Packing guide for Winter in Japan
Packing can seem like a daunting task, so I like to provide little guides to help you remember all the necessities and maybe even give you a few NEW ideas for your travel plans.
Backpacking all over Japan for 21-days meant I needed to be organized and practical with my choices. I also had to pack for a variety of temperatures because for half of the time I was in Tokyo where it averaged 30-50*F and the other half of my trip I was snowboarding in Niseko where the weather ranged 15-30*F. Since I was snowboarding I also had to pack all my gear, but still keep it as light as possible.
I am here to give you my best packing advice for a winter adventure in Japan.
January 10 - January 31 I set out to explore the cultural explosion of Japan. On my trip I stayed in AirBnbs in Shanghai (layover) and Tokyo, a ryokan in Nagano, and an apartment in Niseko. A ryokan is a Japanese inn that has kept traditional structure and equipment. So think sliding panel doors, pillows around coffee tables, bath houses, and mats to sleep on. It was everything I dreamt.
Through my unforeseen shortcomings and/or life-saver moments I complied a list of things you will DEFINITELY NEED and some travel tips that will help you plan your Japan adventure.
CARRY-ON
- Wandrd day pack filled with everything listed in What to pack in a carry-on for long flights or layovers
- Toiletries pouch
- Travel-Sized Liquids in Zip-lock baggie
- Sunglasses
- Exercise band
- Pair of sweatpants
- Pair of warm socks
CLOTHES
- Scarf
- Gloves - mittens, tech fingers
- Undies
- Wool socks
- Sports bras
- Short sleeve graphic tee
- Long sleeve thermals
- Sweaters
- Dressy top
- Turtleneck
- Coat
- Blue jeans
- Black jeans
- Long leggings: cotton & athletic
- PJ sweats & shorts
- Belt
- Walking shoes/workout shoes* - There are so many places to explore, so make sure you bring your most comfortable pair.
- Boots
TOILETRIES
- Chapstick/Aquaphor
- Moisturizing eye drops
- Face & Body lotion
- Sunscreen
- Face wash
- Deodorant/sample perfume bottles
- Makeup
- Q-tips
- Hairbrush & hairties
- Toothbrush/Paste/Floss
- Razor/Tweezer
MISC.
- Extra vitamin C
- Tea
- Face towel
- Curling iron
- Jewelry
- Laundry tote (I like reusing Free People tote bags)
SNOW GEAR
- Goggles
- Beanie
- Ear warmer headband
- Gloves
- Jacket layers (fleece, quilted puffy, windbreaker)
- Pants
- Boots
- Snowboard & bindings
- Snowboard bag with wheels
- Onesie by Tipsy Elves - Best idea ever because it is so easy to slip on to run out the door. It is also great because snow doesn't creep down your pants.
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So that's my packing list for a chilly trip to Japan. Next read about the best places to explore on your trip!