What to pack for a holiday in Japan
We spent one month in Japan in May, travelling from cities to rural areas in the mountains to the islands of Okinawa. This varied itinerary meant we needed to pack a range of different clothes and other items. We needed hiking gear, beach things, and clothes and shoes that would be comfy in a hot, busy city like Osaka and Kyoto while still fitting in with the style-conscious vibe of Tokyo.
The weather during our holiday in Japan varied from 30°c and sunny to 18°c and torrential rain. And while it never got too cold, we did need layers, waterproofs, and umbrellas on some days and loose, light clothes with plenty of sun protection on others.
Here’s what I packed for four weeks in Japan in May:
On top:
Three t-shirts
A long-sleeved top
Two tops
Two sports bras
For layers:
A plaid shirt
A cord jacket
A hoodie
A waterproof jacket
On the bottom:
A pair of light cotton shorts
A pair of bike shorts
A pair of jeans
Two pairs of wide-leg trousers
A pair of leggings
On my feet:
A pair of Converse trainers
A pair of Adidas Spezial trainers
A pair of hiking/running shoes
A pair of Birkenstock Evas (that can be worn at the beach and in water)
Accessories etc:
Sunglasses
A cap for sun protection
2 bikinis
A beach towel
2 weeks worth of underwear and socks (we stayed in accommodation with washing machines)
A backpack (also to be used as carry-on luggage)
A small daytime/evening bag (I used the Uniqlo bumbag)
An umbrella (you’ll probably need it)
Toiletries:
Toothbrush + paste + floss
Face wash/cleanser
SPF face cream
Deodorant
Body butter/moisturiser
Hair brush
Scrunchie + hair ties
Lip balm (with SPF)
Sanitizer and hand cream
Bug spray (for Okinawa)
Enough pills and other medications, if needed
Everything else:
Passport
Travel insurance
An email with proof of our flight leaving Japan – this is a requirement for entry
Travel adaptors + chargers
Laptop + charger
An e-reader + charger
Battery pack + charger
Water bottle
First aid kit for hiking (including antihistamines and bite cream, sleeping tablets, pain killers, plenty of plasters, antiseptic wipes, and gauze)
Find out more about our full one month in Japan itinerary here.