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 β so you stay cool, respectful, and ready to explore Japanβs most dazzling city.
Weather Overview π‘οΈ
Tokyo summers (JuneβAugust) are hot, humid, and often rainy.
Temperatures hover between 80β95Β°F (27β35Β°C) with high humidity and sudden downpours β 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 π
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Hereβs 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
𧳠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
- 𧳠Carry-on suitcase (1) β Compact & train station friendly
- 𧳠Checked luggage (if needed) β Room for Don Quijote and Uniqlo hauls
- π Duffle bag β For overnight trips to Kyoto or Mt. Fuji
- π Lightweight backpack or tote β Essential for day trips and shopping
- π Daypack / personal item β Must for Shinkansen rides
- π¦ Packing cubes β For layering in humid weather
- π Shoe bags β Tokyo = lots of walking
- π Makeup bag β Heatproof essentials only
- πΏ Waterproof hanging toiletry bag β Capsule hotels & ryokans ready
- π Document organizer / travel wallet β Keep rail passes + yen organized
- ποΈ Collapsible tote β For convenience store hauls or tax-free shopping
- π§Ί Laundry bag or kit β Humidity means more laundry
- βοΈ Luggage scale β Donβt risk overweight fees at Narita
- π Small lock β For lockers or hostels
- π§· Zipper pouch β Organize yen coins or train tickets
- π§Ό Quick-dry towel β Useful in hot springs or onsen day trips
- π€ Inflatable neck pillow β Tokyo to Osaka ride = nap time
- π΄ Sleep mask / eye mask β For jet lag or bright capsule pods
π Clothes
- π T-shirts (3β4) β Moisture-wicking preferred
- π Casual tops (2β3) β Modest necklines, light fabrics
- π Blouses / dress shirts (1β2) β For upscale dining or shopping
- π§₯ Light cardigan / wrap (1) β For AC-heavy trains and malls
- π§₯ Blazer or light jacket (1) β Optional for a dressed-up look
- π Lightweight pants (1β2 pairs) β Flowy culottes, linen trousers
- π©³ Long shorts / bermudas (1β2 pairs) β Keep it tasteful
- π Dresses / jumpsuits (2β3) β Midi-length works best
- π§₯ Packable rain jacket or umbrella (1) β A must for summer showers
- π Activewear (1 set) β For exploring Meiji Jingu or gym visits
- ποΈ Pajamas / sleepwear β Light cotton for humid nights
- π Swimsuits (1β2) β For hotel pools or beach escapes
- π©± Swimsuit cover-up (1) β Optional
- π©² Underwear (7 pairs) β Breathable & sweat-wicking
- π Bras (3) β Include one strapless
- 𧦠Socks (4 pairs) β Especially for temples (shoes off!)
- 𧀠Tights / hosiery β Optional but common under skirts
π Skincare
- π§Ό Cleanser β Gentle & anti-humidity
- π§ Toner β Hydrate after a long subway ride
- 𧴠Moisturizer β Gel-based to avoid grease
- βοΈ Sunscreen (face + body) β High SPF, PA+++
- 𧽠Makeup remover β Micellar water or wipes
- π§Ό Exfoliator β Light scrub for humid buildup
- ποΈ Eye cream β Jet lag relief
- π¦ Facial mist β Great for cooling off
- π· Sheet masks (1β2) β Treat yourself Tokyo-style
- π Lip balm (SPF) β Essential in AC
- π― Spot treatment β Keep breakouts at bay
π Makeup
- 𧴠BB cream / cushion compact β SPF + sweat-friendly
- β¨ Concealer β Lightweight + long-wear
- π§ Powder β Blotting or pressed
- πΈ Blush β Cream or tint
- β¨ Highlighter β Subtle shimmer for glowy pics
- π Bronzer β Skip or keep it light
- π¨ Eyeshadow palette β Neutral or soft color pop
- βοΈ Eyeliner β Waterproof, for sure
- ποΈ Mascara β Heat-proof
- πͺ Eyebrow pencil / gel β Bold brows are big in Tokyo
- π Lipstick / gloss β Pink, coral, or soft red
- βοΈ Lip liner β Optional
- π Lip primer β Optional
- π¦ Setting spray β Locks your look through heat + humidity
- ποΈ Brushes / sponge β Compact, heat-safe
π Hair
- π Hairbrush / comb β Anti-static
- π Hair ties, clips, bobby pins β Must for humidity
- 𧴠Shampoo & conditioner (travel size) β Japanese brands = π
- π¬οΈ Dry shampoo β Especially with fringe or bangs
- π₯ Heat protectant spray β Styling safe
- π Styling cream / serum β Smooth frizz + add shine
- π¨ Mini blow dryer β Most hotels provide one
- 𧳠Mini flat iron / curling wand β Compact styles win
- β¨ Hair oil β Great in humid climate
- π Hair accessories β Claw clips, scrunchies, bow barrettes
π Shoes & Accessories
- π Sneakers (1 pair) β Must for endless walking
- π©΄ Sandals / flats (1 pair) β Stylish + breathable
- π Dress shoes (1 pair) β For fancy dinners or SkyTree views
- π§’ Hat / cap β Packable for sun protection
- 𧣠Scarf β For temple visits or layering
- πΆοΈ Sunglasses + case β Lightweight, UV protection
- π Jewelry β Keep it minimal and refined
- β Watch β Punctuality is big in Japan
- π Day purse + evening clutch β Crossbody = ideal
- π Compact umbrella β EVERY local has one in summer
π§Ύ Documents & Essentials
- π Passport + copies β Required by law to carry
- π Japan visa (if needed) β Many countries = visa-free
- πͺͺ Driverβs license / ID β For rentals or age ID
- π©Ί Travel insurance info β Printed + digital copy
- π Health insurance card β Just in case
- π¬ Flight boarding passes β App + print backup
- π¨ Hotel confirmation β Needed for check-ins
- π JR Pass / Suica card β Must for transit
- πΊοΈ Offline maps + transit apps β Google Maps + Navitime
- π³ Credit + debit cards β IC card + yen needed too
- π΄ Emergency cash (Β₯10,000β20,000) β Many spots are cash-only
- π Emergency contact list β Local & home contacts
- ποΈ Pen + mini notebook β Youβll need a pen for customs!
- π Language app / phrasebook β Google Translate saves the day
- π House keys β Safe in zipped pouch
- π Wallet β Compact and coin-friendly
- π Valuables β In carry-on only
π©Ή First Aid
- π©Ή Bandaids β Blister city
- π Antibiotic ointment β Small tube
- 𧽠Antiseptic wipes β For hands or cuts
- π©Ή Gauze pads β Minimal set
- π¦Ά Blister pads β High-walk days
- βοΈ Tweezers β Splinters or stray hairs
- π©Ό First aid tape β Lightweight roll
- π‘οΈ Thermometer β Compact digital
- βοΈ Mini scissors β TSA-safe
- π‘ Q-tips / cotton balls β Always helpful
π Health & Hygiene
- π Prescription meds β In original bottles, with documents
- π€ Pain relievers β Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- πΈ Allergy meds β Tokyoβs summer pollen is real
- π Motion sickness meds β Bullet trains or boats
- 𧻠Stomach meds β Jet lag and new cuisine = surprise
- π Vitamins / supplements β Optional
- π©Έ Feminine hygiene products β Japanese stores have limited variety
- 𧴠Hand sanitizer β Keep it handy
- 𧽠Disinfecting wipes β Wipe those train handrails
- π¦ Bug spray β For outdoor nights
- π Birth control / Plan B β Bring from home
- ποΈ Eye drops β Air-con = dry eyes
- π Contacts + solution β Travel size
- πͺ Travel mirror β Capsule hotel essential
- πͺ₯ Toothbrush + toothpaste β Hotels donβt always provide
- 𧡠Floss / mouthwash β Optional
- π§Ό Body wash / soap β Japanese soaps = awesome, but BYO if picky
- 𧴠Deodorant β Bring strong, non-spray type
- πͺ Razor + cream β For onsen-ready legs
- π Nail file + clippers β Handy
- βοΈ Tweezers β Multipurpose
- πΈ Perfume β Use lightly β locals avoid strong scents
- 𧻠Tissues / cotton pads β Many public restrooms donβt supply
π± Tech & Electronics
- π± Phone + charger β With local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi
- π» Laptop / tablet + charger β Optional
- πΈ Camera + SD card + charger β For shrine shots + Shibuya
- π Power bank β Long Tokyo days drain battery fast
- π Charging cords β For all your devices
- π Bluetooth speaker β Optional for Airbnb stays
- π Travel adapter (Type A/B) β Same as U.S., 100V
- πΎ USB / hard drive β Optional backup
- πΊοΈ Transit apps β Japan Travel by Navitime or Google Maps
- π Pocket Wi-Fi / SIM card β Get at airport or order in advance
- π E-reader β For temple gardens + train rides
- π§ Headphones / earbuds β Noise-cancelling = bonus
- π± Waterproof phone pouch β Great for theme parks
π§ Entertainment
- π Books / e-books β Japan-set reads = chefβs kiss
- π¬ Downloaded shows/movies β For chill time
- π§ Podcasts / playlists β Japanese city pop? Yes
- π Journal / sketchbook β Tokyo is pure inspiration
- π Card games / travel games β Capsule downtime
- π² Streaming subscriptions β Download before flying
- π° Magazines β Bonus: check out Japanese fashion mags!
π Extras
- π« Snacks / protein bars β In case of language barrier meals
- π§ Reusable water bottle β Fill up from vending machines
- ποΈ Foldable shopping bag β Plastic bags cost extra
- π§Ί Laundry detergent β If staying longer
- 𧡠Mini sewing kit β Wardrobe fix
- π£ Safety whistle β Solo traveler safety
- π Lint roller β Compact version
- π¦Ά Inflatable footrest β Long-haul flight comfort
- π Shoe deodorizer β Humidity + shoes = eek
- π Sleep aid (melatonin) β For the jet lag
βοΈ Travel Tips
- β Learn a few Japanese phrases (hello, thank you, excuse me)
- β Always carry cash β many places are still cash-only
- β Respect public etiquette: quiet on trains, no phone calls
- β Keep passport on you β itβs required by law
- β Wear slip-on shoes for easy temple access
- β Download Google Translate + Japan Travel apps
- β Use lockers for luggage β they’re everywhere
π Visa Tips
- β US, EU, UK, AUS: No visa needed for short stays
- β Have proof of return flight + hotel
- β Bring travel insurance docs
- β Be ready to show itinerary at immigration
- β Some meds are banned β research in advance
β Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
- π Passport + printed copies
- π³ Credit/debit cards + yen cash
- π± Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card
- π©Ί Travel insurance & health docs
- π Lightweight day bag
- π§ Water bottle
- πΊοΈ Apps downloaded + train route plans
- π Stylish but modest outfits
π Good-to-Have Items
- π¦ Hydration powder
- π§Ό Travel steamer
- π΄ Eye mask + earplugs
- π§ Noise-canceling headphones
- ποΈ Travel blanket
- π€ Neck pillow
- π·οΈ Luggage tags
- β Compact umbrella
- πΆ Pocket Wi-Fi rental
- ποΈ Extra tote for souvenirs
