Planning a family trip to Japan is incredibly exciting. Japan is our favourite country in the world, and top of our wishlist (even when we’ve only just got back from a visit!) which is why my Japan packing checklist is one of my handiest, and most used, tools.
Knowing what to pack for Japan can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re travelling with kids. From navigating Japan’s weather to understanding cultural norms and making sure you have the right tech, enough layers and even a few snacks… packing for Japan takes strategy! And in the week before we fly, it feels like a full-time job for me.
As a travelling family, we’ve visited Japan with young kids three times, and we’ve currently planning our fourth trip for March 2026. We didn’t get everything right first time. But now? I don’t think it’s bragging to say that we’ve finally perfected our Japan family packing checklist.
Below, you’ll find the most complete Japan packing list for families in 2026. We don’t have babies and toddlers any more, but I have included some baby items and toddler essentials. I’ve also spoken to my oldest son to make sure I’ve included what teens really want you to pack, as well as a section on what you can safely leave at home (because yes, Japan really is a convenience-store paradise).
And if you want this in printable checklist form, then i’ve got that covered too! I’ve created an epic, beautifully designed Japan Family Packing List you can download for free. I use it myself and it’s perfect for ticking off each item as you pack.
Download it here (FREE!)
This new checklist includes:
Full packing list Family travel tips Japan cheat sheet My exclusive Klook discount code to save on attractions & transport!
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
What To Pack For Japan And Why It Matters (Especially With Kids)
Japan is safe, clean, and extremely convenient. These are some of the things that make us love Japan so much! But it also has a few quirks that may surprise families:
- Hotels often have small rooms (in some, you might not be able to open your suitcase!)
- Convenience stores sell everything…. but they’re unlikely to have the brands you recognise
- You’ll walk 10,000–20,000 steps a day. So if you’re feet aren’t happy, you’ll be miserable!
- The weather varies dramatically between seasons. In fact the seasonal variations are much more extreme than here in the UK.
- The public transport in Japan is efficient, but it’s also crowded. Getting around the country with prams and luggage will need strategic planning.
This guide will help you pack smart, save space, and avoid last-minute scrambling.
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The Ultimate Japan Packing Checklist
Below is my full, ultimate family packing checklist for Japan. This is based on years of travel with trips and specifically, three family trips to Japan. I’ve also added TONNES of links to the actual things we pack if you’re missing anything, or you need inspiration.
You can keep reading here or, if you’d rather have something you can tick off as you’re packing at home, grab the printable version with checkboxes. Download the free printable Japan packing checklist here.
1. Essential Documents & Money
These are the non-negotiables for travelling to Japan:
Travel Essentials
- Passports (check these have at least 6 months validity from your arrival date)
- Visas (not needed if you’re travelling from the UK, but they are from some countries)
- Visit Japan Web Arrival card (you complete this BEFORE you arrive using this link)
- Japan Rail Pass (Not all travellers will need these, but if travelling across Japan and you’re booking the JR Pass, we buy ours via Klook)
- Printed itinerary and accommodation addresses (this isn’t mandatory, but we find this so helpful for taxis or if we get lost and need to ask for directions!)
- Travel insurance documents
- Vaccination records
Book your JR Pass or regional rail passes on Klook to save.
🎁 Use the code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK to get a 5% discount on all Klook bookings
Money & Payments
People often ask if you need cash or card in Japan, as Japan has a reputation for being a cash-based society. Things are changing, and you can use card in most places, but you will need cash in small shops and local shrines.
- Debit/credit card with no foreign fees (We use Wise)
- ¥10,000–¥20,000 cash for small shops
- ICOCA/Suica/Pasmo transport cards
2. Clothing to Pack for Japan (by Season)
Japan’s weather swings from icy winters to humid summers. I think the best time to visit is Spring, if you’re looking for the best weather. But regardless of when you travel, here’s what to pack:
Spring (March–May)
- Layers: T-shirts, cardigans, light fleece
- Light waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat for the sun
- 1–2 warm layers for cooler evenings
Summer (June–August)
- Breathable cotton clothing
- UV-protective tops for kids
- Sun hats
- Sandals or mesh shoes
- Portable handheld fan
- Cooling towels and cooling neck rings (these are absolute lifesavers!)
Autumn (September–November)
- Layers and light knitwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket or fleece
Winter (December–February)
- Warm coat
- Heattech layers
- Gloves, hats, scarves
- Waterproof shoes
- Thick socks for cold days
MUM TIP: Because Japan’s weather varies by region and can be unpredictable, I recommend that you pack layers and check temperatures in the weeks leading up to your trip.
3. Toiletries & Personal Care
Japan sells many toiletries, but not always western brands — or child-friendly versions. So if you’re child has sensitive skin (my youngest has eczema, for example) or if you have younger kids that best suit a particular brand of nappy or wet wipe, then I recommend you bring what you need with you.
Must-Pack Toiletries
- Shampoo/conditioner (travel size to save space)
- Body wash and body lotion
- Toothpaste (Japan’s fluoride % is lower, so we always bring our own)
- Tooth brushes
- Hairbrushes & hair ties
- Sunscreen (essential year-round)
- Kids’ sunscreen
- Make up and travel sized skincare (I couldn’t be without mine, but you may prefer to leave yours behind to save space)
Baby/Toddler Toiletries
- Nappies
- Baby wipes
- Nappy rash cream
- Lotion (Japan’s baby creams are good, but unfamiliar brands won’t work for everyone)
- Portable/fold up potty if you’re training a toddler
Medicines (bring your own!)
- Pack any perscription medication you take on a regular basis
- Painkillers (paracetamol, asprin, etc)
- Kids’ paracetamol/ibuprofen (We don’t travel anywhere without Calpol!)
- Plasters and antiseptic wipes
- Antihistamines
- Rehydration sachets and Immodium
- Motion sickness tablets
👉MUM TIP: Japanese pharmacies are excellent, but they staff generally don’t speak English, and the brands will be unfamiliar. This can feel overwhelming/stressful, especially if you have a sick kid! So it’s better to bring your own supplies
4. Baby & Toddler Gear for Japan
Japan is buggy-friendly in most places, but small restaurants and station staircases can be tricky to navigate with a pram. If you have a very small child, I would consider the convenience of baby wearing instead!
Recommended Gear
- Lightweight travel stroller (ideally one-handed fold)
- Baby carrier (a must!)
- Travel changing mat
- Compact diaper bag
- Collapsible water bottle
- Travel high-chair seat (these can make dinner time easier if your toddler won’t sit still!)
A Note on Nappies/Diapers
Japan sells great nappies, but size availability varies, and brands can be unfamiliar. I recommend that you bring enough for the first 3–4 days, so that if you do plan to shop for nappies, you have the time to shop around and find what’s going to work best for you.
5. Family Tech & Electronics
Japan is tech heaven! One of the things my 9 and 13 year old boys like to do on our trips is to check out all the tech goodies. But don’t forget:
Must-Have Tech
- UK-to-Japan travel adaptor
- Phone charger
- Power bank (for charging your phone on the go!)
- Bar adapter (it sounds odd, but with so many things to charge, we love these for hotel rooms that don’t have enough plug sockets!)
- Apple AirTags for kids’ bags (I love the security of always knowing where the boys are!)
- Noise-cancelling headphones (my boys have these ones for long flights)
- SIM card or portable WiFi (We use Sim Local: you can read why here)
- Tablets/games consoles for the kids (My boys both have a Nintendo Switch)
Order your Japan SIM card from Sim Local
🎁 Use code MUMTRAVELLIFE to get 5% off
6. Snacks & Food Items
Convenience stores in Japan are amazing and I could eat out of them for every meal (In fact, there have been days when we have!) But picky eaters may need to see some familiar foods as they adjust to Japanese cuisine and for that reason I recommend packing:
- Pouches for toddlers
- Dry cereal
- Granola bars
- Allergy-friendly snacks
- Reusable snack bags (so you can store half eaten snacks without them falling all over your bag!)
7. Packing Cubes & Organisation
This makes family travel so much easier. We each have our own packing cube, our own wash bag, our own backpacks and even our own laundry bags. They all go in the same suitcase, but it helps me to know where everything is (and what we’re running low on!):
- Packing cubes (1 per family member)
- Laundry bag
- Zip pouches for toiletries
- Day pack for outings
8. What NOT to Pack for Japan
Save space by skipping:
- Too many clothes. We pack enough for a week, then stop to wash our clothes (so we don’t have to lug heavy suitcases from hotel to hotel)
- Bulky towels (Japanese hotels always provide these)
- Toiletries you can buy cheaply (unless you need them due to skin sensitivities)
- Big prams
- Hairdryers (hotels provide these too)
Free Printable: Japan Packing Checklist for Families (2026 Edition)
To make packing easier, I’ve created a beautiful, printable checklist you can download for free.
All packing categories Tick-off boxes Seasonal clothing guide What not to pack Exclusive Japan discount code for Klook Bonus pre-trip checklist
Download your free Japan packing list here!
This is the exact download I use to pack for our own Japan trips, and it’s perfect for first-time families who are feeling a little overwhelmed, or those planning a 2026 adventure like us!
Where to Save Money in Japan (With My Klook Code)
As a family, we always book our Japan attractions, rail passes, and SIM cards through Klook. They’re reliable, easy to use, and often cheaper. Which is why I became a Klook Kreator, so that I could offer an exclusive discount to you guys. When you book with Klook and use the code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK you’ll save 5% on almost everything!
Here are essentials families usually book:
Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Tickets
Click here to get the best prices and book your tickets with Klook
Universal Studios Japan Tickets
Book your tickets with Klook today to avoid disappointment (tickets sell out fast)
TeamLab Planets Tokyo Tickets
Book tickets here and choose the earliest time slots for the best experience
JR Pass / Rail Passes
Airport transfers
Read my advice about all the different airport transfer options in Tokyo here
I’ve also included my discount code inside the downloadable checklist, so make sure to grab it!
Final Tips for Packing for Japan With Kids
If you’ve made it this far then congratulations, you really are serious about getting that Japan packing done! Here are my final tips for packing for Japan with kids:
- Start packing 7–10 days before your flight. Last minute packing is never a good idea.
- Keep a “Japan basket” where you add items as you think of them, or in my case, when you’ve washed them and they’re fresh out of the laundry.
- Bring an extra foldable tote for souvenirs
- Download offline maps and translations, just in case you can’t get online
- Always carry a mini first-aid kit: the thing parents hope they won’t need but are glad to have!
- Pack extra layers for kids. Because the temperatures can be so unpredictable, you’ll thank yourself later!
Happy packing, and I hope you have an amazing trip to Japan! Keep reading here because I’ve got endless articles all about visiting Japan with kids to help you plan your trip. And I love to hear from you guys, so please let me know in the comments if you found this packing list helpful!
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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!