Planning a trip to Tokyo this autumn? Whether you’re strolling through Shibuya, leaf-peeping in Yoyogi Park, or sipping matcha in Asakusa, Tokyo in the fall is a dream. This Tokyo fall packing list ensures you’re dressed for the season, ready for changing temps, and prepped for Japan’s blend of tradition and trend.
Weather Overview 🌡️
Tokyo’s fall (September–November) is mild, clear, and packed with autumn color. Expect temps from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F) in September, cooling to 7°C to 17°C (45°F to 63°F) by November. Rain tapers off after September, and humidity drops, making it ideal sightseeing weather.
🍁 Pack light layers you can add or remove easily.
⛩️ Respect modesty at shrines, temples, and traditional venues.
What to Pack for Tokyo in Fall 🇯🇵🍁
👘 Tokyo Style: Sleek, neat, modest, and subtly fashionable
Tokyoites dress polished and practical, with a love for structure, minimalism, and quality basics. You’ll blend in best with classic silhouettes, muted colors, and outfits that show attention to detail.
🚫 Avoid overly casual clothes like gym gear or distressed jeans in temples and nicer restaurants.
👣 You’ll walk a LOT—shoes must be stylish and comfy.
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Tokyo’s public transport and narrow hotels favor light packing
🧳 Checked luggage – Only if you’re shopping or traveling across regions
👜 Duffle bag – Handy for weekend trips to Nikko or Hakone
🎒 Lightweight backpack – Ideal for full sightseeing days
👜 Personal item – Keep essentials close on flights and trains
📦 Packing cubes – Keep tech, layers, and modest clothing organized
👞 Shoe bags – Required if staying in a ryokan or tatami mat space
💄 Makeup bag – Compact and tidy
🚿 Waterproof toiletry bag – Japanese bathrooms are compact
📁 Travel wallet – Store JR Pass, IC card (Suica/Pasmo), passport
👜 Collapsible tote – For konbini runs and souvenirs
🧺 Laundry bag – Coin laundries are common in Tokyo
⚖️ Luggage scale – Low-cost carriers have strict limits
🔒 Lock – For lockers at train stations or hostels
👜 Zipper pouch – For change, receipts, and metro tickets
🧻 Quick-dry towel – Especially for hostels or onsens
💤 Neck pillow – Long-haul comfort
😴 Sleep mask – Jet lag = weird light cycles
👗 Clothes
👕 T-shirts / base layers (3–4) – Layer-friendly and neutral
👚 Blouses / long-sleeve tops (3) – Polished, breathable fabrics
🧥 Cardigans / sweaters (2–3) – Lightweight for September, warmer by November
🧥 Trench coat or light jacket – Chic and weather-proof
🧥 Warm coat – Needed for mid/late November
👖 Dark jeans (1–2) – Clean, tailored fits only
👖 Casual trousers / culottes (1) – Comfy yet elevated
👗 Midi dress or skirt (1–2) – Modest, easy to pair with tights
🏃 Activewear – For Mt. Takao or hotel gym
🛌 Pajamas / sleepwear – For cooler nights
👙 Swimsuit – For onsen or hotel spa
🩲 Underwear (1 per day) – Prioritize breathable fabrics
🧦 Socks (5+) – Expect to take off shoes indoors
🧣 Scarf – Lightweight in early fall, wool in late November
🧤 Gloves – Optional unless traveling late season
🧦 Tights – For warmth + modesty
🎩 Hat / beanie – For warmth or fashion
💆 Skincare
🧼 Gentle cleanser – City air + travel fatigue
💧 Toner – Hydrate and prep skin
🧴 Moisturizer – Richer formulas by November
🌞 Sunscreen – Still essential in fall
🧽 Makeup remover – Balm or micellar water
🔬 Exfoliator – Use sparingly
👁️ Eye cream – Combat tired travel eyes
💦 Facial mist – Instant refresh
😌 Sheet masks – Stock up in Tokyo, but pack a few
💋 Lip balm – Dry air defense
🎯 Spot treatment – Fall can stress skin
💄 Makeup
💄 BB cream or foundation – Light coverage, natural finish
🖊️ Concealer – For under-eyes or breakouts
🧂 Pressed powder – Travel-friendly matte control
💖 Blush – Soft flush preferred in Japanese beauty
✨ Highlighter – Optional glow
🌞 Bronzer – Optional
👁️ Eyeshadow palette – Soft neutrals or taupes
🖊️ Eyeliner – Precise and waterproof
👁️ Mascara – Must-have
🪞 Eyebrow pencil – Natural brows preferred
💋 Lipstick / gloss – Soft pinks, nudes, or berry
✏️ Lip liner – Optional
🌬️ Setting spray – Keeps your look fresh
🖌️ Brushes / sponge – Small set, clean often
💇 Hair
💇 Hairbrush / comb – Keep it tidy for temple visits
🪢 Hair ties + clips – Simple and clean
🧴 Shampoo + conditioner – BYO if picky, most hotels provide basic
🌬️ Dry shampoo – Travel lifesaver
🔥 Heat protectant – For styling tools
🧴 Styling cream / oil – Fight frizz
💨 Mini dryer – Not all hotels provide one
🌪️ Travel flat iron or curler – Compact only
🎀 Hair accessories – Minimalist barrettes or clips
👠 Shoes & Accessories
👟 Fashion sneakers – You’ll walk 10k+ steps a day
👢 Waterproof ankle boots – Great for early November
🥿 Flats or slip-ons – Easy to remove indoors
👠 Heels (optional) – Block heels only if needed
🎩 Beret / beanie – Adds flair and warmth
🧣 Scarf – Double-duty style + warmth
🧤 Gloves – Optional unless traveling mid/late November
🕶️ Sunglasses – Bright skies in early fall
💍 Jewelry – Simple and minimal
⌚ Watch – Punctuality is cultural
👜 Crossbody bag – Secure and hands-free
👜 Small clutch – For dinner or nicer venues
🌂 Compact umbrella – A Tokyo essential
🧾 Documents & Essentials
🛂 Passport + copies – Keep backup in luggage + phone
📃 Japan visa (if required) – Many countries enter visa-free
🪪 Driver’s license + IDP – For rentals (check eligibility)
🩺 Travel insurance – Strongly recommended
📱 Hotel confirmations, JR Pass, IC card details
🗺️ Travel itinerary – With addresses in Japanese (helpful for taxi drivers)
💳 Credit + debit cards – Most places accept them, but…
💴 Yen cash – Still needed at small restaurants + temples
📞 Emergency contact list
🖊️ Pen + travel notebook
🗝️ House keys – Keep safe
👛 Wallet – With coin pouch for change-heavy Japan
💎 Valuables – Carry-on only
🩹 First Aid
🩹 Bandaids – For shoe blisters
🧴 Antibiotic cream – Small wounds
🧼 Antiseptic wipes – Clean public spaces
🩺 Gauze pads – Optional
🦶 Blister pads – Walking must-have
🔍 Tweezers – For grooming or splinters
🩹 Medical tape – Small roll
🌡️ Thermometer – Japan takes fevers seriously
✂️ TSA-safe scissors
🧽 Cotton balls / Q-tips – Multipurpose
💊 Health & Hygiene
💊 Prescription meds – In original packaging, with note if needed
💊 Pain relievers – Ibuprofen, acetaminophen
🌾 Allergy meds – Fall pollen or temple incense
🌊 Motion sickness pills – For boat rides or buses
🤢 Tummy meds – Japanese food = delish but different
💊 Vitamins – Boost immunity while abroad
🧼 Hand sanitizer – Public restrooms may lack soap
🧽 Disinfecting wipes – Planes, bathrooms, train handles
🦟 Bug spray – Optional in early fall
💊 Birth control / emergency contraceptive – Harder to find
👁️ Eye drops – Dry or smoky days
👓 Contact lenses + solution
🪞 Compact mirror
🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste
🧵 Floss / rinse
🧼 Body wash
🧴 Deodorant – Bring your own
🪒 Razor + cream
💅 Nail kit
🧲 Tweezers
🌸 Perfume – Light + clean scents preferred
🧻 Pocket tissues – Essential for public toilets
📱 Tech & Electronics
📱 Phone + charger
💻 Tablet or laptop – Wi-Fi is strong in Tokyo
📸 Camera – City shots + gardens are stunning
🔋 Power bank – Sightseeing = long days
🔌 Charging cables – Extras in case
🔌 Japan adapter (Type A/B) – Standard voltage is 100V
💾 USB flash drive – Optional
🗺️ Offline Google Maps + Translate
📡 Pocket Wi-Fi or local SIM – Highly recommended
📚 Kindle – Better than lugging books
🎧 Headphones – For trains, flights, cafés
📱 Waterproof phone case – Optional for rain days
🎧 Entertainment
📚 Book / e-reader – Japanese literature = immersive
🎬 Downloaded shows – Wi-Fi isn’t always available
🎧 Podcasts – Travel, culture, or true crime
📓 Journal – Write down shrine wishes or foodie finds
🃏 Card games – Great if traveling with a friend
📰 Magazines – Lightweight reads for flights
🎒 Extras
🍘 Snacks / bars – For long days on the go
💧 Reusable water bottle – Water fountains are available
🛍️ Foldable tote – Shopping is a given in Tokyo
🧺 Laundry detergent – Packets for coin laundries
🧵 Sewing kit – In case of wardrobe malfunctions
📣 Safety whistle – Especially for solo travelers
🧼 Lint roller – Black coats + subway dust = no thanks
🦶 Inflatable footrest – Long-haul flights
👃 Shoe deodorizer – Tokyo = indoor shoes often
😴 Sleep aid – Melatonin or calming tea
✈️ Travel Tips
✔️ Learn basic Japanese greetings + customs
✔️ Always carry your passport
✔️ Use a Suica/Pasmo card for transit convenience
✔️ Tokyo is cash-reliant in small shops—have yen
✔️ Download Google Translate, Navitime, and Hyperdia
✔️ Keep shoes easy to remove for temples + homes
✔️ Be respectful of quiet zones on public transport
🛂 Visa Tips
🛂 US, UK, EU, AUS: No visa for 90-day visits
📃 Confirm onward ticket and accommodation
📸 Bring extra passport photos (for lost docs or SIM registration)
📄 Print out hotel/flight confirmations in English and Japanese
🧾 Check Japan customs for banned over-the-counter meds
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
🛂 Passport + backup
📱 Phone + Japan plug adapter
💳 Cards + yen
🧴 Health & hygiene kit
🎒 Lightweight backpack
🗺️ Offline maps + itinerary
💧 Reusable water bottle
🌂 Umbrella + waterproof shoes
👍 Good-to-Have Items
🌙 Sleep mask + earplugs
🧺 Wrinkle spray or steamer
🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones
🧸 Travel blanket
🛍️ Extra tote for souvenirs
📡 eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi
💧 Hydration sachets for long travel days
Wow! What would all this weigh??? I’d love to know once you have it all packed! And in two weeks, I’ll be headed to Japan for three weeks, where it’s still 36 degrees Celsius across the country! So my wardrobe will be light and washable after hot, hot days!
Hi Susan! The idea is to give a complete ultimate list so you can pick up what you believe will be useful for you! Just food for thoughts! =)