Japan Packing List [2024]: What to Pack & Can't Forget!

Japan is an exciting location to travel to with its range of activities. From camping in the wilderness to letting your hair down in Tokyo's vibrant nightlife, there really isn't anything the country falls short of. 

If you're heading to Japan in the winter, let me warn you ahead of time. The weather can be unpredictable and it's not as easy to efficiently pack for everything that might come your way.

For those of you who want to enjoy the wintertime in the great outdoors, you'll need some reliable outdoor clothing. That's also why planning a trip to Japan requires a thought-out packing list, especially if you're traveling around the country.

I'm here to help you pack efficiently with my ultimate Japan packing list for winter! From personal belongings to weather-appropriate items, let's dive into everything you'll need on your trip. 

And no, I'm not going to make you pack your entire wardrobe just yet!

What's Japan Like in Winter?

Located as an island in Eastern Asia, Japan is a breathtaking country with booming tourism. What else can you expect from the vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and unbelievably beautiful landscapes? 

Speaking of beautiful landscapes, Tokushima Prefecture is the place to be in the wintertime. With a range of hiking, skiing, and snowboarding opportunities, it's a winter wonderland. But before you visit, I'd suggest checking out Mountain Hardware for its range of outdoor outfits!

Japan is also home to captivating festivals and events. The Sapporo snow festival is one to marvel at! It's held in February in Hokkaido and can easily become your trip's highlight, with temperature going as low as 9° Celsius (48.2° Fahrenheit)!

But enough about the activities, let's look through the packing list together!

What Should I Pack for My Trip to Japan in Winters?

No matter the weather, I've got the ultimate suggestions to keep you warm and cozy throughout your stay. To make it easier, I've broken it down into 5 sections. First up, it's time to…

5. Fold and Pack Winter Clothes

• Thermal underwear – Thermal undergarments are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your core warm. 
• Synthetic insulated jacket – This type of jacket is windproof and waterproof. Talk about being ideal for the cold and harsh Japanese weather.
• Fleece jacket – A great addition to your winter wardrobe, this will keep you cozy without adding too much weight! Plus, fleece jackets can be the fashion statement you'll need in fashionable cities.
• Hat and scarf – A must-have accessory to prevent cold air from entering your body.
• Waterproof boots – Packing waterproof shoes can save you from slipping or tripping on thin ice. Literally!
• Thick and thin gloves – Pack 2 pairs of gloves for your trip. A thin one can be touch-screen friendly, whereas the thicker one is mainly to ensure you don't freeze during a snowball fight!
• Fleece leggings – These are great for layering and keeping you warm.
• Beanie – A fur-lined beanie is ideal for adding a touch of warmth and style to your winter wardrobe.
• Ear muffs – A must-have accessory to protect your ears from the cold winds.
• Thermal trousers – Pack an extra layer of warmth with thermal trousers.
• Softshell ski pants – An excellent option for staying warm while enjoying winter sports.
• Extra toe warmers – Always bring extra toe warmers as wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
• Sunglasses and goggles – You'll still need protection from the sun's glare even in winter, so pack sunglasses and goggles.

Want a hot tip? Pack a multipurpose jacket to make your life easier during the cold months. That way, you can switch from one activity to another without switching clothing.

4. Charge Up With Electronic Packing

Now, let's talk about the necessary electronic items for your trip. Digital nomad or not, nobody's traveling without their phones and laptops unless you're on one of those internet cleanses!

When it comes to electronics, make sure you have these with you in your luggage before you leave:

• Portable charger – Ensure you bring a good quality portable charger to get enough battery during your trip.
• Extra batteries – Pack extra camera batteries in case you need them during your travels.
• Power bank – When you're high up in the mountains, you'll thank me for asking you to bring you a power bank on these trips.  
• Headphones – Bring a pair of headphones to listen to music or podcasts while traveling.
• Universal travel adapter – Ensure you get a universal adapter that works in plug sockets designed for Japan.
• Add-on lens for smartphone – If you plan to capture unique shots on your phone, adding a lens will help make your photos more dynamic.
• Travel camera – Investing in a good travel camera will help you capture beautiful sights and memories of your trip.

Although you could use roaming data for your phone, buy a Japanese sim card. With some credit, you can easily gain access to the internet! Plus, it's much cheaper than your roaming data charges. 

3. Buy Your Winter Toiletries

When it comes to toiletries, you'll need your personal items during your stay. Skincare is much more important here because the weather can impact your skin and hair. But instead of packing it from home, I recommend buying these from the airport.

This way, you can save space and money on luggage and buy travel-sized kits! Here are some things you'll need:

• Sunscreen – Even though it may be cold outside, the sun's rays can still reach your skin and cause harm.
• Lip balm – Lips can dry during winter, so bring a good moisturizing lip balm. 
• Moisturizer – Keep your skin hydrated and nourished during winter with a high-quality moisturizer.
• Sanitizer – A mini travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer can help keep you germ-free while on your trip.
• Travel toothbrush – Investing in a good travel toothbrush will help you stay fresh and clean.
• Hairbrush and shampoo – Carry a nourishing shampoo and hairbrush to protect your hair from drying and becoming brittle. 
• Deodorant – With all the physical outdoor activities, you'll need to keep the sweaty smell away with a fresh spritz of deodorant!
• Tampons and pads – It's always better to be prepared for any unforeseeable events!

2. Carry Your Medicine

Before I give you the list of medications to consider taking, it's important to talk about the laws. Japan is rather strict with the import of certain medications. This includes psychotropics, tranquilizers, and even some types of antihistamines. 

So if you need this, check out Japan's laws on medicine beforehand. This will save you trouble at the airport! With that said, here are some medicines that you should consider bringing with you:

• Pain killers – If the weather takes its toll on you, pop a painkiller to keep your trip going.
• Bandaids – In case of any minor accidents, carry a few bandaids on your person at all times!
• Antihistamines – If you suffer from allergies, bring the necessary medicines.
• Cold medicine – Common cold is frequent during winter and can make your trip uncomfortable. The best way to deal with it is to have cold medicine with you!
• Insect repellant – These repellants will act as a barrier between you and pesky bugs.
• Prescription meds – If you have any specifically prescribed medicines, take them with you!

1. Don't Miss the Miscellaneous Items

The following items will make your Japan packing list for winter complete:

• Plastic bags – These are useful for packing wet clothes and general storage.
• Umbrella – A mandatory item during the winter season, don't forget your umbrella!
• Buff: A great option to keep your neck, face, and head warm while exploring outdoors.
• Avalanche beacon – If you plan skiing or snowboarding, this is a must-have!
• Smartwatch – You wouldn't want to get lost in the Japanese wilderness during winter. 
• Portable water bottle – A good quality water bottle like the Hydro Flask, that won't break in the cold weather is a must-have item.
• A Phrasebook in Japanese – These are a lifesaver to communicate with locals in the native language.

Bonus Packing Tips!

Get ready for winter travel by packing ahead of time. Wear layers of lightweight wool clothes that can be easily layered to stay warm. 

Choose fabrics that are warm and breathable. Don't pack too many bulky items, as there might be limited space in Japan. 

Also, double-check your essential documents like passports, visas, and ID cards before traveling. You can avoid any inconvenience and have a comfortable winter travel experience.

Is There Anything That You Can Leave Behind?

Well, there're a few items that you can skip on your Japan packing list for winter, including:

• Expensive jewelry.
• Umbrellas with sharp points as they're not allowed in Japan.
• Large suitcases and bulky items.
• Flammable liquids or items.

Happy Packing With Pilot!

Now that you know what to bring and avoid, it's time to start packing to make your winter trip to Japan as memorable and hassle-free as possible! Be sure to plan your trip with a trustworthy travel partner such as Pilot.