Everything I’m Packing for My 3-Week Japan Trip (carry-on only)

Share with your friends!

Packing for Japan isn’t quite the same as packing for just anywhere. 

Between the weather, cultural etiquette, and the temptation to shop while you’re there, a little extra planning goes a long way. 

Since this will be my first trip to Japan, I wanted to share exactly what I’m packing, why I chose each item, and a few things I plan to buy once I arrive.

If you’ve watched the full ‘pack with me for Japan’ video, here is a list of everything I’m packing. 

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

Packing Context 👇

• Trip length: 20 days in October (Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Kinosaki Onsen, Kanazawa)
  
• Laundry: Every 4–5 days
  
• Weather: Historically 15°C to 30°C with some rain and humidity
  
• Strategy: Carry-on + personal item only
  
• Shopping plan: Leave space and use the dirty duffel method (buy an extra bag in Japan, check it on the way home, keep valuables in my carry-on).

Luggage & Bags

• Carry-on: Away soft-sided carry-on (4 wheels, top-open design for small hotel rooms, compression pad, expandable, ~9 lbs)
  
• Alternative suggestion: Antler soft-sided carry-on (lighter at 4.1 lbs, smaller but more size-compliant)
  
• Personal item: BEIS backpack (expandable, pockets, good for electronics/plane essentials)
  
• Day bag: small backpack (beige) or this black sling bag
  
• *Shopping bag: Will buy one in Japan for souvenirs and clothing, then check it on the return trip.

*Tip: What I mean by shopping bag is either a duffle bag or a cheap suitcase that I can use as checked luggage on the way home. This is what I call the ‘dirty duffle method.’ I’ll fill that bag with my clothes and anything that I consider ‘less valuable.’ I’ll keep all my precious Japan souvenirs with me in my carry-on so that they don’t get lost or damaged. 

Shoes

2 pairs of white sneakers (comfortable and versatile):

• New Balance 408
• Roxy Sneakers

*No waterproof shoes this trip — I’ll see how it goes and report back!

Clothing

Bottoms:

• Black Athleta shorts
• Black & Navy Athleta pants (soft, zippered pockets, chic look)
• Green cropped Eddie Bauer pants

Tops & Layers:

• 2 black t-shirts (including an ultralight merino wool tee for the flight)
  
• 1 white t-shirt
  
• Beige cardigan
  
• 2 long-sleeve button down shirts (dusty rose and black)
  
• Black merino wool sweater

Other clothing:

• Pajamas (just one pair, since some hotels provide sleepwear and slippers)
  
• 5 pairs of socks
  
• 5 pairs of Underwear & 3 bras
  
• Cakes (undergarment inserts)
  
• Light packable rain jacket

Notes: I’m planning to buy some tops in Japan which is why I’m only packing a few t-shirts. 

Toiletries

• Hanging toiletry bag
  
• Toothbrush
  
• Toothpaste tablets
  
• Floss
  
• Face cleansing squares
  
• Daily SPF (using up what’s left, then buying more in Japan)
  
• A bit of makeup
  
• Suction hooks (in case there’s nowhere to hang the bag)
  
• Crystal deodorant stick (unscented, long-lasting, non-liquid, travel-friendly)
  
• Contact solution 

Tip: Western-style deodorant can be hard to find in Japan, so pack enough of your favorite.

Electronics & Flight Items & Random Stuff!

• Charging station + long USB-C cable
• Power bank + short cable (if not attached)
• Noise-cancelling ear buds + bluetooth adapter (bring over the ear headphones if you don’t mind hauling them around on your trip)
• Laptop (no need for charger, uses USB-C cables)
• Film camera
• Ring remote (for selfies)
• Sunglasses + case
• Wallet, passport, phone
• Air Tags (for iPhones) / Android Tags (for Android phones)
• Compression socks
• Travel pillow
• Blarf (blanket scarf)
• Body wipes
• Doggie poop bags (for carrying my trash until I can dispose of it)
• Ibuprofen (harder to find in Japan)
• Square water bottle (easier to pack and carry than round)
• Electrolyte packets (help so much with hydration and headaches from long flights)

Tip: if you require other over the counter medication, be sure to check whether it’s allowed to be brought into Japan (some substances are banned). And make sure any prescription medication you pack remains in its correct labeled package/bottle. 

Things I’ll Buy in Japan

• Umbrella
  
• Coin purse (for carrying change around, & makes a great souvenir)
  
• Small hand towel (many public bathrooms don’t provide paper towels)
  
• Reusable tote bag

Final Thoughts

That’s everything I’m bringing for 3 weeks in Japan. I’ve tried to keep things minimal, flexible, and mindful of both weather and culture. I also left some space for the fun part — shopping!

If you’ve been to Japan, I’d love to hear what made your packing list. 

Did you bring something that ended up being a lifesaver? 

Or something you wish you had skipped? Leave me a comment — your tips help not just me but everyone else getting ready for their trip too.