an Indian, asking for an itinerary and where I would be staying. Having these printed copies of flight and hotel seemed to have convinced him and just "warned" me to not overstay.
Can't thank you enough for this!๐๐๐
Hey, maybe I just can't find it, but do you have a Kofi or something similar to support you? your videos and blogs are so helpful and I'd like to contribute a little to say thanks.
I understand that the tours and photoshoots are your actual livelihood but you must put so much effort into the content that supports the business, it really seems like a huge outlay, thank you once again.
been binging your videos, it's been SO helpful for our upcoming trip this! your videos are super concise and straight to the point
Carry on luggage for 2 weeks trip? I plan to take 28" luggage+another bag for overnights in other town.
We are planning on backpacking and buying a suitcase while there for anything we want to bring home.
What would you recommend for an extended stay? 1-2 monthsโฆ hotel? Air bnb? Hokeshare?? Something else??
My packing tip: if you are a messy eater like myself, pack some napkins/paper towels. The little oshibori does not cut it for me and you will almost never see napkins. Yes you can buy them at the conbini, but itโs a large pack.๐
Just by a box and tape it up, fill it as needed at the end of the trip.
To be fair, most of this advice would apply to holidaying in any modern urban area, from San Francisco to Sydney. But of course, the Japan-specific things are definitely worth pointing out.
Regarding power… Airlines are starting to restrict the battery size of power banks, so be careful of that. And hotels are likely to have three-pin power sockets, but no guarantee of that. There are often also charging stations in coffee chains, particularly Starbucks (as well as in airport gate lounges). But just don't expect to rely on them as there can be competition for them.
Good to see pretty much what I was already thinking of packing for my trip later this year. In my case, the one coffeemug I'll be bringing is more for airport travel than for using in Japan. It's a lot nicer to have my tea in a spill proof mug while waiting several hours in layover in the airport and on the flights. The thermal isolation is also nice so I can continue to sip on warm tea for hours.
My other additional unmentioned plan is to only pack cargo pants and not regular pants/jeans because they have so many extra pockets for storage and give me more sorting options than just a backpack/bag. Though at this point, cargo pants are most of the pants I wear anyways because I like pockets
I have allergies and appreciate people not wearing perfume. Wish we had that in the US
Great packing tips in this video. I just spent 6 weeks in Japan and took an 80-litre suitcase and a backpack/cabin bag with me and found that I didn't really need such a big case, a much smaller one would have been fine. Thankfully, it was a top-opening soft-sided case, so it was easy to open and use in smaller hotel rooms and for the places where I was staying longer in, I was able to unpack and slide it or squish it a bit to go under the bed. I used Yamato Transport a lot for luggage delivery between hotels and was surprised at how cheap it was, along with it being reasonably fast – almost always next day delivery and usually before 3pm. Also, on one occasion, I found they had wrapped my case in a plastic bag as it was quite a wet and stormy day.
I used a smaller backpack/ day bag for my bits and bobs, I also packed in it a plastic carrier bag from one of the konbini's to use as a trash bag when out sightseeing and walking.
Could someone help how trains work in Japan, SEAT reservation, where to buy tickets etc little worried before my trip ๐ thanks for great info ๐
Iโm going to Japan in February and this is the best packing video Iโve watched so far!! You got a new subscriber.
Great video ๐๐ผ
Contrarian advice for packing for late fall / winter travel to Japan. Instead of planning on multiple layers to keep warm, instead do 1 layer + a puffer coat (2 layers if you run cold). I started with my usual multi-layers on my recent December trip to Fujisawa — my typical Vermont winter coat is actually 2 coats — boiled wool coat with raincoat over, plus a couple of layers of thin merino wool sweater if down to 30s (F). Inside everywhere in Japan — shops, trains, restaurants — is really warm. If you're the type of person who needs to remove layers when you go inside, managing multiple layers (coat + sweater(s)) along with purse, shopping bag(s) gets to be TOO MUCH. I ended up buying a puffer coat while I was there — warm, lightweight, packs small. Hubby, who runs really warm, wore short sleeve shirts the whole trip, with either a long-sleeve flannel shirt over, or his jacket if cold and windy (would be shoulder season coat for most people).
Ty for the helpful video. We're coming in August and my husband and daughter will want to buy a lot of t-shirts as souvenirs so I was thinking of only packing a couple for them here and buying the rest there and if we fail to find any (which I don't think we will ) then we could pick up some from Uniqlo or such. Is that feasible do you think? We have a washing machine in our apartment so will be packing super light but I don't want to go too light!
Went to Japan in 2025 October and wanted to travel light. I had a carry on, a 30L backpack, and a foldable duffle bag that I kept in my suitcase. I was there for 2 weeks. My dirty laundry would go into the duffle until I could get to a coin machine.
If you are planning to use a coin machine at your hotel BE PREPARED: Have your 100 yen coins ready to go, they don't take anything else usually. The dryers can be weak and need more time than the standard set time. Be ready to HOUND the machine. Of the hotels I stayed at, most only had 2-3 machines, with the most being 6 for a big fancy hotel. That is not a lot considering you are fighting with others to also do their laundry.
When I finally left Japan, my bags were quite full. I put all my souvenirs in my carry on or backpack and checked my duffle bag with my clothes. Packing cubes only helped me to organize; they did not help me save space.
I also traveled with 2 people who had LARGE suitcases only. They used luggage forwarding each time and it worked out great for them, as long as you consider it into your budget.
Do airlines and bullet trains really check the weight of each suitcase? Our flight from US to Japan allows one free checked bag in addition to carryon and small personal item like a purse or small backpack. However, we will fly from Japan to another country and the airline limits each carry on and backpack to 7 kg each. Checked bag will cost extra. I have never had issues with the weight of carry on and backpacks before when traveling to Europe or Asia but this will be our first time in Japan so I am wondering if they are going to weigh all suitcases and backpacks. I usually travel light (carry in and backpack) but I am worried about the amount of items our kids will buy and the need to have extra suitcase to fit everything in.
I need to convince my wife to watch your video… But then, I may be in the doghouse… I'd love to extend my Akita business trip and see more of Japan, maybe visiting Kyoto because I really wish to vist Hiroshima.
I wish i had this video before i went yhe first time. I didnt realize you cant share the goshuin book with other stamps ๐ so embarrassing
Accurate!
Do you have experience with using the Ta-Q-Bin at at conbini?
Great video, excellent advice!
Myself and my husband left Ireland with one suitcase between us and returned from Japan with 4… We brought one extra checked luggage bag inside our main checked luggage bag (expecting to shop a fair bit), and a large backpack as our carry on, but ended up needing to buy another checked luggage size bag in Donki at the end of the trip. We used Yamato to send our cases between cities and it was worth every penny. The cases often showed up before us! And staff were always super helpful in filling out the transfer document. We used our backpack as our overnight bag when we'd be without luggage, and also brought a full change of clothes on our flight(s) for emergencies or in case of lost luggage. We each had a small crossbody for our passport, phone, power bank, wifi device & IC card. We also brought Skechers Slip In shoes for the on/off/on/off shoe cycle, totally worth it. Also polished casual is the perfect phrase – the Japanese always look so good, but not fancy, just… nice!
I think we accidentally followed almost all of your advice!
I just ordered a power bank, do check airline spec. If passing via china it needs to be marked with CCC.
I went to Japan three month ago and my packing worked well. I took a medium suitcase and put stickers on it, so it wouldn't get mixed up. I took a capsule wardrobe consisting of streetwear, one black dress with leggings, one pair of Sketcher's that were black slip ons. I took a light, insulated rainjacket and fold umbrella that doubled as a parasol. I took a shampoo bar which doubled as shaving cream.
My medium sized suitcase and backpack allowed me to bring back a ton of anime merch, food, and souvenirs.
My backpack on route had all my electronics, manga, a spare set of clothing, neckfan (which is a necessity. May-November). My backpack acted as a way to protect my most precious souvenirs on the way back.
I flew ANA, and they provided free movies, anime, tv shows, Jdrama so there was no need to bring any entertainment.
I packed a huge reusable shopping bag and purse or day bag. When I was there, it was 88 degrees in October. My the clothes I brought were summer/fall layers. I wore a headscarf or headband and a neckfan when I was outdoors in Kyoto.
I got very sweaty in Japan, so extra underwear and socks are a necessity.
During the day in Tokyo, I would walk around in tee, shirt hoodie, and cargo pants. I wore a lanyard that had two zipper coin purses: one had my credit card, hotel key, suisca card, cash, and the other only coins. I also had my phone strapped to my lanyard. Many of the Japanese salarymen also wore their phones on lanyards.
In my purse or daybag, I had a microfiber towel, tissue, (the Japanese only use wet wipes) napkins, bamboo chopsticks and utensils, a waterbottle, hand sanitizer, medication, passport, portable umbrella/ parasol, a bread bag for garbage, a whistle, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses, self stick, portable battery phone charger basically anything that was essential for exploring for Tokyo
Every hotel, gives you a toothbrush and comb
Also, pack two rolls of toilet paper, just in case. The Japanese toilets are bidet style. Pack a couple of plastic hangers. Just in case,you need to dry something. Also, a Hefty, gallon, ziplock bag.
Also pack clothes in packing cubes or Hefty 2.5 gallon bags and remove the air.
If I could do it different– I wouldn't have brought any physical books or manga. I didn't look at them once. And they took up a lot of space. Guidebooks–can be checked out from your local library. Take photos of maps, and places you want to see, then organize them in an album on your phone and label it Tokyo or Kyoto or whatever will let you know it involves your Japan trip.
The coin laundry at the hotel, ended up eating up a lot of coins. The wash was ok. Some of them provide automatic soap in the wash. I brought two laundry soap sheets and a dryer sheet. It took 4x in the dryer, I had to blow dry some of my clothes dry. I brought some hangers and hung my clothes to dry.
A laundromat is probably better than a hotel laundromat.
Bring three clear garage 13 gallon plastic garbage bags. One for dirty clothes, one for clean clothes, and one for plushes or pillows to carry on the plane.
I bought a huge pokemon plush that wouldn't fit in my suitcase, so I wrapped it a clear plastc bag and tied him to my backpack. No one said anything.
I had my suitcase with me the whole time. I didn't use a luggage courier company. My Bullet train secret–Book a reserved seat train and sit in backrow of the train next to the luggage space. Put your luggage and bags in that space and keep your day bag with you.
Another thing: Take Bonine chewable( motion sickness medicine) with you if you get motion sickness easily. I chewed one every morning before breakfast.
As a woman with sz 41 (US W10/M8) feet, I need to bring all the shoes/boots I might require. They don't seem to have my size in stores, unless I buy men's. My husband and I are hiking the Nakasendo in Sept/Oct this year, and even though we're only bringing hiking backpacks, footwear will probably be taking up most of the room in my bag! Haha.
I usually travel by putting an empty hand luggage into the suitcase.
Good to know Japan is still a cash economy. Almost didn't need cash in Europe.
Lojel is made in Japan and more affordable than the ACE or other brands made in Japan.
There will be 4 of us on our trip, myself and my 3 young children. Kids clothes are small ๐ I'm planning to do carry-on and personal item bags for each of us to pack efficiently and be able to condense and have space for more on return. I do except to buy some clothing while in Japan… That's fewer outfits needed initially. Aside from toothbrushes, paste, and deodorant, I think I've decided on buying toiletries after we get to Japan… Partially because I'm nervous to mess up on liquid rules with TSA ๐ and don't want to be embarrassed at the airport… But also save on initial weight, and possibly having a leaky bottle in the air making a big mess all in my suitcase… But as affordable as everything is… And planning an easy going 1st day in Japan after all the travel.. it will fit in for us. Then of course we'll collect things through our trip from different places… I think a total of 8 bags (Carry-on and personal) should get us there and back. I'm also worried about lost luggage, making me not want to have a checked bag… BUT All else fails.. you've showed me exactly where to go for a checked bag to fill up and I'm literally taking notes.๐ ๐๐ป
Im flying to Tokyo in about a week and I was packing 3 perfumes to โimpressโ the Japanese ladies there (lol) I think now I will spare them the pain. Thanks again Aby ๐
Hello, I heard that our American hair curlers and straighteners are not allowed and will be confiscated because of the high voltage. Do you have recommendations that we can buy before we arrive? I donโt want to go hunting for some and waste vacation time :/ also my hair gets so poofy and crazy that I need my hair tools.
You videos makes total sense. People have to realize that they have to respect the culture of the country they are visiting, thus dress appropriately and don't smell in the case of Japan. I will be traveling to Japan for the third time in 18 months with only a 30 liters backpack and sling, which is the best way to travel for me.
This was my first international flight and I didnโt realize how dark for how long they make it on the plane. You can of course use overhead lighting at your seat but it felt like it would be kind of disruptive for other people. I brought a book and a knitting project and I really wish I had left them at home!
Also for day bag, I chose a small crossbody bag that had pockets that could work as a wallet for cash, cards, and passport. I used a coin purse and picked up a super light umbrella, a compact nylon eco bag (hiiiiighly recommend), and a teeny tiny water bottle for emergency sips. My phone battery was sufficient for being the navigator all dayโฆ I had emergency back up battery but I wound up leaving it at home after a couple days ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ
I heard a lot of people say water was impossible to find around during the day but thereโs a plain old water at literally every vending machine and inside every combini. Look for this kanji ๆฐด !
Love the sticker with the little bundle so cute!!!