Japan rewards travelling light. You'll climb station stairs, squeeze onto trains and check in to hotel rooms where floor space is precious. One carry-on bag makes all of it easier.
Before you pack
- Check your airline's carry-on limits. They vary by airline and fare.
- Check the season. Japan's weather ranges from humid summers to snowy winters, so this list assumes spring or autumn. Swap in lighter or warmer layers as needed.
- Plan one laundry stop. Coin laundries are common, and many hotels have one on site.
What to pack for seven days
- 4 tops that work together
- 2 pairs of pants or skirts
- 1 light jacket and 1 warm layer
- 1 smarter outfit for a nice dinner
- Sleepwear and 4 sets of underwear and socks
- Comfortable walking shoes you can slip on and off easily
Things people forget
- Socks without holes. You'll take your shoes off at temples, some restaurants and traditional inns.
- A power adaptor. Japan uses two flat-pin plugs, so Australian plugs need one.
- A small bag for rubbish. Public bins are hard to find.
- A coin pouch. Cash is still handy in smaller shops and for coin laundries.
Making a small room work
Japanese hotel rooms, especially in cities, are often compact. There may be no room to open a suitcase flat on the floor, and the wardrobe may be a single hook.
That's where a hanging set helps. Connect the Sejour Set and hang it from a hook, door handle or the small rail by the door. Your suitcase closes and slides under the bed, your clothes are visible through the mesh fronts, and the room stays clear.
If you're moving between cities, unhook the set, zip it closed and pack it back into your bag in minutes.
Tip: send your bag ahead
If you do bring a bigger case, Japan's luggage forwarding services can send it between hotels while you travel with a day bag. Ask at your hotel's front desk.
Planning a Japan trip? Explore the Sejour Set