What to pack for Japan
What to pack for Japan depends on your itinerary, but there are a few essentials you should bring on every trip
No matter where or when you go to Japan, a trusty pair of walking shoes is a must. For clothing, aim for attire you can layer up or down while keeping in mind that the style of dress common in Japan may be more conservative than you’re used to, particularly outside of major cities – and covering shoulders and knees at temples and shrines is a must.
Quite the opposite for onsen (hot springs), though, where it’s mandatory to wear nothing at all. Yup – we’ll go over that more down below. Summers are hot, winters are cold and the climate differs depending on the region. You may want to pack some dressier or business casual outfits, as that’s typically the norm when dining in restaurants or at ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). Japan is also a great destination for active trips, so you’ll want quick-drying clothing if you’re setting off on a cycling, hiking or kayaking adventure.
Let’s start with the essentials you should bring for any trip, then dive more into the details.
Japan packing list
- Comfortable trainers, sandals or waterproof boots (dependent on season)
- Backpack or light suitcase that’s easy to handle on trains
- A couple of smart-casual outfits
- Pants – you might find yourself sitting on the floor a lot
- Nice socks – you'll be expected to take your shoes off in homes, temples and ryokans, and don’t want a big toe peeking through
- Breathable and easily layerable clothing
- Raincoat or umbrella
- Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Small day bag
For a comprehensive list of essential items, check out our ultimate packing list.
Cultural etiquette
From onsens to religious sites and day-to-day life, it’s important to observe proper etiquette and respect the local culture. Here’s some extra info to keep in mind.
- Dress conservatively at religious sites and remove hats and shoes before entering
- Swimsuits and any clothing are forbidden in the bathing area at onsens
- The small towel provided at onsens should go on the side of the bath or on your head while bathing
- Many traditional onsens still prohibit tattoos, though rules are starting to become more flexible. There are now some tattoo-friendly ones
- It’s recommended not to wear revealing clothing, as cultural norms favour modesty
Seasonal clothing
For summer months, dress in breathable and conservative clothing. Daytime temps can sometimes hit up to 35°C with high humidity, so cotton and linen are great options. Think t-shirts, long shorts or skirts, light pants, comfortable shoes and maybe a pair of sandals to air your toes out. And definitely a sunhat.
In the shoulder seasons, layers are your best friend. Anything that’s easy to toss on and take off as needed, as the weather can fluctuate a lot. Mornings can be chilly, but afternoons warm up, so always check the forecast before heading out and bring a raincoat just in case. A mix of warm and breathable gear is a safe bet.
Winter weather varies dramatically across Japan, with Hokkaido receiving heavy, consistent snow and Tokyo only getting a light dusting. The north freezes while the south sees mild, pleasant winters. Bring lots of layers, a warm jacket, hat or beanie, scarf, waterproof boots and mittens – bundle up!
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