Packing List: Spring in Japan

We recently wrapped up a 10 day trip to Japan. An actual dream adventure. The majority of the trip was spent in Tokyo, but we spent a few days in Osaka & Kyoto. I highly recommend extending your trip to add in more cities and explore the countryside. Japan is a long flight away, so squeeze in as much as you can while you are there.  More tips & tricks to follow.

Now to the fun stuff: PACKING. And as much as I do not want to admit it – I over packed. I mean OVERPACKED. I cringe just thinking about it. Eight pairs of shoes for ten days, c’mon Erin.

In my defense, I really had no frame of reference. I was worried about being under-dressed/overdressed and didn’t take a long enough look at the forecast. (Here I am justifying my over packing to myself — AGAIN).

This is OBVIOUSLY not what I EXACTLY packed, but the “if I were to do it again and be prepared” edited packing list. See, I’m doing the leg work for you. While this packing list particularly pertains to our trip to Japan at the end of March/early April, with a little tweaking, it could work for a large majority of the year.

For example, switch the black booties to rain boots in the early spring or flats/sandals when it starts to warm up in the summer, and you’ll be golden.

Additional Packing Tips:

• You’ll find yourself walking a lot. This is not the time to be breaking in new shoes. Be sure to pack your comfiest shoes.
• It cools down A LOT at night. Think about your outfit in layers. You’ll definitely want a sweater or jacket after the sun goes down.
• The overall vibe of Japan is VERY casual. To give you an example, I found myself wearing tennis shoes to one of THE NICEST restaurants I have ever been to. In fact, I packed a pair of heeled boots and did not wear them ONCE.
• You’ll see it all. No matter where you are, you’ll see someone to your left in a full suit and the person on your right in a t-shirt and tennis shoes. The most important thing is wearing something you are confident (and comfortable) in.

If you take away anything from this post: When planning for a trip for Japan, I would worry THE LEAST about the packing part and focus your time (and energy) on the excursions and even more importantly, THE FOOD.

What are your tips for not over packing?

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