The Ultimate Japan Family Packing List

Are you planning to uncover the mystic temples, devour sushi, and see cherry blossoms in full bloom in the Land of the Rising Sun? Japan has given us so much, but one thing it won’t give you is a ton of space– so plan on packing light is you can. Below is the ultimate family packing list for Japan that’ll keep your luggage light and your spirits high, and helped us a ton when we traveled as a family of 6 for spring break.

The Essentials: Clothing

For Parents

1. Lightweight Shirts or sweaters (4-5): Opt for moisture-wicking materials. I am in love with merino wool that will keep you stink free as long as possible.
2. Pants/Joggers/leggings (2-3): Think comfortable but stylish. These merino wool leggings or joggers are not itchy and they’re stink resistant, keeping laundry to a minimum.
3. A nice outfit: For fine dining or cultural experiences. This merino wool dress can be traveled in, dressed up and everything in-between.
4. Undergarments (7 pairs): No one likes laundry on vacation!
5. Wool socks (wool will keep you warm, dry, and stink free)
6. Travel Shoes (1-2 pairs): Comfort reigns supreme, you’ll be walking A TON. You’ll also be taking your shoes on and off, as there’s no shoes indoors (including many temples and your hotel) so you want to wear shoes that come off easily and wear hole-free socks. Check out the philosophy on wearing 2 pairs here. I highly recommend these two that got me through many trips: Eurosoft sandals (can be dressy, but still comfortable for all day wear) and Nike tennis shoes (very versatile, held up really well, though not as cushiony as Nike Roshes). Or you could even leave room to buy the classic Onitsuka Tigers while there!
7. Packable sunhat
8. Versatile jacket: check the weather and pick something ideally that is rain resistant and weather appropriate. This bomber works great across outfits, while this packable rain jacket rolls up small.

For Kids

1. T-Shirts (5-6): Bright color hack: spot them easily with some bright color shirts and hats. I usually bring one or two less shirts assuming we’ll be getting some tshirt souvenirs.
2. Shorts/pants/dresses (2-3): Easy to pack and super versatile.
3. Swimsuits (1-2): Hotel pools or hot springs if that’s in your agenda. Note that many onsen (baths) are gender separate but birthday suits only, so do your research ahead of time.
4. Pajamas and undergarments: I found insulation in homes to be pretty light, so winters are cold and summers are humid. Dress accordingly!
5. Travel Shoes (1-2 pairs): Comfy, comfy, comfy. Versatile Nike’s work great, or save space for Onitsuka Tigers while there!
6. Hats: Bright hats to spot them from far away.
7. Hoodie, jacket: Depending on the weather.

Travel and Toiletries

Almost every Japanese hotel we stayed at had free toiletry kits including toothbrush, comb, razors.

1. Aloha waterproof tote – this is a go to purse and tote for me
2. Compression cubes – keeping organized, so kids aren’t throwing their entire suitcase out on the floor
3. Backpack that could be a weekend getaway bag it fits so much
4. Carryon: you’ll want a carryon that opens at the top, not a fold open hard cover case given space limitations of hotel rooms.
5. Shrink bag for bulky things (a must for winters)
6. Waterproof pouch – good for so many things, including the kids toiletries
7. Backpack kids
8. Kids wallet (So many coins and cash in Japan)
9. Toiletry hanging bag: Space will be tight, having bag that can be hung on the wall is extra convenient.
10. Travel-Size Shampoo & Conditioner (hotels and VRBOs will usually have)
11. Toothbrush and Toothpaste (hotels and VRBOs will usually have) Toothbrush holder
12. Melatonin kids and Melatonin adults – that jetlag is pretty killer, Melatonin will help with getting to sleep.
13. Basic First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptics, and any necessary medications. Of course easily findable in any neighborhood, but my kids need Neosporin on a weekly basis.

The Tech Corner

1. Universal Adapters: Japan’s outlets differ from Western-style ones. (US to Japan) I would bring at least 2 for 6 people
2. Portable charger: Keep your gadgets juiced up because you’ll be out and about .
3. Headphones: Over the ear headphones for plane (because they’re comfy for long rides) and Airpods or wired ones

Flight Accessories

• Neck pillow
• Over the ear headphones for plane (because they’re comfy for long rides)
• Airpods
• Eye mask
• Inflatable sleeping pillow
• Melatonin kids (because that jet lag is a B)
• Melatonin adults
• Kindle
• Reusable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated, eco-style. Water was good from the tap, and the amount of plastic bottles/packaging was a little shocking. I prefer something with a handle and without the straw to avoid mold and air pressure leakage on the flight.
• Snacks and games

The “Better Safe Than Sorry” Section

1. Copies of Passports & Visas: Digital and paper.
2. Travel Insurance Details: Because life happens. Your existing credit card, renter/homeowners insurance might already have some benefits available.
3. Download Google maps area: Download the Tokyo map in the Google Maps app for offline visibility, just in case wifi fails you. Star all of your accommodations or reservations. Addresses are very difficult to read, Google Maps usually works (not without fail though), plus strangers are incredibly kind and helpful if you show them the map/address on your screen and tell them you’re lost.
4. Backup Credit Card and Cash:  tucked away in your luggage just in case. Japan is incredibly safe, but lost luggage or a wallet left on a bullet train wouldn’t be the first.

Japan-Specifics

1. Google Translate: Ditch the Japanese Phrasebook and go straight to this game changing app. It can translate images, menus, signs, and even voice translate.
2. Yen: Having cash is a must in many places. This was shocking: thinking Japan being as tech advanced as it is, many places only accept cash. You can get this at the ATM at the airport.

Note on Pocket WiFi: Some people recommend it, I don’t think you need it, we paid for data from our carrier, $10 per day or $100 per month.

Other Buys in Preparation

• Training chopsticks (get your kids used to chopsticks! We found ourselves without forks many times )
• Japan puzzle (fun activity before you leave)
• Anime drawing class this was a fun activity for the kids over zoom, and I’ve also given this as a gift for friends that are far away as an activity to do together. Get $20 off here
• Pimsleur Japanese

Books

• Honeybunny the Unipuppy Visits Japan, our book that gets kids excited for the trip ahead, eating new foods, visiting temples, and journaling on the trip. More on Honeybunny here.
• Tokyo coffee table book and Japan coffee table book: I love getting excited for a place before we go and now I buy coffee table books BEFORE instead of lugging one home. Here’s more on how to get the most out of your trip!
• Lonely planet Japan: If you like having a physical guide book on hand
• Pure Invention a fascinating read through how Japanese Pop culture changed the world (hello videogames, walkmans, karaoke!)
• “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee – the book is fantastic and there is a show now too
• Memoirs of a Geisha is a wonderful book that really helps get deeper into the Geisha history, and appreciate the art. The movie was ok and not true to the book, but still worth a watch.
• More on some of my favorite Historical Fiction books that help you travel the world through the pages of your
• Kindle!

Gold Packing Tips:

1. Roll, Don’t Fold: Save space in your carry-on by rolling clothes.
2. Merino Wool: Will save the need to have more clothes because this material is stink resistant and basically a super material.
3. Multi-Use Items: Think a scarf that can double as a blanket.
4. Layers, layers, layers: Small, foldable rain jackets or vests, zipups to help you roll with the weather.
5. Color coordinate: Bring clothes that will go with everything, lots of mix and match opportunities. This Merino Wool company will challenge you to wear one of their dresses for 100 days, that’s how versatile it is!
6. Compress and Conquer: Use compression cubes and shrinky bags for bulky items

There you have it, folks! Your complete carry-on guide for a family adventure in Japan. Want to see a spring break travel itinerary fun for all ages complete with food tours and hedgehog cafes? Here’s our family Spring Break itinerary that made it a trip of a lifetime for us. Now, over to you. What are your must-haves for travel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!