What to pack for Tokyo, Japan

Hyper-clean, dense, neighbourhood-rich

Best time to visit

March–May (cherry blossom) and October–November

Climate

Hot humid summers (26–34°C), cool winters (2–10°C), rainy June and September

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Packing notes for Tokyo

  • Slip-on shoes are a quiet superpower — you'll remove them at temples, ryokans and many restaurants.
  • Pack light: hotel rooms are small and luggage storage is limited.
  • Summer humidity is intense; bring a hand fan and quick-dry fabrics.
  • Tattoos are still taboo in many onsen — pack cover-up patches if relevant.

Must-pack for Tokyo

  • Slip-on walking shoes (clean, hole-free socks)
  • Compact umbrella (especially June–July)
  • Cash — many small restaurants are cash-only
  • Power adapter (Type A, 100V)

Full packing checklist for Tokyo

Sectioned checklist covering documents, clothing, shoes, toiletries, tech and your carry-on — based on the questions travellers ask most. Tick what applies, then generate a personalised, weather-aware version for your exact dates.

Documents, money & travel admin

What to pack for international travel — the things you legally cannot fly without.

  • Passport (valid 6+ months past return date)
  • Visa or ETA print-out if required
  • Driving licence + International Driving Permit if renting
  • Two payment cards stored in separate bags
  • Some local cash for taxis, tips and small vendors
  • Travel insurance policy number + 24/7 helpline
  • Printed booking confirmations (hotel, flights, transfers)
  • Emergency contact list (paper copy)
  • Photo of passport and cards in your email or cloud

Clothing — what to pack for a week

A 7-day baseline. Add a set per extra week, subtract for shorter trips. Stick to one colour palette so everything mixes.

  • 5–7 t-shirts or tops (one per day)
  • 2–3 bottoms (jeans, trousers or skirts)
  • 1 dress or smart-casual outfit for evenings
  • 1 light jumper, cardigan or hoodie
  • 1 jacket appropriate to the forecast
  • 7 sets of underwear + 7 pairs of socks
  • Sleepwear (one set, lightweight)
  • Swimwear if pool, beach or hot springs are on the plan
  • A scarf or wrap — doubles as a layer and modesty cover

Shoes — what shoes to pack for travel

Two pairs cover most trips. Three only if your activities really demand it. Always wear the bulkiest pair on the plane.

  • Broken-in walking shoes (you'll wear them most days)
  • Sandals or flip-flops for warm weather, hotels and pools
  • One smart pair for dinners or nights out
  • Hiking or trail shoes only if you'll actually hike
  • Spare insoles or blister plasters

Toiletries, medicines & makeup

What medicines and makeup to pack for travel — TSA/EU rules cap liquids at 100ml each in your carry-on, all in one clear 1L bag.

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
  • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (decant to 100ml bottles)
  • Deodorant + razor
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm with SPF
  • Prescription medication in original packaging + a paper prescription
  • Mini first-aid kit: pain relief, antihistamines, plasters, anti-diarrhoea, rehydration sachets
  • Contraception and any sanitary products you prefer
  • Travel-sized makeup essentials only — leave the full kit at home
  • Contact lenses, solution and a spare pair of glasses

Tech & electronics

Pack the chargers, not the duplicates. Everything goes in carry-on.

  • Phone + charger + cable
  • Power adapter for your destination
  • Power bank (under 100Wh / 27,000mAh for carry-on)
  • Headphones or earbuds
  • Kindle, tablet or laptop if you'll actually use it
  • Camera + spare battery + memory card
  • Multi-port USB charger to free up plug sockets

Carry-on & airplane bag

What to pack for airplane travel — keep this bag at your seat. Anything you can't replace at destination goes here.

  • Passport, wallet, phone
  • All medications + a written prescription
  • Spare set of underwear and a t-shirt (if your hold bag goes missing)
  • Empty refillable water bottle (fill after security)
  • Snacks: protein bars, nuts, fruit — solid food clears security in most countries
  • Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds
  • Eye mask, neck pillow, compression socks for flights over 6 hours
  • Pen for landing cards
  • Light layer or scarf — cabins run cold

What NOT to pack for Tokyo

  • Lace-up boots for sightseeing days
  • Bulky daypacks (trains are crowded)

Local tips

  • Eating while walking is frowned upon — sit on a bench or by the vending machine instead.
  • Garbage bins are rare; carry a small bag for trash until you find one.

Tokyo packing FAQ

What should I pack for a week in Tokyo?

For 7 days in Tokyo, plan on 5–7 tops, 2–3 bottoms, one smart-casual outfit for evenings, 7 sets of underwear, a jacket matched to the forecast and two pairs of shoes. Stick to one colour palette and everything will mix.

What should I pack in my carry-on for Tokyo?

Passport, wallet, phone, all prescription medication, a spare set of underwear, a t-shirt, an empty water bottle, solid snacks, headphones and a light layer. For flights over 6 hours add an eye mask, neck pillow and compression socks.

What should I NOT pack for Tokyo?

Skip liquids over 100ml in your carry-on, clothes that don't mix with the rest of your wardrobe, brand-new shoes, a hairdryer (most hotels supply one) and duplicate chargers. The "Skip these" section above also covers Tokyo-specific items to leave behind.

What medicines should I pack for travel to Japan?

Bring your regular prescriptions in their original packaging with a paper prescription, plus pain relief (paracetamol/ibuprofen), antihistamines, plasters, anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachets. Keep everything in your carry-on.

How many pairs of shoes should I pack for Tokyo?

Two pairs cover almost any trip to Tokyo: broken-in walking shoes plus either sandals or a smarter pair. Add hiking shoes only if you'll actually hike. Wear the bulkiest pair on the plane.

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