Looking for a straightforward, no-fluff Japan fall packing list?
You are on the right site!
Hello there, Sam here! I am all about making travel easy, fun, and accessible for everyone, especially for first-time travellers to Japan!
Whether you are chasing the vibrant autumn leaves or indulging in seasonal treats, packing for Japan’s fall weather does not have to be a guessing game.
So let go of the FOMO stress and the just-in-case clutter; this list has everything you actually need to stay comfy, stylish, and totally prepared for your autumn trip in Japan!
Let’s get into it.
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TLDR: What to Bring to Japan in The Fall
1. Clothing
- Light jacket or trench coat
- Knit sweaters
- Long-sleeve tops
- T-shirts or blouses
- Jeans or trousers
- Midi skirts or dresses
- Tights
- Scarf or shawl
- Light down jacket (optional)
2. Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Slip-on shoes or sneakers
- Ankle boots (optional)
3. Accessories & Essentials
- Sunglasses
- Hat or beanie (for late fall)
- Compact umbrella or rain jacket
- Daypack or crossbody bag
- Anti-chafing balm
4. Toiletries & Medications
- Hydrating moisturiser
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Mini first-aid kit
5. Tech & Travel Gear
- Universal travel adapter
- Portable Wi-Fi or SIM card
- Power bank
- Phone apps (navigation and language)
What NOT to Bring to Japan in Fall
- Heavy Winter Coats
- Too Many Shoes
- Chunky Sweaters
- Excessive Cash
Packing List For Japan In Fall
1. Clothing
- Light jacket or trench coat
A light jacket or trench coat is a core piece for travelling in Japan during autumn.
That’s because early mornings and evenings of fall days can drop to around 10 to 15°C, particularly in the mountainous areas.
As for the colours, choose something neutral and chic like navy, beige, or charcoal.
These colours coordinate with most outfits and make it easy to dress up or down!
Recommendations:
- For 1-week vacation: 1 piece
- For 2-week vacation: 1–2 pieces (to rotate)
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Travel tip: Opt for a jacket with interior pockets to keep your valuables close as you explore the Japanese cities.
- Knit sweaters
Knit sweaters provide warmth and texture without being too bulky.
Choose fabrics like mid-weight cashmere or merino wool for higher breathability and insulation against the cooler air.
I suggest bringing 1 to 2 pieces in earthy or muted colours and rotate, where you can match them easily with jeans or skirts for a cosy day out.
Recommendations:
- For 1-week vacation: 2 pieces
- For 2-week vacation: 2–3 pieces (to rotate)
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MORE Japan Fall/Autumn Articles 🍂
Want to look main-character-level cute in Japan this fall? You can start with these articles 😉:
- Long-sleeve tops
Long-sleeve tops are your daily go-tos!
You can layer them under sweaters or jackets when it is cold or rock them solo on warmer afternoons during fall.
Recommendations:
- For 1-week vacation: 2 pieces
- For 2-week vacation: 2-3 pieces (to rotate)
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- T-shirts or blouses
If you sweat easily or layering is your fashion style, then you can pack 2 to 3 T-shirts and 1 blouse for your Japan fall trip.
You can wear them when the days are sunny or you are spending time indoors, like cafe hopping, joining a sake tour or learn making sushi.
Recommendations:
- For 1-week vacation: 2 pieces
- For 2-week vacation: 2-3 pieces (to rotate)
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- Jeans or trousers
Bring your fav pair of jeans and a smart-casual trousers to cover different occasions—from a full day sightseeing to a nice dinner date outing.
Since you will need to do a lot of walking exploring the places or doing fun autumn activities in Japan, choose styles with a comfortable fit and a bit of stretch like wider-leg cutting.
Recommendations:
- For 1-week vacation: 2 pieces
- For 2-week vacation: 3-4 pieces (to rotate)
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- Midi skirts or dresses
And let’s be real: sometimes you want to look cute in those gorgeous fall photos with the century-old temple as the background.
And wearing a midi skirt or dress is going to make your autumn OOTD pop!
Aside from offering modest coverage for your bottom half, they also offer a softer-looking alternative to trousers for museum visits, temple hopping, or skyline gazing from the observation decks.
Recommendations:
- For 1-week vacation: 2 pieces
- For 2-week vacation: 2-3 pieces
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Tights
Aside from looking and feeling cute, you have got to stay comfy and warm too, especially on chilly fall days.
So bring along 2 pairs of tights for layering under skirts or dresses.
Recommendations:
- For 1-week vacation: 2 pairs
- For 2-week vacation: 2-3 pairs
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- Scarf or shawl
Effortlessly chic layering while staying warm? Well, you can never go wrong with a scarf or shawl for your fall outfit!
Recommendations:
- For 1-week vacation: 1-2 pieces (for styling purpose)
- For 2-week vacation: 2-3 pieces (styling/rotate)
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- Light down jacket (optional)
If Hokkaido (north region) or early morning hike is in your Japan fall itinerary, a light down jacket will be your lifesaver.
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Travel tip: Look for “ultralight” options with windproof shells, which help retain body heat without extra weight!
2. Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
Let’s not sugarcoat it: you are going to be walking a lot (like 20K steps a day that kind of lot) in Japan, no matter which city you go to.
Whether you are strolling through the Japanese gardens or hopping on the subway, comfortable sneakers are a must!
Look for those cushioned walking shoes with good arch support, as well as grippy soles (which might come in handy since sudden showers are prone to occur during fall).
You can bring 1 to 2 pairs, depending on your luggage space.
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- Slip-on shoes
In Japan, you will often be required to remove your shoes when entering temples, restaurants, traditional ryokans, and even some hotel rooms.
So bring a pair of slip-on shoes like loafers to save time and convenience!
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- Ankle boots or boots
Late fall calls for ankle boots, especially in the evenings when temperatures start to drop.
Opt for the low-heeled, comfortable boot that is stylish enough for your dinners or drinks in local bars but practical enough to walk around outdoors.
Alternatively, you can just wear boots just to feel and look cute! (I am kind of biased in this lol 😂)
Recommendations:
- For 1-week vacation: 1 pair
- For 2-week vacation: 1 pair
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3. Accessories & Essentials
- Sunglasses
Even in fall, Japan’s sun can be pretty strong especially during midday.
A stylish pair of sunglasses will keep your eyes protected while adding an effortless touch to your outfits!
- Hat or beanie (for late fall)
You may not need this right away, but if you are traveling late in fall or going north like the Hokkaido region, a foldable hat or cute wool beanie will keep you cosy on those chillier days.
Travel tip: Want bonus style points? Throw on a beret for the complete autumn look!
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- Compact umbrella or rain jacket
Keep yourself dry from the sudden downpours in fall with a compact umbrella while you are out there sightseeing.
I recommend getting auto open-close umbrella; with one push and whoosh you are covered!
If you are planning for a hike or countryside walks, then a packable rain jacket might suit you more.
- Daypack or crossbody bag
Get yourself a lightweight, secure daypack or crossbody bag for your daily fun activities in Japan.
The bag should be comfy to carry and big enough for essentials like your wallet, phone, water bottle, camera, and snacks.
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- Anti-chafing balm
Anti-chafing balm can be a total lifesaver, especially if you are planning a fully packed daily schedule exploring the city from early morning into the evening.
Opt for stick or roll-on anti-chafing balm as it is easier to apply and store in your daypack.
My best friend has been using Body Glide, and she applies it to her thighs and underarms before heading out for a comfortable day out!
4. Toiletries & Medications
- Hydrating moisturiser
Autumn in Japan means cooler air and less humidity, making your skin prone to dryness and irritation.
So best bring some travel-sized moisturiser and apply generously onto your face, neck, and hands before leaving the hotel room and before sleeping at night.
I personally used Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturiser and I can’t recommend it enough 😊
- Lip balm
Chapped lips are common in Japan’s autumn, especially on windy or chilly days.
Carry a nourishing lip balm containing shea butter, beeswax, or vitamin E to hydrate your lips better.
I have been using this lip balm with SPF, so I don’t have to worry even when I am outdoors 😉
- Sunscreen
High SPF sunscreen will protect your skin from sunburn and irritation, especially if you are spending most of your time outdoors, such as temple-hopping, sightseeing, hiking, and snorkelling.
I have been using this sunscreen and I love its non-sticky and easy-to-blend texture.
Travel tip: You can easily buy Japanese sunscreen like Biore at any of the local drug stores like Don Quijote and Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
- Deodorant
Just like skincare, bring your preferred travel-sized deodorant to keep you smelling good and confident even after a long day exploring Japan.
I personally love Degree’s (Rexona) Shower Clean deodorant and I can’t imagine going out without applying it!
- Personal medications
If you are bringing any meds, check Japan’s strict rules on what you can bring in.
To avoid any complications and peace of mind, make sure to bring them in their original packaging with a prescription label or doctor’s note.
- Mini first-aid kit
I started packing my own mini first-aid kit after my non-stop, hours-long puking incident in Krabi, Thailand.
While my friends were out there enjoying their foot massages 😩
It might not be the most exciting thing to pack for your Japan fall trip, but it offers peace of mind while keeping your travel plans running smoothly without a trip to the pharmacy.
I recommend having these basic medical essentials in your kit:
- Band-aids (big and small)
- Ibuprofen (pain relief)
- Antiseptic wipes and ointment
- Anti-itch cream (bug bites)
- Motion sickness pills
- Electrolyte packets
- Ginger chews (nausea)
True story: I fell and hurt my knee when I was hiking up Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine trail and I was glad that I had a mini kit with me to stop the bleeding and clean my wound before slowly walking down the steep staircases and visited another 2 more attractions before going back to my ryokan.
5. Tech & Travel Gear
- Universal travel adapter
Japan uses Type A electrical plugs so make sure to bring along a universal adapter to charge your phone, laptop, camera, and others.
I forgot to bring one and I went to Akihabara Radio Kaikan to purchase one for about 2500 yen (USD $17).
- Portable Wi-Fi or SIM card
Having an Internet connection is important especially when you are navigating in a foreign country like Japan (unless you know the language).
Highly recommended for solo travellers: I used this eSIM throughout my almost 3 weeks long Japan trip, and the connectivity was stable even when I visited off-the-beaten-path places like Takayama and Kanazawa.
For those who are travelling in a group of 3 or more, I think getting a pocket WIFI is cheaper.
- Power bank
Of course you can’t miss out on bringing power bank to take those beautiful fall photos!!!
You can charge your gadgets on the go with it while you are posing in cute outfits at those Kyoto Instagrammable places or capturing one-of-a-kind moments of trying fugu in Osaka.
Travel tip: Most airlines have restrictions on power banks, so make sure yours is 100Wh or below to stay flight-friendly and safe.
- Phone apps (navigation and language)
Personally, I think one of the main contributors to ensuring a pleasant fall trip (or any other season) is using the crucial Japan travel phone apps.
I have written a detailed article on the must-download apps when exploring Japan so be sure to check it out!
What NOT to Bring to Japan in Autumn
- Heavy winter gear (during early fall)
It might be cold in Japan during early autumn, but it is not going to be as cold where you need a winter coat to keep yourself warm.
So ditch your thick parka and bring a trench coat or a light jacket instead.
- High heels
You might think you will wear those flashy high heels for a night out, but after one day navigating Japan’s endless stairs and cobblestone streets, you will regret every step.
So stick to comfy, walkable shoes that love your feet back cuz beauty doesn’t always need to be painful 😉
- Too many outfits
I know, I know. The FOMO is real, especially when all you want from your fall trip to Japan is that perfect, dreamy shot of you in your cutest OOTD surrounded by fiery red maple leaves.
But let’s be real: that does not mean you need to pack your entire wardrobe for a 7-day trip!
Think mix-and-match staples and cosy layers that you can rewear and restyle.
Plus, there are plenty of laundromats and coin washers in hotels in Japan, so you can easily freshen things up mid-trip to create another dazzling OOTD!
And that’s how you can leave room in your luggage to bring back the souvenirs and Japanese snacks 😉
Final Thoughts: Let’s Get The Trip Started with This Japan Fall Packing List
And there you have it—your no-fuss (but still totally stylish) fall Japan packing list!
Packing for Japan in the fall doesn’t have to mean overpacking sweaters or guessing the weather vibes.
Just layer smart, pack light, and leave room for all the cute stuff and intriguing snacks you will find along the way!
Did I miss one of your fall travel must-haves?
Drop it in the comments—I just might add it to the list (and sneak it into my suitcase too 😉)!
Ready for More Japan Travel Ideas?
Packing is only half the story! Now it is time for the can’t-miss cities and experiences that make Japan worth the flight:
- 15 Best Things to Do in Fall in Japan for First-Time Travelers
- 24 Once-In-A-Lifetime Japan Bucket List Ideas Worth Traveling For
Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring various Asian countries. Having lived in Singapore for almost a decade, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.
With a passion for outdoor travel adventures and water sports, Sam has helped over 25K readers per month plan their trips around Asia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering helpful travel tips and unfiltered personal travel experience.