Are you trying to figure out the Japan winter packing list?
Continue to read on because you have come to the right site!
Hello there. I am Sam, your travel bestie who loves making Japan trips simple and stress free!
Consisting of five main islands, Japan is a beautiful four-seasoned country with many fascinating attractions and stunning natural splendours.
But if you are first-time visitors or travellers who originated from tropical climates, chances are you might get slightly overwhelmed when it comes to packing winter wear and accessories for Japan travel.
I guess the only time one ever needs a down jacket in a tropical country is visiting a snow-themed attraction park.
So here is the detailed article that I put together on the list of must-have items to bring and handy Japan winter travel tips that you can refer to for a cosy, toasty travel experience!
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links and I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Please read my Private Policy for more information. Thank you!
TLDR: Winter Packing List for Japan
- Thermals
- Sweater
- Fleece Lined Pants
- Long Skirt (Optional)
- Down Jacket
- Beanie
- Wool Scarf
- Earmuffs
- Gloves
- Wool Socks
- Waterproof Boots (Optional)
What to Expect in Japan in Winter
Japan in winter looks like a dreamy postcard, but the chill hits harder than most first timers expect.
Tokyo feels cold but manageable, Kyoto and Osaka feel sharper, and Hokkaido feels like a freezer that suddenly comes to life (no kidding).
But with the right warm basics and a bit of layering, you will definitely feel much better and enjoy your plans instead of feeling chilled all day!
Basically you can dress in 3 layers:
- Base layer: Heattech top, thermal leggings, or fleece tights
- Midlayer: Sweaters, long-sleeved shirt for tops, fleeced pants, long skirt for bottom
- Outer layer: Long warm coat, down jacket or parka
- Extras: Gloves, scarf, beanie, thick socks, waterproof shoes like boots
What Should I Pack For Japan In Winter
Thermals
Be sure to include thermals on your winter packing list!
Being the base layer, thermals help in conserving the body heat and keeping you warm as you are having fun exploring Japan during the cold season.
Sweater
Of course you can’t miss out on some long-sleeved tops like sweaters when planning your Japan winter itinerary.
These tops can offer an additional layer of warmth against the cold winter breeze while walking down the Japanese cities with heavy snowfall like Kanazawa and Takayama.
If you want more variations, consider getting yourself a turtleneck sweater too!
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Fleece Lined Pants
After you sort out the upper body and feel warm and toasty, it is time to focus on the lower half.
Cold and wet bottoms are honestly one of the fastest ways to ruin a winter day, especially if you are walking around snow prone areas.
The thought alone makes me shiver and I am writing this from sunny tropical Singapore 🥶
And if you are someone with low cold tolerance (that is definitely me), you will feel the chill even faster *GULP*
With that in mind, I strongly recommend getting waterproof and breathable long pants lined with fleece!
If baggy look is more of your taste, you will love this fleeced jeans 😉
Long Skirt (Optional)
A long skirt is such an easy and stylish option for Japan winter, especially if you want something warm that still looks cute in photos!
Go for a thicker material like wool or a fleece lined one so the cold wind does not sneak in while you are clocking 20K steps working through your Tokyo bucket list.
Just pair it with thermal leggings or warm tights underneath and you are set to conquer the day 😉
Down Jacket
A down jacket is definitely one of the must-have items to pack for Japan winter.
Typically made with duck or goose feathers, wearing a down jacket helps to retain heat and provide warmth for as long as you are wearing it.
So if your plan is mostly city exploring in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, a regular down jacket is usually enough 😉
But if you are planning to spend outdoors for long hours or walking through melting snow, puffer jacket is the better choice since it usually handles moisture a bit better!
Beanie
Apart from keeping your head from the cold in winter, a beanie can be a great fashion prop! 🤩
Wool Scarf
For those girlies that have low cold tolerance, wool scarf is an unnegotiable item to pack for Japan winter trip!
It keeps your neck warm, blocks random cold wind, while adding a cute touch to your outfit!
Earmuffs
Another cutesy yet important winter accesories that does not take up your luggage space for your trip?
Yes earmuffs!
Gloves
Gloves are a tiny item that make a huge difference in Japan winter, especially if your fingers get cold fast!
Be sure to look for touchscreen-friendly gloves so that you can use check your maps or taking dreamy winter photos without taking out the gloves 😉
Wool Socks
Keep your toes and soles warm and comfy by putting on wool socks!
Waterproof Boots (Optional)
During winter, the amount of snow produced in Japanese cities varies depending on its location.
Nevertheless, be sure to pack a pair of waterproof walking boots so that your feet are always warm and dry when you are walking around.
The last thing that you want while being in cold weather is to have freezing wet feet, especially in snow-heavy regions like Takayama, Kanazawa, and Hokkaido!
Tip: The most important qualities of walking boots to have are waterproof, lightweight, and comfy 😉
What To Pack For Winter In Japan: Additional Items
1. Portable Phone Charger
The last thing that you want is to have your phone run out of juice when you are taking nice scenery photos or posing your iconic pose at the Instagrammable spots in Japan.
So make sure to bring along a portable phone charger
2. Travel Camera
Want to brush up on your photography skills?
Or keen to take spectacular photos of Japan that can make your followers go “Awww. What a nice photo!”?
Regardless of which answer you pick, this comprehensive Canon travel camera bundle seems like a good fit for your Japan trip.
4. First Aid Kit
It is always good to have a basic first aid kit when you are travelling overseas.
5. Lip Balm
Winter conditions in Japan can leave your lips dry and flaky.
So bring along your trusted lip balm and apply generously after the Japan touchdown.
I used this brand and it works great for me!
6. Toiletries
Don’t forget to bring along your preferred brand of toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries before flying into Japan.
If you want to organise everything neatly and prevent missing out on any must-have toiletries, get yourself this sleek travel toiletry bag.
7. Laundry Bag
Separate your dirty clothes from the clean ones by using a laundry bag.
This item is particularly useful when you are planning to stay and explore Japan for 3 weeks or more.
How to Dress Right for Japan Winter
Winter in Japan feels different in every region, so what you wear really depends on where you are going and what you plan to do.
Tokyo and Kyoto stay cold but still easy to walk around in December, while Hokkaido starts to snow and the temperature drops below zero.
Plus if you are planning to snowboard or ski in northern Japan, you will need a bit more than city layers!
Go for more warm base layers and a waterproof outer shell that keeps out wind and snow, especially in ski areas like Niseko or Hakuba.
And though bringing and wearing multiple layers during winter in Japan are a bit tedious, they honestly make your life easier.
That’s because indoor places like trains and shopping malls are extra warm during winter, so you can remove your outer layer easily without feeling sweaty or stuffy once you step inside 😉
And when you are feeling cold, just put back on the puffer jacket and continue enjoying your winter trip!
Japan Travel In Winter: Handy Tips
Prepare Your Japan Winter Travel Packing List Earlier
So now you know what you need to pack for the winter trip. What happens next?
Make sure to prepare the packing list and decide on what to wear in Japan in winter at least a few weeks before your flight!
With early planning, you will have enough time to buy the necessary winter wear for the Japan trip. And sometimes at a lower price too.
Travel tip: Don’t worry if you forget to bring some items—you can get them in the local stores after reaching Japan.
Use Packing Cubes
Save some luggage space with these packing cubes when you are packing your thick jeans and bulky puffer jacket!
Pack Slip-On Shoes
The majority of the temples and shrines in Japan require their visitors to remove their shoes before entering the traditional buildings.
So I recommend wearing waterproof comfy slip-on shoes so you can pop them on and off easily while making sure your legs feels okay after walking 20K steps a day!
Use Japan’s Luggage-Forwarding Service
If you are bringing lots of luggage when travelling to Japan in winter, I recommend using the local luggage-forwarding service.
This reliable service helps users to send their belongings from one place to another at an affordable fee!
So you can finally say goodbye to those judgy side eyes and uncomfortable stares from the commuters as you lug your bulky luggages onto the train.
Travel tip: I used Yamato Kuroneko once when I was in Kanazawa and the process was super straightforward; fill in the form, make payment, leave the luggage and off you go to sightseeing! 😉
Bring Cash
Also, don’t forget to bring some Japanese yen before visiting Japan.
Some establishments in rural areas are only accepting cash as transactions.
Keep all your travel cards and cash securely using Lewis N. Clark RFID Travel Wallet.
Buy Travel Insurance
Of course you should not skip travel insurance when you go overseas!
Japan feels very safe, but things can still happen during a trip 🤕
Like I slipped and fell when I was walking up the Fushimi Inari Shrine’s trail?
Thank god I only scraped my left knee and accidentally created a fashionable hole on my jeans 😅
Disclaimer: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Get e-SIM
Get yourself pocket Wi-Fi so you can upload those stunning Instagrammable shots of Japan onto your social media accounts instantly!
If you are travelling solo, getting an eSim might be more budget friendly.
Personally, I used this eSim and the connection was fast and stable throughout my Japan trip!
Leave Some Luggage Spaces For Your Japan Shopping Haul
If you are a shopaholic, chances are you are going to have plenty of shopping haul like Japanese snacks to bring home!
So leave some spaces in your luggage to keep the new clothes or bring in additional packing cubes.
Buy Heat Packs
If you are not a big fan of the winter season and need additional warmth against the cold weather, consider getting yourself some heat packs.
Locally called “Kairo”, this useful item can be found in most convenience stores or retailers in Japan, including 7-11 and Don Quijote.
Unmissable Things To Do In Japan During Winter
1. Watch The Beautiful Winter Illuminations
Japan is famous for its beautiful winter illuminations that attract both local and international travellers.
Get ready to be dazzled by the pretty light displays that lit up buildings, trees, man-made sculptures, and others!
2. Go For Skiing
Japan is popular among skiers and snowboarders too thanks to the ideal snow conditions for these thrilling outdoor activities.
Some of the recommended Japanese regions to hit the slopes include:
- Niseko in Hokkaido
- Hakuba Valley in Nagano
- Naeba in Niigata
Check out my detailed Japan ski packing list if you are keen to experience skiing in winter while you are exploring the country.
3. Visit Mount Fuji
Do you know that it is not common to see the peak of Mount Fuji even during the day?
Thanks to the cooler weather and low humidity, this iconic mountain offers greater visibility and plenty of photo opportunities in winter.
You can also stay in an onsen ryokan near Mt Fuji so you get to enjoy the view while having a relaxing soak from the comfort of your room 😉
4. Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Another unmissable thing to do in winter in Japan is to visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
With the layers of snow covering the surrounding mountain, the stunning backdrop offers great photo spots with the playful monkeys dipping around the park’s natural hot spring.
Travel tip: The monkeys may look cute and friendly. But remember don’t touch or feed the them while you are there.
5. Have A Dip At Onsen
What’s better than having a relaxing dip in the local onsen to escape the winter chill in Japan?
Though onsen is popular all year round, visiting one in winter offers a slightly more stunning experience as you get to enjoy the magical snow-filled landscape while having the soak.
Travel tip: Read through the Japanese onsen etiquette to learn more about the local culture and the dos and don’ts .
6. Sign Up For A Food Tour
Reward your palate with the mouth-watering local cuisine by signing up for a food tour while you are in Japan during winter.
Different Japanese seasons boast different food types. So make sure to experience the tasty must-try winter meals and immerse into the local culture under the guide’s guidance.
FAQs: Winter Packing List Japan
1. What is the best luggage to take to Japan?
The public transportation system in Japan is typically crowded, particularly in the major cities. There are limited luggage storage areas on the trains too.
It is recommended to bring small to medium-sized wheeled luggage or a travel backpack. You can also add on a small messenger bag a duffel bag.
2. When is winter in Japan?
Japan’s winter duration and intensity depend on the region’s geographical location. Typically, the season starts in early December and ends in mid-March. The temperature of cities located in the centre’s region like Tokyo and Osaka during winter is ranging from 2 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Japan Winter Packing List: Final Thoughts
Here you go—a comprehensive article on the Japan winter packing list that you can rely on for your upcoming trip!
Is there any other winter-related apparel or gear to pack that I missed out on? If yes, please let me know. I would really love to hear from you.
And if you find this article useful, I would appreciate it if you share this with your friends and family members.
Have fun chilling!
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Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring Asia. Growing up in multiracial Malaysia and later living in Singapore, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.
With a love for outdoor adventures and water sports, Sam helps over 25K readers each month plan Asia trips, including off the beaten path destinations and sharing practical travel tips and real, unfiltered experiences!