Ultimate Japan Summer Packing List for Travellers (With FREE Printable)

Wondering what your Japan summer packing list should look like? We have got you covered!

We did our epic Japan trip during the month of July, so we definitely know what we are talking about.

If you have done even a little bit of research on Japan’s weather in the summer, you will know that it is hotter than the blazes of hell!

And I am not exaggerating in the LEAST!

So trust me when I say, the right clothing and gear can make a huge difference.

This guide covers everything I recommend packing so that you can stay comfortable, cool, and ready for some awesome (but long) days of sightseeing.

Why Do I Need a Japan-Specific Summer Packing List?

Summer in Japan is hot, humid, and busy.

There is really no getting around it – you WILL spend a lot of time walking, climbing stairs, and moving through train stations.

You will also go in and out of air-conditioned spaces, which creates sudden temperature changes.

Yokohama - Kids in Gacha Shop in Red Brick Warehouse

And let’s not even mention that rain is common, and that typhoon season runs through late summer.

Having the right clothing and accessories will help you to stay comfortable and avoid having you carry any extra weight.

What to Wear in Japan in Summer

So let’s start off with what clothing you need to pack for a summer vacation in Japan.

Lightweight Clothing

The best suggestion that I can give you when choosing your Japan wardrobe is to choose items made of a light material like linen or quick-dry fabrics.

Light tops, pants, shorts, dresses, or skirts work well.

Kotohira - Kotohira-gu Shrine at top of the 1368 steps with no one else around

My daughter and I brought several dri-fit summer dresses with bicycle shorts to wear underneath, and they were an absolute lifesaver!

John and our son both wore Dri-Fit t-shirts and lightweight sports shorts.

You will also need to bring something to cover your shoulders or knees for temple visits.

I brought a light shawl to throw over my shoulders.

Nakamise Shopping Street Asakusa - Daughter trying melon pan while standing off to the side — My daughter wearing my shawl over her head on a hot day.

It was made of a gauzy-type material and packed down small enough to fit into my purse.

⛩️ Expert Tip: For the ladies, pack sports bras that dry fast. You can rinse them in the sink at night, and they’ll be ready by morning.

Footwear

I can’t say this strongly enough: comfortable shoes are an absolute MUST.

Japan involves long walking days, even when you think your schedule looks light.

Senso-ji Temple - Family photo in the market

I would suggest bringing at least two pairs of supportive walking shoes.

This way, you can alternate if one pair gets wet or if you develop any blisters.

I ended up with blisters during our last week in Japan, even though the shoes were well broken in.

Shibuya - Me and kids with Hachiko statue

Having my second pair of running shoes saved me a lot of pain, since the shoes fit differently on my feet.

Slip-on styles help at temples, since most places require that you remove your shoes.

Me in hiking boots with guide ribbons for Mt Fuji — Hiking boots for climbing Mt Fuji.

I recommend packing a small shoehorn to help you out!

A good pair of all-day sandals is also something you may want to consider.

Think hiking sandals, Birkinstocks, or something along those lines rather than fancy, non-supportive sandals.

Also, if you choose to wear sandals, put a pair of socks in your purse in case you have to remove your shoes.

Nomura Samurai house - Watching music and dance demonstration — Our shoes off during a cultural demonstration in a Samurai Mansion.

I skipped the sandals and instead brought a pair of flip flops to wear to the pool or the onsens.

⛩️ Expert Tip: Break in your shoes before the trip. Japan involves long walking days, and new shoes can cause blisters quickly.

Sun Protection

Japan’s summer sun is strong, so a hat is an absolute must.

While I normally wear a ball cap, I chose a wide-brimmed hat that covered my neck and also allowed me to wear my hair in a bun.

Sunglasses and a UV umbrella are useful too.

Miyajima Island - Us at the Floating Torii gate at low tide

A light UV-blocking clothing layer comes in handy if you burn easily.

Lastly, don’t forget your high SPF sunscreen.

While we noticed that Japanese drugstores carry many options, it helps to start with a brand you already like.

Download Our Complete Packing List!

Must-Have Gear

While choosing the right clothing is important, you will also need some essential gear for your summer vacation in Japan.

Cooling Items

One of the most important items I brought with me to Japan was a hand-held rechargeable fan.

I can’t tell you how often my fan saved me from overheating while standing in line, walking around at an attraction, or sitting outside in the heat.

Takayama Sake Tasting - Me with my hand-held fan

You can purchase these fans inexpensively online or find them at a Daiso or Don Quijote in Japan.

Another thing that we each brought with us were cooling towels.

These work well in the humidity and take up very little space.

Kotohira - Making our way up the stairs from the initial Torii gate

Lastly, you can carry some electrolyte packets in your bag to help replace what you lose when sweating.

While you can bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day, you don’t necessarily need to carry one around.

Drinking Age in Japan - Bottle of Pocari Sweat

We never had a problem finding a vending machine or convenience store to buy cold water or even Pocari Sweat (electrolyte drink), no matter where we went.

⛩️ Expert Tip: Keep your cooling towel in a zippered bag. You just have to pour some water into the bag to wet your towel. Then remember to hang it to dry at the end of the day so it doesn’t start to smell funky.

Rainy Weather Gear

Rain during the summer in Japan is inevitable. And many times, rain showers can happen pretty suddenly.

Your best bet is to pack a compact umbrella and a light rain jacket.

Senso-ji Temple - Daughter and I wearing Kimonos for photoshoot — Rainy day for a Kimono photo shoot.

If you forget your umbrella, most times your hotel will have one to lend you.

You can also pick an inexpensive one up at any convenience store.

⛩️ Expert Tip: Choose a UV umbrella that can do double duty and shield you from the hot sun.

Must-Have Tech Items

One of the most important tech items to bring to Japan (aside from your phone, cords, and camera) is a power bank.

Most days in Japan, we were out from morning until evening.

With all the times I used Google Maps and Google Translate, or took photos and videos throughout the day, my phone was usually running low by late afternoon.

My power bank was enough to charge both my phone and John’s, so it was doing double duty!

Another tech item that came in really handy was a pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM to stay connected.

We used an eSIM so that John and I, as well as the kids, could communicate when we were not together. That was more than enough for us.

Lastly, you will need a Suica or Pasmo card to use the trains.

The kids purchased physical cards from the train station, while John and I just added a Suica card to our Apple Wallets.

⛩️ Expert Tip: Even if your phone dies, you will still be able to tap your Suica card to use the trains. The cards are also easier to load if they are in your Apple Wallet. We found it to be much more convenient than having a physical card.

Toiletries and Personal Items

As I mentioned earlier, every hotel that we stayed in provided high-quality toiletries.

There is no need to waste precious luggage space with shampoos, conditioners, body wash, or soaps.

One thing you really should bring from home is your antiperspirant or deodorant stick.

Humidity definitely means you might feel like freshening up more often.

But for some reason, deodorant was hard to find in any of the convenience stores, drug stores, or anywhere!

I also carried a travel-sized deodorant stick in my purse to help deal with heat and humidity.

You can also pack body wipes, a small first-aid kit, and blister patches to help on long walking days.

⛩️ Expert Tip: In a pinch, a deodorant stick can double as a chafing stick. Rub it on your thighs, your heels, or anywhere else that begins to chafe due to the humidity.

Medications

Packing medications for Japan takes a bit of planning.

Bring any prescription meds in their original bottles, along with a copy of the prescription.

You will also need a letter from your doctor that includes your name, the drug’s name, dosage, and a description of your condition.

For over-the-counter items, pack the basics you use at home, since brands can be different in Japan.

Japan - OTC cold and cough meds — Excellent over-the-counter cold and cough meds we found in Japan when we got sick.

Keep in mind that some medications which are common in North America are restricted or even illegal in Japan.

This includes anything with certain stimulants (ie codeine).

Before you travel, check Japan’s official website to make sure your medications are allowed: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html.

Medications should be kept in your carry-on bag during travel, just in case you are asked to produce them.

⛩️ Expert Tip: Japan only allows you to travel into the country with up to one month of prescription medications. If you are staying longer, you will need to get a special permit to have more.

Towels

Small hand towels are something that we brought with us, after reading all the posts in the forums.

Many people were advising that most public restrooms do not have paper towels to dry your hands on.

While we found this to be true, most places did have hand dryers (the hot air type).

I only came across maybe one or two restrooms that had neither, which is when my small towel came in handy.

⛩️ Expert Tip: We purchased small microfibre towels that are quick-dry and can fold neatly into a small zip-top baggie.

Trash Bags

Japan is one of the cleanest countries I have visited. That said, you will be hard-pressed to find a trash can anywhere in the city!

Be sure to bring a few small bags to keep in your purse, where you can store your trash until you come across a bin.

We used the large zippered bags and found they worked well.

Places like convenience stores or food vendors will usually have a garbage can.

Though some may not be happy if you haven’t purchased something from them, but are dumping a large bag of trash in their bin.

Cross-Body Bag

With all this gear that we recommend bringing to Japan, you will definitely need somewhere to carry it.

I would suggest carrying a small cross-body bag or purse, rather than a large backpack.

The boys on the train in Japan — Boys with their small cross-body bags.

While pick-pocketing is not common in Japan, busy trains and streets are.

Trying to make your way through crowded attractions is a lot easier if you are not carrying a large bag on your back.

I was able to carry all my essentials in a mid-sized purse that I could carry in front of me.

Packing for Kids

Packing for kids really shouldn’t be all that different than packing for yourself.

Light clothing, hats, sunglasses, good shoes, and cooling fans or towels (depending on their age) are all must-haves.

If you need a stroller, choose a compact one that folds quickly.

Japan - Man with stroller in front of Minnies Style Studio

This will make it easier to squeeze into a busy train or carry the stroller up and down stairs if an elevator cannot be found.

Snacks, water, and toys or devices are also great things to have for long days of sightseeing or for a long train ride.

What Not to Pack for Japan in Summer

There are a few items that you can definitely skip packing when visiting Japan during the summer.

Skip the jeans. While my daughter loves her jean shorts, denim tends to hold in the heat and stay damp forever!

Nakamise Shopping Street Asakusa - Walking down the crowded streets

She instead opted for light dresses and pants.

Unless you plan on hiking Mt. Fuji, leave thick sweaters at home. You won’t need them.

I brought a light sweater to use when we were at higher altitudes. I never wore it otherwise.

Mt. Tenjo - Posing with Mt. Fuji in the background

You can also save space in your suitcase by not bringing a lot of toiletries.

High-quality shampoo, conditioner and bodywash (along with razors, toothbrushes, Q-tips, makeup remover pads, and even hair brushes) were provided in EVERY hotel that we stayed in.

Japan Hotel - Basket of complimentary toiletries

And if you plan to pack hair straighteners or curling irons, you may want to reconsider.

With days that have an over 80% humidity (NOT exaggerating!), you would be fighting a losing battle!

Lastly, if you are coming from North America, you won’t need a voltage converter for most of your electronics.

Japan and North America use similar outlets (two prongs), but the power systems aren’t the same.

Japan - Electrical outlet in our hotel bathroom

Japan runs on 100V and either 50 or 60Hz, while North America uses 120V at 60Hz.

Most travel electronics can handle both, but some appliances can’t.

So, unless your device is not dual-voltage or uses a third prong, you will not need a voltage converter.

⛩️ Expert Tip: If you’re unsure about packing something, leave it out. You can buy almost anything at a convenience store once you arrive.

How to Pack for Japan

One thing that is common in all the Japan Facebook groups that I joined prior to my trip is that everyone seems to shop-til-they-drop!

Japan - Most of our souvenirs from our epic Japan trip

So if you are looking to bring back more than a few souvenirs, you may want to be strategic in how you pack.

I swear by packing cubes! These help keep your clothing together and organized.

Plan to do laundry while in Japan. Most hotels and apartments have machines, and coin laundries are common.

Bring a small bottle of laundry detergent for sink washes or machine loads.

We were only given one pack of soap for the machine that was in our apartment hotel.

You may also want to bring a small baggie of clothespins and a travel clothesline!

The dryers in Japan are not great, so we ended up hanging things in the hotel room!

And lastly, you may want to bring a large duffel bag that folds up to use for your trip home.

We ended up buying a small carry-on suitcase for my son to fit his anime characters in (we knew we were going to do this ahead of our trip).

Cultural Considerations

Cultural expectations in Japan can be a bit different from home, so a few simple packing choices will help you to feel prepared and respectful during your trip.

Temples and Shrines

Just like with many other countries in Europe and around the world, you will need to dress appropriately in most places of worship.

Temples and shrines often ask visitors to dress modestly.

Bring clothing that covers your shoulders or knees for these visits.

Sensō-ji Temple Asakusa - Me wearing a shawl over my shoulders while visiting inside the temple

Another tip which may be useful to you is to wear easy slip-off shoes.

Many shrines or temples require you to remove them at the entrance.

And like I mentioned earlier, if you are wearing sandals, you may want to carry an extra pair of socks in your bag for when you need to remove your shoes.

Onsens and Swimming Pools

Onsens are an amazing part of Japan’s culture. These hot spring baths are great to relax in after a long day of sightseeing.

Not only are they great for weary muscles and achy joints, but they are also said to help with circulation and overall wellness, thanks to the minerals in the water.

If you plan to visit an onsen, remember that tattoos are not allowed.

Covering up my shoulder tattoo at hotel swimming pool — Covering my shoulder tattoo while at the hotel pool in Tokyo

This also applies to public swimming pools, water parks, and even hotel swimming pools.

If you have tattoos, consider bringing a few small waterproof patches.

Some of the hotel onsens provided these free of charge, while at others I needed to pay for them.

I made sure to wear a modest bathing suit to the pool, and only needed to cover one tattoo.

But at the onsens, they do not allow bathing suits or clothing of any kind, so you will need the patches.

If you have full sleeves or large tattoos, wear a long-sleeved rash guard (swim shirt) in the pool.

If you have too many tattoos that cannot be covered, you will need to search for tattoo-friendly onsens or pools.

Just a heads up, they are few and far between.

Don’t Forget to Download the Complete Packing List!

Choose Your Suitcase Wisely!

Picking the right suitcase makes travelling in Japan a lot easier.

Trains, stations, stairs and crowds are all things that you will need to navigate.

So a lightweight bag you can handle on your own is really important.

While we have never been good at packing light, we did a pretty good job with our Japan trip.

Family in the lobby of our USJ hotel holding luggage

We downsized from a large to medium suitcases, and only packed enough for 12 days (we were in Japan for a full month).

Since we knew that we would be doing a Mt. Fuji climb, our hiking packs acted as our carry-on bags.

These bags worked out perfectly for fitting in train lockers, in the overhead for the Shinkansen, and for our lockers at the capsule hotel we stayed in.

The day before we went home, my son put his backpack in the suitcase, and we purchased a small rolling carry-on for him to bring home.

Our bags each started at the 32-35 lbs range, which was the perfect amount of space to allow for some souvenirs on the return trip home.

⛩️ Expert Tip: Shinkansen trains allow two pieces of luggage as long as the total size is under 250 cm when you add the length, width, and height. Each piece also needs to stay under 200 cm on its longest side and under 30 kg in weight. If your bag measures between 160 cm and 250 cm, you’ll need to book an oversized baggage seat. Anything larger than 250 cm isn’t allowed on board.

Final Thoughts

Summer in Japan can be ridiculously hot, but it’s also a great time to explore the country.

With the right clothing and gear, you can ensure that you and your family (or travel companions) are cool and comfortable.

This packing list is based on what worked well for our family, but feel free to adapt it to your needs.

I hope it helps you plan a trip that feels stress-free from start to finish.