Packing List for Japan in Winter

Being one of the most developed countries in the world, Japan offers a clean and comfortable place to travel. But in the winter, Japan can get really cold, especially if you’re traveling in the north like in Hokkaido or anywhere in the mountains. You’ll want to pack plenty of warm items, but make sure you can layer well, as the Japanese like to keep it really warm inside. Take about a week’s worth of clothes and plan ahead for when you’ll do washes.

In my experience, the climate varies greatly depending on where you go, so you’ll need to tailor your packing list to how much time you’ll be spending in the mountains and the snow, or how much city time you’ll have as most of the major cities don’t often have much snow, though they can be extremely cold.

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Clothing

3 bras – One skin-color and a couple of sports bras for your winter hikes or skiing. If you’re looking for a way to keep your underwear, and specifically your underwire bras, check out this travel organizer.

5-7 pairs of underwear – This depends on how long you’ll be traveling and how frequently you’ll be washing your clothes

2 pairs of Jeans – Take durable pairs that are comfortable and stylish for traveling, city excursions and hiking.

1 large scarf – Make sure it covers your head well. Some temples require it as a sign of respect, but it will also keep you warm.

2 light jackets/sweatshirts – If the weather isn’t too cold, this could be your outer layer. For greater packing efficiency, try packing two items that can be layered with each other.

1 heavy jacket – Snow and high winds from the ocean are no joke in a Japanese winter.

7 shirts – Pack a variety of shirts: short and long-sleeved, with different styles and different weights. This will be your base layer.

1-2 dressy outfits – Take something cute for going out on the weekends. If you want to wait until you get there to shop for clothes, the Japanese are very stylish.

5-7 pairs of socks – Try to get socks made for freezing temperatures, especially if you’ll be outside a lot.

Shoes

1 pair flip flops – If you’ll be staying in hostels or capsule hotels these are good for walking around inside or heading to the bathroom.

1 pair tennis shoes – Take a pair of shoes that will keep your feet dry and warm. Make sure they’re comfortable enough to endure hours of walking through cities. Even in winter, it’s not often that Tokyo or major cities in the south to get snow. So you’ll want a warm, comfortable shoe, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be made for heavy snow.

1 pair flats – Take a cute pair of shoes for going out at night.

Snow Boots– If you’re coming to Japan in winter, chances are you’re going to find snow.  To ensure you’re comfortable and your feet are warm and dry you’ll want a warm, waterproof snow boot. These are my choice. 

Toiletries

Shampoo and Conditioner – Make sure they’re under 3.4 ounces (or 100ml) if it goes into your carry on.

Bar of Soap – Put it in a plastic container so you won’t have to worry about a mess.

Face Wash– Bring all of your favorite face care products with you.  I recommend looking at some of the amazing skin care products Japan has to offer but it’s always good to bring your own.

Toothbrush and toothpaste – Get something to cover the head of your toothbrush.

>> Have a read of our Lush liquid alternative travel products reviews and our guide to the best toiletries for carry-on travel for some extra toiletry advice.

Deodorant – You don’t want to stink.

Lotion– Winter in Japan is extremely dry.  You’ll want to lather up as much as possible to avoid uncomfortable itchy dry skin.  Bring face lotion, body lotion, and definitely hand lotion to help keep your knuckles moisturized after all of the hand sanitizing and washing.

Razor – And shaving cream if you’re not comfortable using soap as a lather. I like Billie razors. If you do too, try their travel case to keep your razor, and your fingers, protected.

Brush/Comb and hair ties – For the best packing efficiency, you can forego the brush and just pack a wide-tooth comb. (Try a headband, too.)

Diva Cup or Tampons/pads – So you don’t have to deal with trying to decipher Japanese writing on tampon boxes. In my experience feminine products are easy to find. You can stop in any convenience store (7-11, Lawson, Family Mart) or Donki or pharmacy. But, they often don’t have brands I’m used to, the writing on the boxes can be intimidating if you don’t know Japanese, and it might be difficult explaining your needs to someone who might not understand English. 

Medicines – Take an emergency stash of things to treat stomach aches, allergies, colds, headaches, motion sickness, and cuts or scratches. Buying things from the local pharmacy is a guessing game you don’t want to play because almost nothing is in English and if you need medicine, you’re most likely not in the mood to search for long. (Also check out this travel first aid kit.)

Towel – If you’re mostly staying in hostels or capsule hotels you might need to bring your own to dry yourself off after a shower. If you’re staying in regular hotels you most likely will never need one.

Make Up or Beauty Products you love.

Tech Gear

Camera – Take as many pictures of the land of the rising sun as possible. If you’re traveling light, most phone cameras are more than capable of taking great pictures but if you want something middle of the road, check out this great point and shoot that I use for photos and video.

See our Family Travel Camera Gear Guide.

Phone – To stay connected to home, listen to music, take pictures, and… whatever else you do with your phone.

If your phone is unlocked you can get SIM cards from SoftBank or Rakuten at the airport or in any shop (they’re located in most malls, shopping areas, and standalone locations especially in Toyko. 

Headphones– Ones that have noise cancellation are even better, they can be used on planes to help drown out the engine noise or the sound of chatty passengers. They can also be used at night if you’re in a noisy hostel or capsule hotel.

This Sakura Travel SIM can be picked up at major Japanese airports.

And this portable Wifi device can be picked up at major airports and supposed up to 5 devices.

You can also get a Pocket WIFI if your phone is not unlocked or you don’t’ want to deal with changing it out. 

You can also talk to your cell phone provider to see if they have coverage in Japan. In the U.S. Sprint has coverage (through SoftBank) and you can add on a Japan plan for $5 per month to get all of the same benefits and coverage as when you’re in the U.S. (including free calling to U.S./ Canadian numbers and the data plan you’re on). 

Chargers & Adapters – Make sure your valuable electronics always have juice. Japan uses the same outlets as North America but it uses a lower voltage. So if you’re coming from North America all of your electronics will work but you still might need a converter to make sure they’re charging/powering up properly. Most electronics have built-in converter (ex. the large square iPad chargers or Macbook chargers) that change the voltage automatically to protect your electronics so you may not need a separate one.

But for things like hair dryers, curling irons, or electronic shavers, you might have issues.

Here are plug adapters to use on Apple Products (for Europe, UK, and AUS too). Or here is a good strip adapter for using on multiple devices.

E-reader or iPad– To entertain yourself when traveling between cities or during your downtime.

Laptop – Use hotel or cafe wi-fi to check your email, upload travel pictures, or talk to friends and family back home on Skype. Again, if you’re traveling light this isn’t essential. 

Kid’s Gear

Your kids will, of course, need all of the same clothes you will, PLUS some extras depending on how young your kids are and how prone to mess they may be.  My kids are currently 2 and 4 and seem to attract messes. So for a long trip I bring 2 extra outfits each.  

Plus you’ll need all of their snow and cold weather gear.  Here’s a post dedicated to that.  If you’re going skiing you can also see our list of family-friendly ski resorts in Japan.

You’ll also need: 

Stroller

Car Seat– If you plan on driving.

Pack n’ Play– You may be able to find one in your hotel but it’s not guaranteed. 

Bibs

Bottles or Sippy Cups

Baby Carrier– Try this moby wrap, this convertible carrier, or this hiking pack for a little more structure.

Small Bag of toys– Depending on the age of your kids they may like these baby toys or maybe these wikki stix to keep them entertained.

Stash of Snacks- Japan has some amazing food and plenty of snacks to choose from. But depending on how picky your kids are you might want to bring some of their favorites from home as the snacks here may not a little quirky or have odd flavors. 

See also: Hygge Travel Essentials

Other

Visa – If you go for 90 days or less as a tourist, you don’t need it. If you’re going for another purpose, get all the paperwork straightened out before you get on the plane.

Editor’s note: Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most countries in Europe, plus several others do not need tourist visas for 90 days or less. Check with the embassy to verify if you need a visa.

Earplugs– For peace and quiet on the plane or in hostels or capsule hotels. 

Eye mask – Get as much sleep as possible on the plane, and help yourself get over jet lag.

Japan Guide Book

Japanese phrasebook – English is not as widely spoken in Japan as other countries. Make sure you can communicate your basic needs and know how to get travel information. (See also language tools for female travelers.)

Notebook and pen– for writing down highlights from your trip or filling out customs forms, etc.

Book or something to read. If you don’t want to bring a whole library, look into a Kindle.

Here are some of my favorite Japanese Stationery to get you inspired.

Ski Gear- If you’re going to ski you’ll obviously need ski gear. Depending on your airline, you might bring your skis or snowboards with you, or you can rent gear at most ski areas.  

But you’ll likely want to bring your own coat, ski pants, boots, and under layers.  You could rent them at some places but supply is never guaranteed and sizing might be an issue. Also, it’s always nice to have the gear you’re comfortable with. 

See also our list of best ski areas in Japan.

P.S. Check out the ultimate female packing list for Japan in summer.

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ THE DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO