How to Pack for Japan: The GGI Guide
Our biggest packing tip for Japan is simple:
PACK LIGHT.
Japan is incredibly easy to travel around, but travelling with heavy luggage is not. Stations can be huge, trains busy and you may encounter plenty of walking, escalators and stairs. Dragging a large, heavy suitcase through a station is much harder than it sounds.
The good news is we will be using a luggage-forwarding service between Tokyo and Kyoto rather than carrying large bags on public transport. Also, it is not possible to take luggage on the high speed train that we are taking.
Your luggage on the GGI trip
We will be using a luggage-forwarding service during the trip.
At one point, your main suitcase will be collected and sent ahead to Kyoto overnight, while we continue our journey without it.
You therefore need:
1 manageable main suitcase + 1 small backpack, tote or overnight bag.
Your overnight bag should hold everything you need until you are reunited with your suitcase:
change of clothes and underwear
sleepwear
toothbrush and essential toiletries
medication
phone charger/power bank
passport, money and valuables
Keep all medication and anything you absolutely cannot be without with you, not in your forwarded suitcase.
Clothes: think capsule wardrobe
Choose things you can easily mix and match rather than packing an outfit for every possible occasion.
Think:
comfortable tops
2–3 bottoms
light layers
a cardigan or jumper
weather-appropriate jacket
underwear and socks
sleepwear
one slightly smarter option
very comfortable walking shoes that can get wet
optional second lightweight pair of shoes
Japan involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes you already know you can spend all day in are far more important than bringing lots of footwear.
Pack for the onsen too
Y"ou may have the opportunity to experience an onsen or Japanese bathing experience. Swimwear is not allowed in any onsen - yes, it is nude - so you don't need to pack swimwear." - Olivia
If you have tattoos
Tattoo policies also vary considerably between onsen. Some welcome tattoos, some allow small tattoos if covered and others may not permit tattoos at all.
If you have a tattoo, you may therefore want to pack some waterproof tattoo-covering patches as an optional extra. They can give you more flexibility where covering is accepted, although they do not guarantee entry everywhere.
Don't bring your entire bathroom
Travel-size toiletries are enough for most things.
Japan's major cities have excellent pharmacies, convenience stores and shops, so there is very little need to fill half your suitcase with everyday products.
Do, however, bring enough of any essential medication and check Japan's current rules before travelling if you take prescription medication.
"It is hard to find strong deodorant in Japan, so bring your own if you wish." - Olivia
Your day bag
A lightweight backpack or cross-body bag is ideal.
Useful things to carry include:
phone
portable charger
wallet and some cash
water
medication
tissues
hand sanitiser
compact umbrella
light layer
reusable shopping tote
Again: small and light wins.
Leave room for Japan
Do not arrive with your suitcase packed to bursting.
Japan is a very easy place to shop, whether your weakness turns out to be skincare, stationery, clothes, ceramics, snacks or mysterious little things you had absolutely no intention of buying.
Leave yourself some room.
The GGI packing rule
For this trip, think:
One manageable suitcase.
One small overnight/day bag.
Comfortable shoes.
"Make sure you bring shoes that you are comfortable getting wet. It is the tail end of typhoon season, so we won't know if we need to deal with heavy rain." - Olivia
Layers.
Swimwear.
Optional tattoo covers.
Mix-and-match clothes.
Room for shopping.
And when your suitcase is packed, look at it one more time and ask:
Could I comfortably carry this up a flight of stairs?
If the answer is no, take something out.
Your future self, standing in a Japanese train station, will thank you!
GGI Japan Packing Checklist
Luggage
1 manageable main suitcase
Small backpack, tote or overnight bag for the night your suitcase is forwarded to Kyoto
Packing cubes/compression bags if useful
Luggage tag with your name and contact details
Small foldable tote for shopping
Leave some spare suitcase space for anything you buy in Japan
Important Documents & Money
Passport
Travel insurance details
Flight details
Hotel/trip information
Bank cards
Some Japanese yen
Copies/photos of important documents stored securely on your phone
Any required medication documentation
Clothes
Comfortable everyday tops
Trousers/skirts/other bottoms that mix and match
Underwear
Socks
Sleepwear
Cardigan/jumper/light layer
Weather-appropriate jacket
One slightly smarter outfit if you would like one
Comfortable clothes that are easy to move and sit in
Lightweight rain layer if forecast suggests you need it
Shoes
Very comfortable walking shoes that are already broken in
Optional second lightweight pair
Comfortable socks for long walking days
Onsen / Bathing
Swimwear
Optional waterproof tattoo-covering patches if you have tattoos
Hair tie/clips if you have long hair
Small waterproof/wet bag for swimwear
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Skincare
Make-up if wanted
Hairbrush/comb
Hair products you particularly rely on
Period products if needed
Contact lenses/glasses and supplies
Small travel-size toiletries rather than full-size bottles
SPF
Lip balm
Health & Comfort
Prescription medication for the whole trip
Any regular over-the-counter medication you know you use
Basic pain relief
Plasters/blister plasters
Earplugs
Eye mask
Compression socks if you use them for flights
Hand sanitiser
Tissues
Any allergy medication you normally carry
Refillable water bottle
Electronics
Phone
Phone charger
Japan-compatible travel adaptor
Portable power bank
Charging cables
Headphones/earbuds
Smartwatch charger if needed
Camera + charger/memory card if using one
Kindle/tablet if wanted
Day Bag Essentials
Small backpack or cross-body bag
Phone
Portable charger
Wallet
Water
Medication
Tissues
Hand sanitiser
Sunglasses
Compact umbrella if rain is forecast
Light cardigan/layer
Foldable shopping bag
Overnight Bag for Luggage-Forwarding Day
Your main suitcase will travel separately to Kyoto, so keep these with you:
Passport
Money/cards
Medication
Phone + charger
Power bank
Change of clothes
Fresh underwear and socks
Sleepwear
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Essential skincare/toiletries
Anything else you absolutely cannot manage overnight without
Useful Extras
Small packet of tissues
Wet wipes
Zip-lock bags
Laundry bag for dirty clothes
Travel laundry detergent if you plan to wash clothes
Pen
Small notebook/journal
Snacks for travel days
Sunglasses
Foldable tote
Small cross-body bag
Downloaded entertainment for flights/trains
Before You Zip the Suitcase
Can you comfortably move your suitcase yourself?
Could you manage it through a large station and up/down some stairs?
Have you packed an overnight bag for the luggage-forwarding day?
Are all essential medication, documents and valuables staying with you?
Have you checked the weather forecast shortly before departure?
Have you left some space for shopping?