What to Bring — and Leave Behind — for a Trip to Japan (2024)

Clothing

The current style in Japan is minimalist-chic which is perfect for traveling lightly. You’ll want to pack just a few tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched throughout your trip to maximize space and not stand out too much. Of course, you’re welcome to wear what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident but the style in Japan is a bit more modest and elevated so you’ll likely see both men and women dressed in business-casual attire as everyday clothing.

Clothing for Women

It’s important to bring tops that can be worn with several different outfits like this versatile Everlane tee. The lightweight cotton material is ideal for Tokyo’s humid weather conditions but the simple top can easily be paired with a cardigan or light jacket for cooler temperatures. Whether you opt for high-waisted pants or a flowy skirt, you have yourself a stylish outfit for visiting temples or dining at restaurants.

I made the poor decision of bringing a pair of jeans for 75-degree-plus weather and ended up not wearing them once (shocking, I know). Instead, I opted for these Maeve wide-leg pants, which are far more comfortable and boast an elevated look in my opinion. The fabric is super stretchy and comfortable so you can go straight from the long-haul flight to sightseeing in style and comfort. Best of all, the pants come in a variety of colors and sizes (including petite, tall, and plus options) so you can stock up on several pairs before your trip.

The everyday clothing style in Japan is a bit more upscale than in the U.S. so bringing a silk midi skirt like this one from Quince is perfect for both day and night outfits. This mulberry silk midi skirt comes in nine colors including several muted neutral colors that can be dressed up or down. Plus, the skirt is machine-washable so you can give it a quick wash in between wears during your trip. I though I would only wear this skirt once on my trip and I ended up putting in on multiple times with a T-shirt or sweater for an effortlessly stylish outfit.

Many women opt for flowy or slightly oversized clothing in Japan so this Everlane Shirtdress fits right in with the current trends. The asymmetric style has a high-low design so the back of the dress sits below the knee and the front part should rest just above the knee for a modest-yet-stylish look. It can also be paired with boots or tights on colder days, making it a versatile staple for most seasons in the country.

It can rain in all of Japan’s regions, especially during the monsoon season in June and July, so you’ll want to pack a lightweight rain jacket just in case. This longer raincoat from Lands' End isn’t as sporty as traditional rain gear so it’s easy to pair it with your daily outfits. Made with seam-sealed polyester, this jacket is fully waterproof and will keep you perfectly dry and it comes in several stunning colors like light green and a silvery white shade.

Clothing for Men

Similarly to planning outfits for women, men can keep it fairly simple as well by bringing several staple pieces of men's travel clothing to be mixed and matched. Generally, you’ll want to avoid any clothing that is tattered so investing in some nicer T-shirts, pants, and shorts is the best route to go. In terms of outerwear, you’ll want to pack a rain jacket and/or a windbreaker, and several overshirts or shackets to tie together an outfit when the weather conditions are wet or chilly.

Although this T-shirt from Cuts comes at a higher price point, it’s worth it for the high-quality materials that will hold up against multiple wears throughout the duration of a trip. The fabric is made with wrinkle-resistant materials so you can toss the shirt in your luggage while traveling throughout Japan and pull it out looking good as new. Plus, it comes in tons of earthy colors making it easy to pair the top with any bottoms. Trust us, you’ll want to buy several for your trip since they’ll last way longer than your typical cotton tees.

A pair of pants that are both comfortable and nice-looking can be hard to come across but these Bonobos chinos check all of the boxes. The cotton blend pants have a two-percent stretch so you can sit comfortably on a long-haul flight or walk up the 1,368 steps to get to the famous Kotohira-gu Shrine. With over 10 color options in sizes 28 to 54 (in slim, athletic, straight, tailored, slim taper, and skinny cuts), we love that the brand is size-inclusive to fit a wide range of body types.

If you’re traveling throughout Japan in the summer, you’ll likely run into both rain and high temperatures. These lightweight and moisture-wicking polyester shorts from Vuori could not be more ideal for any weather conditions thanks to the versatile fabric that can be worn in and out of water. The material is also odor-resistant and quick-drying making them the perfect pair of travel shorts to last throughout a trip. I love getting my boyfriend Vuori bottoms because they look much nicer than athletic shorts, too.

Traveling to Japan in June or July? A rain jacket is a must-pack item for visiting during the wet season so this Columbia rain jacket will be a lifesaver. The recycled three-layer fabric is completely waterproof and the fit of the jacket is a slimmer athletic style so you don’t have to compromise style for functionality. It’ll match your chino pants or resort shorts and pairs nicely with a variety of shoes for even more versatility. This rain jacket is also one of our all-time favorites for city-dwellers after we tested it and loved the style factor and waterproofness.

Shoes

Depending on the length and season of your trip, one or two pairs of shoes is all you need, especially for packing lightly. We recommend bringing one or two pairs of comfortable and waterproof walking shoes that are versatile enough to be worn with pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses. “You'll be doing a lot of walking as well. Mushy, wet shoes are really uncomfortable so bringing anything waterproof will be very handy,” Onishi advises. Generally, you won’t see too many people in Japan wearing sandals unless it’s very warm out and flip-flops are frowned upon for entering shrines or temples.

It’s hard to beat the style and comfort built into these minimalist Naturalizer sneakers. These are my go-to sneakers for walking around every city, including a sprawling one like Tokyo.

A pair of slip-on sneakers like these from Kizik are super helpful for running out the door. Unlike regular sneakers, the heel on this pair is designed to stay up and not fold in so you can slide your foot into the shoes without having to use the pull tab or your hands. These tennis shoes also boast arch support, cushioning, and a breathable knit upper to avoid sore and stinky feet after a full day of sightseeing.

Accessories

Since the goal is to pack lightly, we’re keeping the list of essential accessories to a minimum so you don’t bring too many unnecessary items. According to Onishi, it would be wise to bring your own compact umbrella, although you can always buy one in Japan if the weather takes a turn. “It does rain a lot,” he explains, especially in the summer and fall. “I personally bring a waterproof jacket plus an umbrella.” In addition to bringing accessories to combat the weather, we recommend packing a coin purse to hold your loose cash and coins to stay organized on the go and a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sun.

Onishi recommends bringing a compact umbrella, along with a raincoat, to combat the inclement weather while traveling around Japan. “Usually typhoons start from around August to October so I guess throughout the whole summer until mid-autumn, it's always nice to bring rain gear,” he said. This travel-size umbrella folds down to just 12 inches tall and weighs less than a pound so it can easily fit in a backpack, purse, or pocket when needed. I almost never travel without this sturdy umbrella so it's worth every penny in my opinion — especially when I've spent the same or more on cheaper umbrellas that break easier.

Having cash on hand while traveling throughout Japan is helpful even though a lot of places take cards. The Japanese currency, yen, uses paper cash as well as coins so you’ll want to have a coin pouch or small purse on hand to store all of your 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1-cent coins. This clear pouch makes it easy to spot the cash and coins, or it can be used for any other small accessories you want to safeguard while traveling thanks to the water-resistant plastic material.

While it depends on where you’re embarking from, it’s likely that you’ll be on a long-haul flight to get to Japan, so a good travel pillow is a must to help you get some shut-eye. If you’re flying from the West Coast, the flight is about nine hours and it’s about 14 from the East Coast. This ultra-plush neck pillow from Cabeau folds down into a compact carrying case and can be clipped to a backpack or placed inside without taking up too much space in a backpack.

A pair of sunglasses is an essential accessory for both fashion and functional purposes. These Diff Eyewear sunnies have a chic chunky frame made with lightweight acetate and polarized lenses. The tortoise shell design is my personal favorite since it goes with practically any outfit whether I'm wearing bright colors or more muted tons. The shades also come in pink, green, and black shades, too.

Luggage and Bags

If you’re planning on traveling to other cities in Japan besides Tokyo, you’ll want to think carefully about the type of luggage you want to schlep around. The most portable piece of luggage you can use is a carry-on backpack that boasts the same capacity as a suitcase but offers the portability of a backpack. Of course, you can use a carry-on suitcase, but we recommend using a smaller one that is easier to maneuver. When it comes to smaller bags like purses, opt for a compact and smaller bag like a trendy fabric crescent bag that has a bit more style than a sporty fanny pack.

For itineraries that include stops in cities outside of Tokyo like Kyoto or Osaka, the most portable piece of luggage is Cotopaxi’s Allpa 32L backpack. It’s our favorite carry-on backpack we’ve tested since it can fit the same amount as a typical suitcase but it can be tossed over the shoulders and carried as a backpack for superior portability. There are tons of pockets for staying organized and it has a clamshell-style opening so you can pack all of your essentials with ease. I've owned this pack for over four years and it still looks as good as the day I got it.

Backpacks aren’t for everyone when it comes to traveling so if you’re looking for a compact suitcase, this one from Monos was a champ during my multi-leg Japan trip. It’s small yet spacious with two main compartments to fit enough outfits for a two-week trip. Plus, its smaller size is ideal for flying on airlines with more restrictive carry-on dimension requirements such as WestJet or United. Monos is one of my favorite luggage brands for durability, especially after I rode the suitcase down a hill on my trip and it felt completely sturdy.

One of the best ways to pack lightly for Japan is by bringing as few toiletry items as possible but I still refuse to leave my home without this Calpak toiletry bag to hold my essentials. It’s customary for hotels and Airbnbs to have a large selection of toiletries like shampoo, toothbrushes, combs, and more readily available to guests. However, since you’ll likely still need to pack specific toiletries, this small, clear cosmetic case makes it easy to see what you’ve packed thanks to the transparent material. It has a clamshell design so you can pack the case flat or folded up as well.

I needed a last-minute travel purse just days before my trip and since crescent bags are wildly popular in both Japan and the U.S. right now, I got this under-the-radar Amazon bag and it was the perfect travel accessory for storing your wallet, passport, and other small items. It’s made with wrinkle-resistant nylon so it can be folded up and tucked away in a suitcase for long-haul flights without getting crumpled and the capacity is large enough to fit all of your travel essentials without feeling too bulky.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the weather like in Japan?

  Japan has four distinct seasons and it’s important to pack according to season along with the basic essentials in our list above that you can bring no matter the time of year. In addition, Onishi explains “the weather is dependent on the location as well. So the northern island of Hokkaido, which is closer to Russia, [gets] cold and with the southernmost island, Okinawa, you'll probably get that sort of Southeast Asia weather so it's relatively warm.” The weather in any part of the country can change rapidly so you’ll want to bring a variety of outfits to be prepared for changing weather conditions.

  Packing layers and clothing that can be mixed and matched is the best way to be prepared for any weather while still packing lightly. “In spring or autumn, it can be cold, it can be warm so T-shirts, long sleeves, windbreakers are always nice. Thinner, down jackets come in handy as well,” Onishi shares. And, in the summer, the air conditioning inside can be very cold to combat the heat and humidity so Onishi recommends bringing a shawl or light jacket indoors since you may get cold.

• What should I not bring to Japan?

  Generally, there are no hard and fast rules about what you can and can’t wear in Japan but to be respectful of the culture, there are several clothing items you could leave out of your packing list. “Especially in the Western countries, people just wear leggings or yoga pants just out on the street [and] that's not normal in Japan,” Onishi explains, noting that modesty is a prominent but evolving part of the fashion culture in the country. If you’re planning on visiting a traditional onsen (hot spring) you can leave your swimsuit at home since it’s customary to enter the water nude. “So, kind of going back to my initial comment about packing lightly — I wouldn't bring a swimsuit, unless you know that you're going to a pool or to a beach,” Onishi says. In addition, you can leave behind outlet adapters if you’re coming from the U.S. since Japan uses the same Type A and B outlets.

• What are some dos and don’ts for Japan?

  When it comes to entering sacred spaces like temples or shrines, there are dress codes that are encouraged but not always heavily enforced. While it’s generally frowned upon to wear sandals, tank tops, or shorts, no one will likely say anything to you in more touristy areas like Kyoto and Tokyo, Onishi shares. If you’re planning on visiting an onsen, be sure to look up the policies on tattoos, as it’s very common for people with tattoos to not be allowed in a public onsen. Some will allow tattoos if they are covered with special bandages that you can find in pharmacies in Japan, or if the resort offers them, but it’s important to respect the rules. You may end up needing to reserve a private onsen if you have large tattoos that can’t be covered.

• What currency is used in Japan?

  The currency used in Japan is called yen which consists of both paper cash and coins. The bills are in the thousands and the most common coins you’ll use are 50 and 100 pieces but there are also one, five, and 10 coins, too. You can typically order yen ahead of time through most U.S. banks or use an ATM when you arrive, although you may encounter fees so it’s always smart to convert currency ahead of time.

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