japan is a community fave for a reason!! neon nights in shibuya, matcha making in tokyo, sushi in osaka, sleeping in a real buddhist temple in koyasan and (fingers crossed!!) mount fuji views from lake ashi. it's 12 days of pure bucket list moments.
the best japan packing list for solo gals <3
japan is a community fave for a reason!! neon nights in shibuya, matcha making in tokyo, sushi in osaka, sleeping in a real buddhist temple in koyasan and (fingers crossed!!) mount fuji views from lake ashi. it's 12 days of pure bucket list moments. packing for japan is a bit different to our beach trips. you'll walk A LOT (think 20,000+ steps a day), take your shoes off more times than you can count and lug your bag on and off trains.
whether you're joining our japan trip or heading out solo, here's our honest, tested, big-sister guide on exactly what to bring!
3 things you MUST know before packing for japan
pack small, you'll carry it everywhere: we travel on the metro, local trains and the bullet train. big cases are a nightmare on stairs and the shinkansen has rules for oversized luggage, so a carry-on-sized case or backpack is perfect!
you'll take your shoes off a lot: temples, our koyasan temple stay, some restaurants and fitting rooms. slip-on shoes and socks without holes are a must (yes, really!!)japan has four very different seasons: what you pack depends a LOT on when you travel, so check our season-by-season guide below. koyasan and hakone are up in the mountains, so they're always cooler than tokyo!
what to pack for japan by season
our japan trips run in spring, early summer, late summer and autumn, and each one feels totally different!! here's what the weather is like and what to add to your bag:
spring (march to april): cherry blossom season
the most magical (and most popular!) time to visit. days are mild, around 10β19Β°C in tokyo, but mornings and evenings are chilly, especially in koyasan and hakone.
- jeans or wide-leg trousers, light knits and a trench or denim jacket
- one warmer jumper for the temple stay and early starts
- a cute dress or skirt with tights for blossom picnics and photos!!
early summer (may to june)
may is warm and gorgeous, around 15β23Β°C. from early june, japan's rainy season (tsuyu) kicks in, so expect humid days around 20β26Β°C with regular showers.
- breathable tops, linen trousers and light dresses
- a packable raincoat or compact umbrella (or grab a clear one from any konbini!)
- shoes that can handle puddles, and a spare pair of socks in your bag
- a light layer for air-conditioned trains and cooler mountain evenings
late summer (august to september)
hot and humid, gals!! tokyo and osaka often hit 30Β°C+ with high humidity, so dress light and stay hydrated. september is still warm but slowly cools down, and it can be typhoon season, so a rain layer is a good idea.
- loose, breathable cotton and linen
- a portable fan and cooling wipes (the locals swear by them!!)
- SPF, a cap and a refillable water bottle
- a light cardigan for freezing air-con and modest outfits for temples
autumn (october to november)
honestly one of our favourite times to go! the autumn leaves in kyoto are unreal. october is mild at around 15β22Β°C, while november gets crisp at around 9β17Β°C, and it's properly cold in koyasan at night.
- jeans, long-sleeve tops and cosy knits
- a warm jacket, especially for november departures
- warm socks and loungewear for the temple stay
- a scarf you can throw in your bag for chilly evenings
- clothing: tokyo street style meets temple ready
- 2β3x jeans or wide-leg trousers: comfy for walking all day and perfect for temples.
- 4β5x tops & tees: easy basics you can layer up or down.
- 1β2x jumpers or cardigans: for cool mornings, evenings and the temple stay.
- 1x light jacket (trench or denim): spring and autumn evenings get chilly, especially in hakone!
- 1x packable raincoat or umbrella: rainy season is real, and you can grab a clear umbrella from any konbini too!!
- 2x cute evening outfits: for shibuya nights, dotonbori's neon streets and rooftop drinks back in tokyo.
- 1x modest, comfy outfit for koyasan: shoulders and knees covered and something warm for the morning ceremony with the monks.
- 1x cosy loungewear set: for chilly nights at the temple stay and the hostel.
- lots of socks: you'll be on show every time your shoes come off, so pack cute ones!
footwear: what do you ACTUALLY wear?
- 1x super comfy trainers (easy to slip on and off): your everyday shoe for exploring tokyo, kyoto and fushimi-inari.
- 1x smarter flats or ankle boots: for evenings out.
- 1x flip-flops / sliders: for hostel showers.
DO NOT BRING: lace-up boots that take five minutes to get on and off. you'll be taking them off at every temple and restaurant!!
toiletries & health essentials
- small travel towel or handkerchief: loads of public toilets in japan don't have paper towels or hand dryers, so locals carry their own!
- blister plasters: with this much walking, your feet will thank you!!
- SPF 30β50 sunscreen: japanese sunscreens are some of the best in the world, so you could also grab one when you land!
- any medication from home: some common medicines are restricted in japan, so check the rules before you fly and bring them in their original packaging.
- period products: you can buy them easily, but bring your favourite brands if you're particular!
- small bag for rubbish: there are hardly any public bins, so you'll carry your rubbish until you find one!
electronics & travel essentials
- type A travel adapter: japan uses two flat-pin plugs (the same as the US), so UK plugs won't fit!
- power bank: you'll be using maps and translation apps all day.
- e-SIM or pocket wifi: essential for navigating trains and metros. we recommend airalo!
- coin purse: japan still uses a lot of cash and you'll end up with loads of yen coins!
- crossbody bag: to keep your train tickets, phone and cash together. one of our gals lost her bullet train ticket, so keep it somewhere safe!!
japan packing FAQs
what size bag should i bring to japan?
a carry-on suitcase or a 40β50L backpack is ideal. you'll take it on the metro, local trains and the bullet train, and a smaller bag makes stairs and busy stations so much easier!
what should i wear for the koyasan temple stay?
modest, comfy clothes with shoulders and knees covered, plus warm layers as it's chilly in the mountains. you'll take your shoes off inside, so pack cosy socks!!
do i need cash in japan?
yes! cards are widely accepted in cities, but smaller restaurants, shrines and shops can be cash only. take some yen out at a 7-eleven ATM when you land!
what's the best time of year to visit japan?
it depends what you're after!! spring (march to april) is cherry blossom season, autumn (october to november) has the most beautiful leaves and comfy temperatures, and summer is hot but buzzing. whenever you go, pack layers, as the mountains around hakone and koyasan are always cooler than the cities.
ready for japan?! check out our upcoming japan group trips or read our solo female travel safety hub <3
if you're looking to extend your trip why not check out our amazing china trips too!!
can't wait to see you on tour!!
