Japan packing list: what to pack, month by month
This list is made by TripRai's code from our 7-day Japan itinerary (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), for a traveller from India. Every item with a day next to it is there because of that day. Plan your own trip and you get the same kind of list, made from your own days, dates and food.
Plan a trip to Japan with its own packing list →Documents and money
- Passport (valid for 6+ months) and photocopies
- Visa or e-visa printout (if your nationality needs one)
- Travel insurance documents
- Forex card and some cash in JPY
- eSIM or international roaming
- Travel adapter: Type A/B (100 V)
- Cash in yen (many small places take only cash)
What the days of this trip need
From the sample itinerary, 7 days: 4 places of worship, 1 hilly walk, 1 train ride and 2 flights.
- Comfortable walking shoesDay 1 Evening walk around Shinjuku · Day 2 Ueno Park and its museums · Day 3 Harajuku and the Shibuya crossing · +2 more
- Modest clothes (shoulders and knees covered)Day 2 Senso-ji in Asakusa · Day 3 Meiji Jingu · Day 4 Yasaka Shrine · +1 more
- Socks that are easy to take offDay 2 Senso-ji in Asakusa: shoes may come off inside · Day 5 Kiyomizu-dera: shoes may come off inside
- A small hand towelMany washrooms have no paper towels or dryers
- Power bankDay 6 Day trip to Nara's deer park: a long day out
- Snacks and water for the dayDay 6 Day trip to Nara's deer park: a long day out
- Charger and power bank in hand luggage (never checked in)Day 1 Delhi to Tokyo · Day 7 Osaka to Delhi
- Liquids under 100 ml in a clear bagDay 1 Delhi to Tokyo · Day 7 Osaka to Delhi
- A pen for the arrival cardDay 1 Delhi to Tokyo · Day 7 Osaka to Delhi
- Neck pillow and a light shawl for the flightDay 1 Delhi to Tokyo · Day 7 Osaka to Delhi
Japan weather, month by month
What each month usually feels like, for packing (not a forecast). ☂ marks the rainy season.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Cold | Cold | Cool | Mild | Mild | Warm ☂ | Hot ☂ | Hot | Warm ☂ | Mild | Cool | Cold |
| Kyoto | Cold | Cold | Cool | Mild | Mild | Warm ☂ | Hot ☂ | Hot | Warm ☂ | Mild | Cool | Cold |
| Osaka | Cold | Cold | Cool | Mild | Mild | Warm ☂ | Hot ☂ | Hot | Warm ☂ | Mild | Cool | Cold |
- Cold · under ~12°CWarm jacket or fleece, a sweater for layering
- Cool · ~12–20°CLight jacket
- Mild · ~18–25°CLight jacket or a layer for the evening
- Warm · ~25–32°CLight, breathable cotton clothes, sunglasses
- Hot · over ~32°CLight, breathable cotton clothes, sunglasses, sun hat or cap, reusable water bottle
The base checklist (City break)
For the sample trip's weather; a plan of your own follows your dates (no jeans or jacket in a hot month, for example).
Clothing
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Jeans or casual trousers (2)
- T-shirts / tops (3–4)
- Light jacket
- An evening outfit
- Scarf or a layering piece
- Sunglasses
- Clothes for 7 days
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
- Moisturiser
- Razor or grooming kit
- Lip balm
Tech & essentials
- Phone and charger
- Earphones
- Debit / credit cards and some cash
- Copies of bookings (offline)
- Day bag or crossbody bag
- Reusable water bottle
Health
- Prescription medicines
- Basic first-aid kit (paracetamol, plasters, ORS, antacid)
- Hand sanitiser
- Blister plasters
- Tissues and wet wipes
Questions
Do I need a travel adapter for Japan?
Yes. Japan uses Type A/B (100 V) sockets, and Indian plugs do not fit them. The mains is 100 V: phone and laptop chargers (100–240 V) work, but check hair dryers and straighteners.
What is the weather like in Tokyo through the year?
Roughly: January–February: cold (under ~12°C); March: cool (~12–20°C); April–May: mild (~18–25°C); June: warm (~25–32°C); July–August: hot (over ~32°C); September: warm (~25–32°C); October: mild (~18–25°C); November: cool (~12–20°C); December: cold (under ~12°C). Late March to May and October to November: mild weather, cherry blossom in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) and New Year if you want lower prices.
When is the rainy season in Japan?
Roughly June, July and September (it varies by region). In those months pack a compact umbrella, a raincoat or poncho and a waterproof pouch for your phone and papers.
Do I need cash in Japan?
Yes. Cash in yen: many small places take only cash. A forex card covers the rest.
Which transport card should I get in Japan?
IC card (Suica, PASMO or ICOCA) from any station machine, for trains, buses and convenience stores. Buy it there; there is no need to arrange it before you go.
What should I wear to religious sites in Japan?
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Shoes may come off inside, so socks that are easy to take off help. On the sample itinerary: Day 2 Senso-ji in Asakusa, Day 3 Meiji Jingu, Day 4 Yasaka Shrine.
How do vegetarian, Jain or vegan travellers manage food in Japan?
Vegetarian food takes planning in Japan — dashi (fish stock) hides in many dishes. Look for shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine) in Kyoto and ask for 'no dashi'. A short food card in Japanese ("no meat, fish or egg"; for Jain food, also no onion, garlic or root vegetables) helps when ordering. TripRai plans every meal of a trip around what you eat.
A packing list for your own trip
Tell TripRai your dates, cities, food and who is coming. You get the whole trip day by day with estimated costs, and a packing list made from those days and that month's weather, to tick off and share on WhatsApp.
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