6 weeks in Tokyo - Packing for Summer
This is one of the most challenging parts of travel - at least for me. While I have done a month long trip with just a carry-on backpack, I was sure sick of those 4 outfits by the end of it. That was actually my first trip to Europe (when I was 36) - celebrating my son’s graduation from High School and a belated holy crap I finished a PhD trip. While I’ve done many more trips since, my packing always starts early (much to the hilarity of my sister) and is done in phases. I AM one of those that packs and then repacks…
Regardless of your methods, this post will give you a detailed view of what I’m packing for 6 weeks in (and around Tokyo).
The first question is: What will you be doing on your trip? This one I don’t have any formal work events, so that eliminates a lot of extra items. I will be doing some hiking, working out, and mostly exploring the city in between work days - I’ll share my planned work schedule in another post. Working from 14 hours ahead of your work colleagues takes some mental math and planning.
The next questions are: What will the weather be like? Will you have a washing machine? Can you easily buy clothing if you need something you didn’t pack?
For this trip, my answers are: hot and steamy; yes, but no dryer; and maybe… I’m a tall lady and while I wear something between a Small to XL in US sizes (women understand this, for any guys reading this, women’s clothing sizes are ridiculous), Japan sizes run on the very small and shorter size. While I can find some things like tops, I have to find longs and even long/tall in pants are capris on me. I’m sure there are specialty shops, I just haven’t run across them yet. The other key for this trip is that the clothing need to be light and quick drying - so not much cotton. Other than that, my priority is comfort.
While I do appreciate the AC when the weather is 32C/90F and 90% humidity, I get chilly quick - so layers are important. Japan is a more conservative country and I’m not really one to wear short or revealing clothing items anyway…but this adds to weight/bulk in packing.
I’m not going to delve into the roll vs fold debate for packing - I do a mix of both. What I will say is I LOVE compression packing cubes. 1000% worth it. Here are a couple I’ve picked up from amazon (on sale): Bagsmart (I’ve used these for a couple years now) and I just got these Bagail ones to use for this trip. Between the two, I’d go with Bagsmart.
The dresses and tops:
Dresses - 2 - both are quick dry material
Ultra Stretch AIRism Sleeveless Dress
Athleta - not sure what dress, but it was on clearance so probably not available
Jackets/coverups - 4 (all are light) 2 are ‘sun protection’, 1 rain jacket, and 1 kimono like (black and white in the middle).
Long sleeve shirts - 2 - both quick dry
Tanks - 3 - 1 is really an undershirt
T-shirts - 6 - all are quick dry
Mix of uniqlo, smartwool, and random ‘quick dry’ items I’ve purchased on Amazon.
Bottoms
Long pants - 3 - all light and sporty
Longish pants - 2 - both coolibar, one very light and the other a bit heavier
Capri - 2 - both uniqlo (they are regular length or long pants, but I got them in Japan)
Shorts - 2 - 1 workout and 1 hiking
yoga pants - 1
The flight outfit…as I mentioned, I get cold easy, so lots of layers. I’m also big on preventing DVTs (having had one previously).
Jacket - Athleta
Shirtdress - coolibar
undershirt - tank from travel smart (it is at least 10 years old)
tights - smartwool
over the knee compression tights - amazon
So, what it looks like all planned out with underthings, swimsuit, pajamas, and shoes - see pictures below.
Shoes - I have foot issues and prior surgeries, so support + wide toe box is a must. But this is generally the most challenging part of packing. I’ve gotten much better and narrowed the shoes down with a lot of experience - in general, tennis shoes will do for every day (yes even with dresses) - you don’t want to miserable walking all over the city. So, as always go for comfort.
Altra women’s lone peak - I love these shoes for hiking, this is my 3rd pair.
Altra women’s torin - I bought these in multiple colors (wish they had more).
Birkenstock - these are my clean ones…I have very broken in ones that I will probably take, but they are too gross to photo right now.
Birkenstock/popillo shoes - actually fairly comfortable for a heel.
And in packing cubes/bags - while all this fits in my carryon and personal item (backpack), I will be packing some into our checked bag. I know we will buy and bring stuff back and since we are aren’t overnight location hopping, I’m fine having a checked bag. I do pack a small pack of carryon clothes just in case our checked bag gets lost, but it is a direct flight, so probably will be fine - plus I use airtags for extra assurance.
*The amazon links will provide a small bonus for me at no cost to you.
