What to pack for Japan in spring

With cherry blossoms adorning the sceneries and festivals infusing every corner with joy, there’s simply no better time to visit Japan than spring. Experiencing the country during Sakura full bloom was a big dream of mine, so I put a lot of effort into crafting a perfect itinerary aligned with blooming dates. I also put a lot of thought into packing. I wanted to feel elegant, comfortable and stylish, while being prepared for Japan’s unpredictable spring weather. Although I got it mostly right, there were things I wish I’d done differently. So, I curated this comprehensive guide on what to pack for Japan in spring. It’s filled with the inspiration and practical tips to plan your cherry blossom season outfits.

What to pack for Japan in spring

When packing for Japan in spring, versatility is key. The weather can be unpredictable, ranging from sunny days to sudden showers and cooler evenings. Last year, temperatures during the day averaged between 15 to 23°C, with cooler nights around 5 to 10°C. To stay comfortable throughout the day, bring layers that you can easily add or remove as needed. I got fooled by morning temperatures and didn’t bring a coat a couple of days. As soon as the sun set, I had to rush back to the hotel and grab something warmer than the sweater or jacket I had on during the day.

It’s good to know that Japan’s fashion scene is diverse and exciting. Individuality is mostly welcomed, and you’ll see people dressing up in a myriad of different ways, from traditional kimonos to manga characters style. However, most people wear modest and neutral outfits. So, being mindful of local customs and dress codes, I’d recommend avoiding short and revealing clothes. Neutral tones like gray, black, navy, and cream are popular among Japanese fashion enthusiasts, but don’t hesitate to add pops of color to your ensemble to stand out tastefully. It’s spring after all!

Below you’ll find practical tips and inspiration on what pack for Japan in spring. Outfits may not be priority 1 when planning a trip, but it’s a pretty big deal, right ladies?

Toiletries

Toiletries are packing essentials, and these are the items I swear by:

• Make-up essentials: Channel ultra le teint foundation, Channel les beiges blush, Channel le volum mascara and Charlotte Tilburry lispstick
• Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
• Skin-care: Kiehls ultra facial moisturizer, ultra facial cleanser and midnight serum
• Sunscreen: Dr. Ceuracles facial sunscreen is my absolute favorite
• Moisturizer
• Lip balm: I’m addicted to bepanthen but always bring my laneige lip balm
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Razor

Electronics

Some electronic items play a huge role in ensuring your trip goes smoothly. First up, an international power adapter is an absolute lifesaver. Trust me, I’ve traveled far and wide, and recommend these gems:

• Hair dryer: Although most hotels offer hair dryer, they are never as good as your own. I love my Dyson supersonic as it’s light and easy to bring on trips
• Portable power banks: I recommend always bringing a portable charger while traveling
• Universal plug adaptor: You’ll need an universal adaptor while traveling in Japan
• Headphones: I’ve had my Sony headphones for years and they never disppoint
• Camera: Canon EOF R5 is the best travel camera in my opinion
• Kindle: I love to read and always have a Kindle, physical book or audio book in hands

Miscelanous

• Backpack: I bring my Kipling backpack along in basically all trips and never get tired of it
• Swimsuit for onsen bathing: You must bring a swimsuit to enjoy Japanese onsen culture
• Water bottle: I bring my Lifestraw bottle everywhere I go
• Picnic items for Hanami: A picninc blanket is an item you’ll use a lot if you’re traveling during cherry blossom season
• Socks

Dos and don’ts of what to pack for Japan in spring

Dos: Forget what they say about neutral and black tones in Japan. Do dress up and indulge in pastel colorful items. Chose comfort, but make sure you’ll look stylish and cute during your cherry blossom season!

Don’ts: Overpack, as it’s likely that you’ll be commuting by train, and you’ll will need to carry your bag up and down the stations. Most train stations in Japan do not offer elevator, and it was a real pain to carry my heavy bag up long staircases. So, listen to my friendly advice and pack only what you need.

What luggage to bring to Japan?

When it comes to the luggage itself, opt for something lightweight, durable and easy to maneuver. My Samsonite luggage has served me well over the last couple of years and I totally recommend getting it if you don’t already have a trusted luggage.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve become an advocate for AirTags, and for good reason. In the midst of my travels, my bag has gotten lost a few times and the tags were a really great help to identify location.

I’ve become a fan of Air tags over the last years. My bag got lost at least a couple of times and it was a really great help to have an air tag to identify location. So, I recommend investing in a set of Airtags, as the peace of mind with it is priceless. Thanks me later!

Documents you need to bring to Japan

• Passport: Ensure validity for at least six months beyond your stay. Keep backup photocopies or digital scans in your email, as you may need it!
• Cash and Cards: Carry a mix of Japanese yen and international cards; cash useful in smaller establishments but card is acceptable in most places. We recommend Wise Card to avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency.
• Visa: There are visa restrictions. Check which nationalities need to apply for a visa to Japan.
• Travel Insurance: Not mandatory, however, we recommend always traveling insured to avoid extra costs and headache. Heymondo offers great service and you can get 5% off using this link!
• Travel Documents: Pack photocopies or digital backups of passport, visa, insurance policy, and accommodation reservations for added security.