Travel That is Uniquely Yours

Japan Honeymoon Packing List

Designed to keep packing easy, light, and train-station friendly for Japan in July.

Tops
  • 4–5 lightweight shirts/blouses
  • 2 nicer outfits for dinners/date nights
  • 1 light cardigan or sweatshirt
  • 1 lightweight rain jacket
Bottoms
  • 2 pairs comfortable walking pants
  • 1 pair shorts or skirt
  • 1 nicer outfit bottom for dinners
Undergarments
  • 6–7 pairs underwear
  • 4–5 pairs socks
  • Sleepwear
Shoes
  • Comfortable walking shoes (worn on plane)
  • Lightweight second pair (sandals, flats, or casual sneakers)

Avoid bringing more than two pairs.

  • Small daypack for sightseeing (I HIGHLY recommend this anti-theft brand of backpacks and purses, very good investment for future travel: Pacsafe)
  • Swimsuit (just in case, it’s a packing rule for me. But you won’t use it for the onsen)
Photo Tour
  • Outfit you feel confident in (incorporated from earlier list of clothes)
  • Neutral colors photograph best, especially against the neon nightlife
  • Avoid large logos
Cooking Class
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Closed-toe shoes
Go-Kart Tour
  • Driver’s license (required)
  • International Driving Permit (required)
  • Passport (required)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hair tie
  • Closed-toe shoes

Japan’s rainy season (tsuyu) is usually active during this timeframe.

Pack:

Most Japanese convenience stores sell umbrellas cheaply if needed if you choose not to bring one.

  • Phone
  • Charging cable
  • Power bank
  • Camera (if desired)
  • AirPods/headphones
Japan Plug Type
  • Type A plugs (same as U.S.)
  • Voltage is 100V

Most modern chargers work automatically, but check for:

Input: 100–240V

No adapter is needed for most U.S. travelers.

  • Passport
  • International Driving Permit
  • Credit card/debit card — make sure you call your credit card and bank so they know when you will be out of the country and don’t turn your cards off
  • Some cash (¥10,000–20,000 to start) *I wouldn’t do this before your trip, or at the airport. I’d get some at an ATM at a 7-11 with your debit card if you can in country.
  • Travel insurance information if you bought it
  • Hotel confirmations (I will send these to you in your travel folder)
  • Suica transit card on phone
Travel-size
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Makeup/skincare
  • Prescription medications
  • Bring a favorite curling iron/straightener only if it’s dual-voltage Input: 100–240V
  • Pack a small anti-frizz product because June/July in Japan is humid and often rainy
Most Japanese hotels provide
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Towels
  • Hair dryer
  • Toothbrushes (often)

*If not, there are drug stores around. I like to be prepared so if you have/can get travel size that fit what you like it might be good.

  • Collapsible duffel bag

This is my favorite travel trick.

You travel to Japan with only a carry-on, then if you buy souvenirs, you can:

  • Check the carry-on on the way home
  • Use the foldable duffel as a personal item

Pack for 6 days, do one load of laundry in Kyoto (your hotel has laundry services or there are laundromats nearby) and use a 22" carry-on plus personal item each.

Given your itinerary, you don’t need checked bags, and you’ll appreciate not dragging large suitcases through train stations, Tokyo sidewalks, Hakone transfers, and Kyoto streets. The lighter you travel, the smoother the trip will be.