What to pack

The type of clothing, footwear and other things to bring with you to Japan largely depends on the time of the year you are visiting. The following are suggested luggage checklists for what to pack for each of the four Japanese seasons:

Winter (December, January, February)

Winter temperatures in Japan can dip to below zero degrees Celsius, particularly in the Hokkaido region, so ensure you take enough warm clothes to keep comfortable throughout your trip.

Thermal innerwear
Fleece jacket
Winter/ski jacket
Waterproof coat/windbreaker
Waterproof, insulated long pants
Beanie
Scarf
Gloves
Wool socks
Snow boots

Spring (March, April, May)

In spring time, the weather is a bit less chilly, averaging between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, just the perfect temperature to spend extended time outdoors enjoying the cherry blossoms.

Thermal base layer
Fleece jacket
Thick, waterproof coat
Thick long pants, such as jeans
Scarf
Beanie
Gloves
Wool socks
Regular closed footwear, such as sneakers

Summer (June, July, August)

Japanese summers are known to be extremely hot and humid, with average daily temperatures of more than 30 degrees, so clothing made from light and airy materials is recommended.

Cotton t-shirt
Cotton shorts or pants
Denim jeans
Cotton socks
Hat or cap
Umbrella
Sunscreen

Autumn (September, October, November)

The start of the autumn season can still be a bit hot and humid during the day, so pack a number of sweaters and jackets that you can layer once the temperature becomes cooler later in the day.

Light long-sleeved tops
Sweater
Light jacket
Coat
Sneakers or boots
Cotton socks
Scarf

Other essentials, no matter the time of year

In addition to these, other essentials that you should include are:

Medicines – for headaches, diarrhea, colds, constipation, and other common illnesses
Towel – some accommodation options charge extra for towels
Deodorant – to keep you smelling fresh throughout the day
Earplugs – for noise cancellation while sleeping on the plane, train, or at your shared dormitory hostel room
Japanese phrasebook – for basic Japanese greetings and phrases
Smartphone, tablet, laptop, camera – for taking photos, internet use, communication etc.
Chargers – for all your electronics
Underwear

Soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other toiletries are available in convenience stores around the country.

2026 packing notes worth knowing

A few modern additions to the classic list. Pack light enough to love coin laundries, which sit in every neighbourhood and most hotels, because a half-empty case beats a heavy one on station stairs every single time, and anything over 160cm combined needs a special seat reservation on the main Shinkansen lines anyway. Japan runs on 100 volts with flat two-pin Type A plugs, the same shape as the USA, so bring one adaptor and a USB multi-charger rather than a bag of plugs. Slip-on shoes will pay for themselves at every temple, ryokan and izakaya entrance. Carry a small hand towel, since bathroom hand dryers are still rare, and keep a coin purse because your pockets will breed change no matter how digital you go.
One genuinely important one: check your medications before you fly. Some ingredients that are routine in Australia, including pseudoephedrine in cold and flu tablets, are restricted in Japan. Bring prescriptions in original packaging with a doctor’s letter, and if you need more than a month’s supply of prescription medicine, arrange the import certificate known as a yakkan shoumei well before departure.

Limited Offer: Get your FREE Japan Travel Guide - Valued at $9.99

Ensure you get the most out of your trip to the land of the rising sun with our comprehensive 249-page Japan Travel Guide.