Planning a summer adventure to Tokyo and not sure what to pack? This Tokyo summer packing list blends breathable fashion, cultural etiquette, and smart travel gear — so you stay cool, respectful, and ready to explore Japan’s most dazzling city.
Weather Overview 🌡️
Tokyo summers (June–August) are hot, humid, and often rainy.
Temperatures hover between 80–95°F (27–35°C) with high humidity and sudden downpours — especially during rainy season (June) and typhoon season (late August).
Think light layers, UV protection, and plenty of sweat-proof items.
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
🧳 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 (1) – Compact & train station friendly
- 🧳 Checked luggage (if needed) – Room for Don Quijote and Uniqlo hauls
- 👜 Duffle bag – For overnight trips to Kyoto or Mt. Fuji
- 🎒 Lightweight backpack or tote – Essential for day trips and shopping
- 🎒 Daypack / personal item – Must for Shinkansen rides
- 📦 Packing cubes – For layering in humid weather
- 👟 Shoe bags – Tokyo = lots of walking
- 💄 Makeup bag – Heatproof essentials only
- 🚿 Waterproof hanging toiletry bag – Capsule hotels & ryokans ready
- 📁 Document organizer / travel wallet – Keep rail passes + yen organized
- 🛍️ Collapsible tote – For convenience store hauls or tax-free shopping
- 🧺 Laundry bag or kit – Humidity means more laundry
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Don’t risk overweight fees at Narita
- 🔒 Small lock – For lockers or hostels
- 🧷 Zipper pouch – Organize yen coins or train tickets
- 🧼 Quick-dry towel – Useful in hot springs or onsen day trips
- 💤 Inflatable neck pillow – Tokyo to Osaka ride = nap time
- 😴 Sleep mask / eye mask – For jet lag or bright capsule pods
👗 Clothes
- 👕 T-shirts (3–4) – Moisture-wicking preferred
- 👚 Casual tops (2–3) – Modest necklines, light fabrics
- 👔 Blouses / dress shirts (1–2) – For upscale dining or shopping
- 🧥 Light cardigan / wrap (1) – For AC-heavy trains and malls
- 🧥 Blazer or light jacket (1) – Optional for a dressed-up look
- 👖 Lightweight pants (1–2 pairs) – Flowy culottes, linen trousers
- 🩳 Long shorts / bermudas (1–2 pairs) – Keep it tasteful
- 👗 Dresses / jumpsuits (2–3) – Midi-length works best
- 🧥 Packable rain jacket or umbrella (1) – A must for summer showers
- 🏃 Activewear (1 set) – For exploring Meiji Jingu or gym visits
- 🛏️ Pajamas / sleepwear – Light cotton for humid nights
- 👙 Swimsuits (1–2) – For hotel pools or beach escapes
- 🩱 Swimsuit cover-up (1) – Optional
- 🩲 Underwear (7 pairs) – Breathable & sweat-wicking
- 👙 Bras (3) – Include one strapless
- 🧦 Socks (4 pairs) – Especially for temples (shoes off!)
- 🧤 Tights / hosiery – Optional but common under skirts
💆 Skincare
- 🧼 Cleanser – Gentle & anti-humidity
- 💧 Toner – Hydrate after a long subway ride
- 🧴 Moisturizer – Gel-based to avoid grease
- ☀️ Sunscreen (face + body) – High SPF, PA+++
- 🧽 Makeup remover – Micellar water or wipes
- 🧼 Exfoliator – Light scrub for humid buildup
- 👁️ Eye cream – Jet lag relief
- 💦 Facial mist – Great for cooling off
- 😷 Sheet masks (1–2) – Treat yourself Tokyo-style
- 💋 Lip balm (SPF) – Essential in AC
- 🎯 Spot treatment – Keep breakouts at bay
💄 Makeup
- 🧴 BB cream / cushion compact – SPF + sweat-friendly
- ✨ Concealer – Lightweight + long-wear
- 🧂 Powder – Blotting or pressed
- 🌸 Blush – Cream or tint
- ✨ Highlighter – Subtle shimmer for glowy pics
- 🌞 Bronzer – Skip or keep it light
- 🎨 Eyeshadow palette – Neutral or soft color pop
- ✒️ Eyeliner – Waterproof, for sure
- 👁️ Mascara – Heat-proof
- 🪞 Eyebrow pencil / gel – Bold brows are big in Tokyo
- 💄 Lipstick / gloss – Pink, coral, or soft red
- ✏️ Lip liner – Optional
- 💋 Lip primer – Optional
- 💦 Setting spray – Locks your look through heat + humidity
- 🖌️ Brushes / sponge – Compact, heat-safe
💇 Hair
- 💇 Hairbrush / comb – Anti-static
- 🎀 Hair ties, clips, bobby pins – Must for humidity
- 🧴 Shampoo & conditioner (travel size) – Japanese brands = 👌
- 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Especially with fringe or bangs
- 🔥 Heat protectant spray – Styling safe
- 💁 Styling cream / serum – Smooth frizz + add shine
- 💨 Mini blow dryer – Most hotels provide one
- 🧳 Mini flat iron / curling wand – Compact styles win
- ✨ Hair oil – Great in humid climate
- 🎀 Hair accessories – Claw clips, scrunchies, bow barrettes
👠 Shoes & Accessories
- 👟 Sneakers (1 pair) – Must for endless walking
- 🩴 Sandals / flats (1 pair) – Stylish + breathable
- 👠 Dress shoes (1 pair) – For fancy dinners or SkyTree views
- 🧢 Hat / cap – Packable for sun protection
- 🧣 Scarf – For temple visits or layering
- 🕶️ Sunglasses + case – Lightweight, UV protection
- 💍 Jewelry – Keep it minimal and refined
- ⌚ Watch – Punctuality is big in Japan
- 👜 Day purse + evening clutch – Crossbody = ideal
- 🌂 Compact umbrella – EVERY local has one in summer
🧾 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport + copies – Required by law to carry
- 📄 Japan visa (if needed) – Many countries = visa-free
- 🪪 Driver’s license / ID – For rentals or age ID
- 🩺 Travel insurance info – Printed + digital copy
- 💊 Health insurance card – Just in case
- 🛬 Flight boarding passes – App + print backup
- 🏨 Hotel confirmation – Needed for check-ins
- 🚄 JR Pass / Suica card – Must for transit
- 🗺️ Offline maps + transit apps – Google Maps + Navitime
- 💳 Credit + debit cards – IC card + yen needed too
- 💴 Emergency cash (¥10,000–20,000) – Many spots are cash-only
- 📞 Emergency contact list – Local & home contacts
- 🖊️ Pen + mini notebook – You’ll need a pen for customs!
- 📘 Language app / phrasebook – Google Translate saves the day
- 🔑 House keys – Safe in zipped pouch
- 👛 Wallet – Compact and coin-friendly
- 💎 Valuables – In carry-on only
🩹 First Aid
- 🩹 Bandaids – Blister city
- 💊 Antibiotic ointment – Small tube
- 🧽 Antiseptic wipes – For hands or cuts
- 🩹 Gauze pads – Minimal set
- 🦶 Blister pads – High-walk days
- ✂️ Tweezers – Splinters or stray hairs
- 🩼 First aid tape – Lightweight roll
- 🌡️ Thermometer – Compact digital
- ✂️ Mini scissors – TSA-safe
- 💡 Q-tips / cotton balls – Always helpful
💊 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescription meds – In original bottles, with documents
- 🤕 Pain relievers – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- 🌸 Allergy meds – Tokyo’s summer pollen is real
- 🌊 Motion sickness meds – Bullet trains or boats
- 🧻 Stomach meds – Jet lag and new cuisine = surprise
- 💊 Vitamins / supplements – Optional
- 🩸 Feminine hygiene products – Japanese stores have limited variety
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Keep it handy
- 🧽 Disinfecting wipes – Wipe those train handrails
- 🦟 Bug spray – For outdoor nights
- 💊 Birth control / Plan B – Bring from home
- 👁️ Eye drops – Air-con = dry eyes
- 👓 Contacts + solution – Travel size
- 🪞 Travel mirror – Capsule hotel essential
- 🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Hotels don’t always provide
- 🧵 Floss / mouthwash – Optional
- 🧼 Body wash / soap – Japanese soaps = awesome, but BYO if picky
- 🧴 Deodorant – Bring strong, non-spray type
- 🪒 Razor + cream – For onsen-ready legs
- 💅 Nail file + clippers – Handy
- ✂️ Tweezers – Multipurpose
- 🌸 Perfume – Use lightly — locals avoid strong scents
- 🧻 Tissues / cotton pads – Many public restrooms don’t supply
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Phone + charger – With local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi
- 💻 Laptop / tablet + charger – Optional
- 📸 Camera + SD card + charger – For shrine shots + Shibuya
- 🔋 Power bank – Long Tokyo days drain battery fast
- 🔌 Charging cords – For all your devices
- 🔊 Bluetooth speaker – Optional for Airbnb stays
- 🔌 Travel adapter (Type A/B) – Same as U.S., 100V
- 💾 USB / hard drive – Optional backup
- 🗺️ Transit apps – Japan Travel by Navitime or Google Maps
- 🌐 Pocket Wi-Fi / SIM card – Get at airport or order in advance
- 📚 E-reader – For temple gardens + train rides
- 🎧 Headphones / earbuds – Noise-cancelling = bonus
- 📱 Waterproof phone pouch – Great for theme parks
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Books / e-books – Japan-set reads = chef’s kiss
- 🎬 Downloaded shows/movies – For chill time
- 🎧 Podcasts / playlists – Japanese city pop? Yes
- 📓 Journal / sketchbook – Tokyo is pure inspiration
- 🃏 Card games / travel games – Capsule downtime
- 📲 Streaming subscriptions – Download before flying
- 📰 Magazines – Bonus: check out Japanese fashion mags!
🎒 Extras
- 🍫 Snacks / protein bars – In case of language barrier meals
- 💧 Reusable water bottle – Fill up from vending machines
- 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – Plastic bags cost extra
- 🧺 Laundry detergent – If staying longer
- 🧵 Mini sewing kit – Wardrobe fix
- 📣 Safety whistle – Solo traveler safety
- 👚 Lint roller – Compact version
- 🦶 Inflatable footrest – Long-haul flight comfort
- 👟 Shoe deodorizer – Humidity + shoes = eek
- 🌙 Sleep aid (melatonin) – For the jet lag
✈️ Travel Tips
- ✅ Learn a few Japanese phrases (hello, thank you, excuse me)
- ✅ Always carry cash — many places are still cash-only
- ✅ Respect public etiquette: quiet on trains, no phone calls
- ✅ Keep passport on you — it’s required by law
- ✅ Wear slip-on shoes for easy temple access
- ✅ Download Google Translate + Japan Travel apps
- ✅ Use lockers for luggage — they’re everywhere
🛂 Visa Tips
- ✅ US, EU, UK, AUS: No visa needed for short stays
- ✅ Have proof of return flight + hotel
- ✅ Bring travel insurance docs
- ✅ Be ready to show itinerary at immigration
- ✅ Some meds are banned — research in advance
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
- 🛂 Passport + printed copies
- 💳 Credit/debit cards + yen cash
- 📱 Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card
- 🩺 Travel insurance & health docs
- 👜 Lightweight day bag
- 💧 Water bottle
- 🗺️ Apps downloaded + train route plans
- 👗 Stylish but modest outfits
👍 Good-to-Have Items
- 💦 Hydration powder
- 🧼 Travel steamer
- 😴 Eye mask + earplugs
- 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones
- 🛏️ Travel blanket
- 💤 Neck pillow
- 🏷️ Luggage tags
- ☔ Compact umbrella
- 📶 Pocket Wi-Fi rental
- 🛍️ Extra tote for souvenirs
