Japan family packing list: what to bring (and what to buy there)

Japan is one of the easiest countries to pack light for, because almost anything you forget is available — often better than at home. The trick is bringing the few things that are genuinely hard to buy, and leaving space for the rest. Pack for the season, keep a day bag light, and remember hotel rooms are small.

The genuinely-worth-it essentials

• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes for everyone — you will walk far more than you expect.
• A small day backpack per adult, plus a lightweight foldable bag for shopping.
• Any prescription medicine in its original packaging, with a copy of the script.
• A refillable water bottle each — public taps and hotel water are safe to drink.
• A portable phone battery and your plug adapter (Japan uses type A, 100V).
• Slip-on shoes and clean socks — you will remove shoes at some restaurants, temples and homes.

Clothing — pack for the season

Layers work best year-round. Summer is hot and humid, so bring light, quick-dry clothing, hats and sunscreen. Winter is cold, especially up north and in the mountains — thermals, a warm coat, gloves and beanies. Spring and autumn are mild but variable, so a packable rain jacket earns its place any time of year.

For the kids

• A comfort item for sleep and long travel days.
• Snacks for the plane and the first day (then switch to convenience-store snacks).
• A change of clothes in the day bag for younger children.
• Quiet, screen-free entertainment for trains and flights.

What to buy there instead of packing

Nappies, wipes, formula, children’s toiletries, umbrellas and most toiletries are cheap and widely available at drugstores and convenience stores. Uniqlo and similar shops are everywhere if you need extra layers. Buying as you go keeps your luggage light for train days — and luggage forwarding between hotels means you rarely have to haul big cases at all.

A note on cash and documents

Carry some cash — many small shops, shrines and family restaurants are cash-only. Keep a photo of each passport on your phone, and note your accommodation addresses in Japanese to show taxi drivers.