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It can be a bit hard to know what to pack for summer in Japan. The first thing you should know is that it can get quite hot in the midst of summer, and with humidity coming on strong as well, you’ll want to wear as little as possible while still adhering to Japan’s modesty standards.
Like most countries temperatures vary from the north to the south, so this packing list for Japan in summer will give you a general overview on what to pack. However, in general the further north you go the lower the temperatures will be, even if just slightly. Same goes if you are visiting the mountain areas of Japan.
Packing for Japan in summer means you wont struggle so much with airline luggage limits and can probably get away with packing a few more items than mentioned below if you’re checking a bag.
As always with these packing lists I encourage packing light, especially if traveling independently as you’ll have to lug your suitcase or backpack around. This is even more important in summer as heavier luggage will make you sweat faster. The below packing list is aimed at a 2-4 week vacation.
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What you’ll read:
- Short seasonal descriptions and links to other packing lists for Japan
- What to wear in Japan in summer + what else to pack
- A few safety and health tips for traveling in Japan
- Sightseeing + hotel recommendations
What to Wear in Japan in Summer
- 1x sneakers: If you’re not planning to do any hiking you can leave these out.
- 1-3 pairs of flats / sandals: It’s going to be hot so I’d suggest only taking one pair of enclosed shoes with you, if any. Padding in the shoes is preferred if you’re doing a lot of walking, you’ll just have to search for some cute ones – look at styles here.
- 1 x Flipflops: For showers if you want them
- 1-3 x socks – only if you’re planning on bringing sneakers, however I’d suggest bringing one pair for when you have to take off your shoes at temples if you’re not comfortable going barefoot
- 6-10 pairs of underwear
- 3-5 bras
- 1-2 x Cute floppy hats
- 1 x Cardigan
- 4-7 x Tops: Depending on how much room you have in your luggage, 4-7 tops will be enough to pack for Japan in summer. If you don’t wear dresses consider adding more tops here. Think light fabrics, off the shoulder tops and atleast one top suitable as active-ware. Lowcut tops are not really appropriate, but short skirts and dresses are commonly worn here.
- 2-4 x Dresses: Again, personally choice, switch the number of dresses and tops around as you see fit. Short dresses are fine (although you’ll feel uncomfortable (and will get stared at) when entering certain temples and traditional areas so make sure you have atleast one knee length or longer dress.
- 2-4 x Bottoms: If you’re not packing dresses go for the upper limit. Remember you can hand wash in your sink or use the hotel’s laundry service. It’s best to keep luggage light as you’ll have to lug it around in the heat.
- Leggings x 1-2: 2 if you don’t have any appropriate hiking clothes and plan to be outdoors in nature a lot, and don’t have appropriate shorts.
What to Pack for Japan in Summer: Other Items
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Technology
- Phone + charger
- Your camera + lenses. I personally have the Sony a6500 + 19mm f2.8 + 35mm f1.8 combination.
- A charger for your camera and batteries
- An international adapter so you can plug in your appliances in Japan
- Portable charger – these are pretty cheap and come in handy if you need to charge your phone on the go
- 2-3 x 8GB or 16GB memory cards: I always recommend more than one memory card and to spread your photos out (or back up if you have access to a computer). This way if you loose one or it gets damaged, you still have atleast half of your photos.
Medical
- Any medicine you need. You’ll want to bring your prescription if you have one too.
- In original packaging, bring some medicine for an upset stomach, hay fever and dehydration (whatever is applicable).
Makeup & Toiletries
- Toothpaste (travel sized) + toothbrush
- Makeup (minimal to normal remembering its going to be hot)
- Travel sized shampoo and conditioner, or solid shampoo (can double as laundry detergent, hand soap)
- Deodorant
Everything Else
- 2+ bank cards. I always try to bring one mastercard and one visa as not all bank machines will accept both.
- Photocopies of your passport (leave one with family at home, the other in a separate spot to where you keep your passport). This is helpful if your passport ever gets stolen.
- Lock for your bag or locker.
Luggage
- Suitcase: suitable for travel in Japan.
- Backpack: keep in mind its summer and will be hot, so you wont want to be walking around with something too big. I’d recommend this 65L backpack.
When to Visit Japan: Weather and Seasons
Visiting in a different season?
Find the best packing list to fit your trip below.
What to pack in Spring in Japan (March, April, May): Spring is my favorite time to go pretty much anywhere, and Japan is particularly beautiful with a number of flowers coming out to bloom. See the spring Japan packing list here.
What to pack in Summer in Japan (June, July, August): Summer in Japan can get a little hot as I mentioned above so see if you can add some mountain or beach destinations to your list to escape the heat. Scroll down to see more information on packing for summer in Japan.
What to pack in Fall for Japan (September, October, November): Fall is another beautiful time to visit Japan with tempuratures just right. The colors in the trees start to come out and its makes everything that little bit prettier. See the Fall / Autumn packing list for Japan here.
What to pack in Winter in Japan (December, January, February): Winter is cold in Japan however there are a couple of places that shine in Winter. There are ancient villages coated in snow and hot springs full of snow monkeys to visit. See the Japan packing list for winter here.
Where to Stay in Japan in Summer
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Tokyo
- Budget: The Grids Hostel Lounge Nihombashi East is a good choice for travelers looking for a dormitory. The hostel is open 24 hours so you can check in if you’re arriving late at night, is close to public transport and also has a laundry service. Just to warn you prices in Tokyo are ridiculous, and this is one of the cheaper options.
- Mid-range: For a decently priced private room, the Horidome Villa Hotel Tokyo is your best choice. This is one of the cheaper, good value rooms in Tokyo which is known for its high accommodation prices.
- Luxury: If you’ve got the money, the Peninsula Hotel Tokyo is a perfect choice in summer as it has its own pool, breakfast and the rooms have their own refrigerator.
Osaka
- Budget: For a cheap but value packed dorm, check out the Roots Hostel Osaka. The hotel is located fairly close to the city and hence is good for sightseeing and getting around on public transport. The hostel also offers laundry facilities and breakfast.
- Mid-range: The Mielparque Osaka is a good choice for a moderately priced private room. The hotel is near public transport and the reception (and check in) is open 24 hours a day. There’s also laundry services, a restaurant and a hairdressers here.
- Luxury: The Hotel Hankyu International is a good choice if you’re looking for luxury accommodation in Osaka. On the premises is a restaurant and bar, to help with those days where you’re tired after a long day of sightseeing. Some of the rooms have epic views so make sure you pick accordingly if that’s important to you.
Kyoto
- Budget: To meet other travelers and the dorm experience, I recommend Bakpak Hostel Kyoto. There’s a kitchen if you want to make your own meals and a bar and restaurant at the hostel. There is also a train station nearby.
- Mid-range: For a decent, but affordable private room, the Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo is your best bet. The hotel is close to transport, and has a 24 hour reception meaning you can check in or get help at any hour. There are also safes in the room to keep your valuables secure and a beauty salon on the premises.
- Luxury: The Hotel and Spa Lotus Modern is a great property in Kyoto for a bit of a splurge. There are no children allowed at the hotel making it an adult’s only paradise (aka quiet / no one trying to watch you pee), and it also accepts guests at all hours of the night if you need to check in or ask a question.
All other cities in Japan
- For other cities in Japan have a look at the Booking.com website.
Popular Day Tours in Summer in Japan
Tokyo
Tokyo has so many exciting things to offer that I think I’ve whipped up a few additional ideas for sightseeing below.
- Disneyland & Disneysea Passes – An easy way to experience Disneyland in Japan. See the prices here.
- Tokyo city tours – If you don’t want to get around by yourself I’d recommend doing a hop on, hop off bus to see the sights (find out about prices here), or going on a tour with a local (find more information here).
- See Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi in one day. This is a great option if you’re short on time as it’d be hard to see both in one day if you were getting around on your own. See the latest prices here.
Kyoto
- A half day bike tour is a unique way to explore the sights of Kyoto (find more details here). This is a great choice if you like biking, plus you’ll cover more ground than walking.
- Visit the rural town of Miyama to get a look at some traditional Japanese architecture. You’ll also get to visit the Amanohashidate Sandbar on this trip. This tour can be taken from either Kyoto or Osaka. Check it out here.
- While the name might not mean a lot to you, the Itsukushima shrine is a pretty orange arch that resides over water. On this tour you’ll also see the Hiroshima peace memorial and you can join from either Kyoto or Osaka. See more details here.
Osaka
- Exploring the sights of Osaka: There are two options for tours, either visit with a local guide (tour with a local guide here) or you can go on a hop on, hop off bus to see the city sights a bit more freely (see prices here).
- Hunt down some delicious Japanese food in this 3 hour food tour – find more details + prices here.
Other Tours
For more sightseeing ideas in Japan check our the Get Your Guide website.
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