Planning a Tokyo adventure this September? This Tokyo September packing list has everything you need to beat the heat, dodge typhoons, and navigate Japan’s city-chic fashion scene like a local.
Weather Overview 🌡️
September in Tokyo is hot, humid, and rainy — it’s the tail-end of summer with lingering tropical energy.
- Average highs: 27–30°C (80–86°F)
- Average lows: 21–24°C (70–75°F)
- Humidity: High — expect sticky days
- Rain: Frequent — especially early September (typhoon season)
What that means for packing:
Light, breathable clothing is essential, but don’t forget your umbrella and waterproof layers!
What to Pack for Tokyo 🎒
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
Dressing Etiquette in Japan: Tokyo fashion is modest yet stylish. Avoid overly revealing clothes, especially in temples and shrines. Locals love a polished look, even in casual settings — think structured dresses, clean sneakers, and minimalist accessories.
✅ The Ultimate Tokyo September Packing List
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
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Lightweight with 360° wheels for narrow stations
🧳 Checked luggage – Only if shopping or staying long-term
🎒 Duffle bag – Great for last-minute souvenirs
👜 Lightweight backpack or tote – Perfect for exploring neighborhoods
🎒 Daypack or personal item – Compact and organized
📦 Packing cubes – Keep humid-weather outfits separated
👟 Shoe bags – Avoid dirtying clean clothes
💄 Makeup bag – Japan has amazing beauty stores, but bring essentials
🚿 Waterproof hanging toiletry bag – Ideal for compact hotel bathrooms
📁 Document organizer – Tokyo runs on organization
🛍️ Collapsible tote – For konbini snacks & Muji hauls
🧺 Laundry kit – September humidity = sweat = laundry
⚖️ Luggage scale – Tokyo souvenirs are heavy
🔐 Small lock – Great for capsule hotels or lockers
🧷 Zipper pouch – For yen coins and transit cards
🧻 Quick-dry towel – Useful for temples and onsens
💤 Inflatable neck pillow – For the flight or bullet train
🕶️ Sleep mask – Japan’s bright lights don’t sleep
👗 Clothes
👕 T-shirts (4–5) – Opt for breathable cotton or linen
👚 Casual tops (2–3) – Short-sleeve blouses or loose knits
👔 Dress shirts / blouses (1–2) – Smart-casual for dinners
🧥 Light cardigan or wrap – For malls & AC-blasted cafés
🧥 Blazer (1) – Optional for chic dinner or rooftop bar
👖 Jeans (1) – Lightweight or cropped styles work best
👖 Casual pants (2) – Airy culottes or linen trousers
🩳 Shorts (1–2) – Modest length, especially in shrines
👗 Dresses / jumpsuits (2) – Easy to style & stay cool
🧥 Rain jacket or packable coat – Sudden typhoon? You’re ready
👙 Swimsuits (x2) – For onsen resorts or hotel pools
👘 Swimsuit cover-up (1) – Especially for day spas
🩲 Underwear (7) – Change often in humid weather
👙 Bras (x3) – Include one seamless/nude for lighter outfits
🧦 Socks (5+) – Moisture-wicking if walking a lot
🛌 Pajamas / sleepwear (1–2) – AC-ready comfort
🧘 Activewear (1–2) – Great for walking or casual days
🧣 Scarf – Light and chic for temples or sun coverage
🧤 Gloves – Not needed in September
🧦 Tights / hosiery – Optional, stylish with skirts
💆 Skincare
🧼 Cleanser – Double cleanse if you wear makeup
🍃 Toner – Hydrating or calming for hot days
💧 Moisturizer – Lightweight gel formulas are best
🧴 Sunscreen (face + body) – Absolute must in Tokyo sun
🧽 Makeup remover – Waterproof for hot, sticky days
🔮 Exfoliator (optional) – For city grime buildup
👁️ Eye cream – Brighten up after jet lag
🌬️ Facial mist – Cool off on train platforms
💋 Lip balm – With SPF, always
⚡ Spot treatment – For stress or sweat breakouts
🎭 Sheet masks (optional) – Bonus spa nights in hotel
💄 Makeup
🧴 Foundation or BB cream – Go dewy, not cakey
🔍 Concealer – Tokyo air can stress your skin
🌬️ Powder – Blotting powders rule in humidity
🍑 Blush – Cream formulas last longer in heat
✨ Highlighter – Soft shimmer for that Tokyo glow
🌞 Bronzer – Optional, but nice for dimension
👁️ Eyeshadow palette – Neutral or light shades
✏️ Eyeliner – Waterproof only!
👁️ Mascara – Tubing mascaras work well in humidity
🪞 Eyebrow pencil / gel – Japanese brows = perfection
💄 Lipstick / gloss – Red, berry, or glossy nude
✒️ Lip liner – For longer-lasting color
💋 Lip primer – Optional
💨 Setting spray – Lock it down in that Tokyo heat
🖌️ Brushes / sponge – Compact versions travel better
💇 Hair
💇 Hairbrush / comb – Humidity = frizz city
🧷 Hair ties, clips, bobby pins – For topknots and buns
🧴 Travel-size shampoo & conditioner – Hotels vary
🧼 Dry shampoo – Holy grail between showers
🔥 Heat protectant spray – If using tools
💁 Styling cream / gel – Control for humid hair days
🌬️ Mini blow dryer – Check hotel amenities
🧿 Mini flat iron or curling wand – For Tokyo nights out
💧 Hair serum or oil – Anti-frizz necessity
🎀 Hair accessories – Clips, scrunchies, headbands
👠 Shoes & Accessories
👟 Sneakers / tennis shoes – Fashionable, not gym-worn
👡 Sandals / flats – Comfy, modest styles
👠 Dress shoes / heels – Block heels or wedges for stability
🥾 Boots – Not needed unless fashion-focused
🩴 Water shoes – Optional unless heading to beaches
🧢 Hat / cap – Sun protection in style
🧣 Scarf – See above
🧤 Gloves – Skip
🕶️ Sunglasses + case – Yes, it’s sunny
💍 Jewelry – Simple, minimal, non-flashy
⌚ Watch – Convenient with train schedules
👜 Day purse + night bag – Crossbody + clutch
🌂 Foldable umbrella – YES. Trust us.
🧾 Documents & Essentials
🛂 Passport
🧾 Copy of passport
🎟️ Visa (check your country’s status!)
🪪 Driver’s license / photo ID
📋 Travel insurance info
💳 Health insurance card
💉 Vaccination records
📱 Boarding passes
🏨 Printed hotel receipts
🚗 Printed rental info
🗺️ Travel itinerary
📌 Directions / offline maps
💳 Credit + debit cards
💴 Emergency cash (Yen + USD)
📇 Emergency contacts
🖊️ Pen & notebook
📚 Phrasebook (English-Japanese)
🔑 House keys
👝 Wallet
💎 Valuables (carry-on only)
🩹 First Aid
🩹 Bandaids – Blister prevention = lifesaver
🧴 Antibiotic ointment
🧽 Antiseptic wipes
🩺 Gauze pads
🦶 Blister pads – Tokyo = lots of walking
🔍 Tweezers
📏 First aid tape
🌡️ Thermometer
✂️ Scissors
💡 Cotton balls / Q-tips
💊 Health & Hygiene
💊 Prescription meds
💢 Pain relievers
🌿 Allergy meds – Important for late-summer pollen
🌊 Motion sickness pills – Just in case on trains
🍽️ Stomach meds – Tokyo cuisine may surprise you
💊 Vitamins / supplements
🧻 Feminine hygiene products
🧴 Hand sanitizer
🧼 Disinfecting wipes
🦟 Bug spray – Mosquitos still out in September
💊 Emergency contraceptives
👁️ Eye drops
🧴 Contacts + solution
🪞 Travel mirror
🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste
🦷 Dental floss / mouthwash
🧼 Body wash / soap
🧴 Deodorant – Choose strong, sweatproof formulas
🪒 Razor + cream
💅 Nail kit
✂️ Tweezers
🌸 Perfume / cologne
🧻 Cotton rounds / tissues
📱 Tech & Electronics
📱 Phone + charger
💻 Laptop / tablet + charger
📸 Camera + memory card
🔋 Power bank – Must-have in Tokyo
🔌 Charging cords
🔊 Bluetooth speaker – Optional
🌍 Universal adapter (Type A/B – same as USA!)
💾 USB / hard drive
🗺️ Offline maps & apps
💽 SIM card / pocket Wi-Fi – Rent at Narita or Haneda
📖 E-reader + charger
🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones
📱 Waterproof phone case – In case of typhoons
🎧 Entertainment
📚 Books / e-books – For flights and trains
📺 Downloaded shows / movies
🎧 Playlists & podcasts
📓 Travel journal or sketchbook
🃏 Card games
📱 Streaming apps preloaded
📰 Magazines – For café downtime
🎒 Extras
🍫 Snacks / protein bars
🚰 Reusable water bottle – Tap water is safe
🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – For Don Quijote & convenience stores
🧴 Travel laundry detergent
🧵 Mini sewing kit
📣 Safety whistle
🧽 Lint roller
🦶 Inflatable footrest
👃 Shoe deodorizer
💤 Sleep aid (melatonin or natural)
✈️ Travel Tips
✔️ Check baggage rules (especially for domestic trains)
✔️ Confirm hotel check-in times (many are strict)
✔️ Download Suica/Pasmo card apps
✔️ Pack a day-one outfit in carry-on
✔️ Take pics of luggage & contents
✔️ Set up mobile bank alerts
🛂 Visa Tips
🛂 Check Japan’s current entry rules
🛂 Print visa copies if needed
🛂 Bring passport photos
🛂 Show return ticket + hotel info
🛂 Check customs rules (food items restricted)
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
🛂 Passport + photocopies
🧾 Travel insurance
📇 Emergency contact sheet
💳 Debit/credit cards + yen
📱 Phone + charger + adapter
🧼 Personal hygiene kit
🗺️ Offline maps + hotel address
🧳 Lightweight day bag
🚰 Reusable water bottle
👍 Good-to-Have Items
💧 Hydration powders (like Liquid I.V.)
🧺 Travel steamer
😴 Eye mask
🎧 Noise-canceling earbuds
🧣 Travel blanket
💤 Neck pillow
🏷️ Luggage tag
☔ Mini umbrella
📶 Local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi
🛍️ Extra tote for Tokyo shopping
