The Only Japan Summer Packing List You Will Need for 2025

Chances are you are looking for a useful Japan summer packing list for your upcoming trip. 

And my article here is just going to help you with that! 

Planning a summer trip to Japan is exciting, but knowing what to pack can be overwhelming, especially for first-time travellers. 

With dry, humid weather, tons of walking (average 20K steps a day, no kidding), and local culture to consider, the right packing strategy can make all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable travel experience and a frustrating one.

I have been to Japan in the summer and I wish someone told me wearing thick jeans while walking up Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine summit trail is a bad idea (more stories on this later). 

So I compiled a detailed Japan summer packing list to ensure you are fully prepared, from the travel essentials you can’t live without to the items you should definitely ditch. 

Let’s dive right in!

TLDR: What to Bring to Japan in Summer

1. Clothing and Footwear

• Light, breathable clothing
• Shorts and loosely-fit pants
• Long skirts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt or UV-blocking cardigan
• Light rain jacket

2. Accessories and Essentials

• Sunglasses
• Wide-brimmed hat
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Portable fan
• Foldable tote bag
• Compact umbrella
• Anti-chafing balm
• Day backpack
• Water bottle

3. Toiletries & Medications

• Deodorant
• Mini first-aid kit
• Electrolyte packets

4. Tech & Travel Gear

• Universal adapter
• Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM
• Power bank
• Phone apps (navigation and language)

What NOT to Bring to Japan in Summer

1. Heavy or Bulky Clothing

• Thick jeans or heavy fabrics
• Too many layers

2. Too Many Shoes

• Bulky boots or high heels
• Flip-flops

3. Unnecessary Electronics and Gadgets

• Hairdryer
• Voltage converter
• Multiple cameras

4. Excessive Cash 

What to Bring to Japan in Summer

Clothing and Footwear

• Light, breathable clothing

Japan’s summer is hot and humid, so go for fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking materials that keep you cool and dry quickly.

You can bring about 5 to 7 T-shirts or tops for your trip (depending on the total trip days). 

Most accommodations offer laundry service so you can easily rotate the attire without overpacking.  

• Shorts and loosely-fit pants

Apart from staying cool, wearing loosely-fit pants and shorts offers a wider range of movement while keeping you comfortable. 

Also, some temples and shrines require visitors to dress modestly, so it is best to bring at least 2 to 3 pairs of flowy, long pants and shorts to Japan during summer. 

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• Long skirts

Long skirts work too if you want something modest, breezy, and still looking super cute for visiting temples or shrines.

• Comfortable walking shoes

Japan is known for beautiful traditional temples and shrines and interesting landmarks, so you can expect to walk at least 20K steps a day. 

Visitors are also required to remove their shoes before entering the religious sites and old-school restaurants, so it is best to pack 2 pairs of comfortable and non-slip walking shoes or breathable sandals that slip on and off easily.

• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt or UV-blocking cardigan

The sun during Japanese summer can be intense, so bring a lightweight long-sleeve shirt or a UV-blocking cardigan for extra sun protection.

Also, you can wear it if you are feeling chilly in the heavily air-conditioned malls since the summer months in Japan are the rainy season too. 

• Light rain jacket

If you are not a big fan of holding an umbrella exploring the popular attractions, then bring a light rain jacket. 

Sudden showers are frequent during the hot summer months, so make sure to have at least an umbrella or rain jacket to keep yourself dry. 

Travel tip: I don’t recommend getting the usual long, transparent umbrella sold by local vendors as I saw it get blown away and broken by the strong wind when I was at Asakusa Temple in Tokyo last summer. 

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Accessories and Essentials

• Sunglasses

Sunglasses are more than just fashion props; they can either make or break your trip. 

That’s because UV rays can be intense, especially midday in Japan during summer, so wearing sunglasses helps to protect your eyes and reduce the strong glare when you are out exploring beaches, gardens, or parks. 

Here are some recommendations:

• Wide-brimmed hat

Shield your face and neck from the strong sunlight by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. 

Choose a packable and foldable hat so it fits easily in your bag without losing its shape. 

• High-SPF sunscreen

Sunscreen is non-negotiable when travelling to Japan in the summer!

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.

• Portable fan

Another item that should be on your Japan summer packing list is a portable fan. 

Whether you are waiting for a train, attending a crowded summer festival like Gion Matsuri, or strolling through temple grounds, having a small fan in your bag can offer instant relief from the heat.

Similar to sunscreen, you can easily buy a portable fan of various styles from the local stores.

For convenience, I recommend getting the lightweight, rechargeable handheld fan or neck fan. 

• Foldable tote bag

No one told me this but most Japanese stores charge a fee for plastic or paper bags. 

So bring your own foldable tote bag to keep your snacks or souvenirs as you are walking around and save some ka-ching while supporting the local eco efforts. 

Travel tip: Some foldable totes can also double as laundry bags or packing tubes, making them a multi-use win!

• Compact umbrella

Another must-have item on your packing list is a compact umbrella. 

It is not just for the sudden downpour but also for protection against the harsh sunlight during Japanese summer. 

I recommend getting auto open-close umbrella; with one push and whoosh you are covered!

• Anti-chafing balm

If you are travelling to Japan in the summer, anti-chafing balm can be a total lifesaver especially if you are planning to walk a lot (trust me, you will).

You can opt for stick or roll-on anti-chafing balm as it is easier to apply and store. 

My best friend has been using Body Glide’s and she applies it to her thighs and underarms before heading out for a comfortable day out!

• Water bottle

Keep yourself hydrated during the summer season by carrying a reusable water bottle everywhere you go.

Many public places in Japan like parks and train stations have free drinkable water sources so you can refill your bottle easily.

To know more about the available refill location, you can search for it on this free mymizu app.

I have been using Santeco stainless steel bottle since I like to keep my water warm (yes even on hot days). But it can be bulky and heavy.

Alternatively, you can buy a foldable water filter bottle like this one so it does not take up much space.

• Day backpack

A day backpack is one of the most practical things you can bring for summer travel in Japan.

You can carry the summer trip essentials like a compact umbrella, sunscreen, water bottle, and portable conveniently all in one go instead of having multiple smaller bags. 

I used Muji’s backpack and I love its multiple compartments design as I can organise the things and find them quickly!

Alternatively, you can consider:

Toiletries & Medications

• Skincare and cosmetics

This is especially important if you have your preferred skincare and cosmetics brands. 

You can organise and access them easily using this toiletry bag. 

Travel tip: You can also purchase Japanese skincare and cosmetics brands from the local drug store if bringing them is a hassle. 

I tried Lululun Facial Sheet Mask when I was in Japan and my face felt refreshed and soothed after that!

• 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 Rexona’s Shower Clean deodorant and I can’t imagine going out without applying it!

• 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 feet massages.

It might not be the most exciting thing to pack, but it offers peace of mind while keeping your travel plans running smoothly without a trip to the pharmacy.  

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. 

Tech & Travel Gear

• Universal 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 it and I went to Akihabara Radio Kaikan to purchase one for about 2500 yen (USD $17).

• Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM

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 more economical and cheaper. 

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• Power bank

If getting those Instagrammable photos in places like Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka are on your Japan trip bucket list, then bring along your power bank to charge your gadgets on the go. 

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 summer 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 Summer

Heavy or Bulky Clothing

• Thick jeans or heavy fabrics

Forget about wearing thick jeans and sweaters for your day out in Japan during summer. 

You might think you are serving looks, but Japan’s summer heat and humidity will humble you fast.

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Too Many Shoes

• Bulky boots or high heels

Bulky boots and high heels are a no-go for Japan in the summer unless you are planning for a romantic date night out with your partner. 

Between the humidity and endless walking, and the constant shoe removal at the temples, your feet will be begging for mercy before the day even ends.

My suggestion: Bring lightweight, slip-on, non-slip flat covered shoes. 

Excessive Cash 

Though some businesses in Japan only accept cash, it is best not to carry too much with you.

You can easily withdraw money from ATMs and swipe that credit card whenever possible so you can save your cash for those cash-only cute market finds or old-school eateries.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Get The Trip Started with This Japan Summer Packing List

And that’s your no-nonsense (but totally fabulous) summer Japan packing list!

Packing for Japan in the summer doesn’t have to be stressful—just think light, comfy, and weather-ready and skip the “just in case” clutter!

Did I miss anything you swear by for Japan travel?

Drop it in the comments; I just might add it to the list (and pack it myself 😉)!