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. Thank you!
Are you trying to figure out the Japan winter packing list?
Continue to read on because you have come to the right site!
Consisting of five main islands, Japan is a beautiful four-seasoned country with many fascinating attractions, stunning natural splendours, delicious food, and rich culture.
Thanks to these aspects, you can expect Japan to be visited by foreign travellers all year round including the non-peak travel period in winter.
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.
Worry not; I have got your back!
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.
So let’s dive right in.
Related Articles:
- Takayama in Winter: All You Need To Know (2023 Guide)
- Japan Ski Packing List: What To Pack & Useful Tips
- Best 13 Onsen Ryokan In Kanazawa (For All Traveller Types!)
- Best 17 Ryokan With Private Onsen In Hakone (2023)
- Top 23 Snacks In Japan To Try (And Where To Get Them)
- 16 Best Apps For Travel To Japan (2022 Guide)
Winter Packing List For Japan
- Wheeled Luggage
- Travel Backpack
- Thermals
- Long Sleeves Top
- Sweater
- Long Pants
- Down Jacket
- Beanie
- Wool Scarf
- Earmuffs
- Gloves
- Wool Socks
- Snow Boots
Planning to replace your old winter wear with newer, better models through online shopping at Amazon?
Sign up for a Amazon Prime 1-WEEK Trial at a mind-blowingly low fee to get your hands on exclusive deals, additional member perks, benefits, and savings!
What Should I Pack For Japan In Winter
1. Wheeled Luggage
If you are in the team luggage when travelling overseas, get yourself high-quality wheeled luggage like this classy-looking Samsonite Double Spinner Wheels.
Chances are you are going to bring multiple layers to keep your body warm when visiting Japan in winter.
And all the little things add up and your luggage gets heavy.
So, navigate around with a breeze while rolling the wheeled luggage along until you reach your destination in Japan.
2. Travel Backpack
If wheeled luggage is not your thing, then buy yourself a travel backpack to keep your winter wear.
Some reliable travel backpacks to opt for include TETON Sports.
Travel tip: Make sure to use packing cubes to pack the thick winter wear to have more space in your backpack.
3. Thermals
Be sure to include thermals on your Japan winter packing list too.
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.
If you are planning to get a complete set of thermals, check out Thermajane Women’s Thermal or Thermajohn Men’s Thermal.
4. Long Sleeves Top
Of course you can’t miss out on some long-sleeved tops 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.
You can get plenty of stylish long sleeves top online, such as Cuddl Duds’s.
5. Sweater
If you are not a big fan of the cold season, be sure to include several comfy sweaters on the Japan winter packing list.
Typically made with thicker material, sweaters perform better when it comes to body heat retention and against the chilly wind.
Among the top sweater choices that you can consider getting are Kingfen Women’s Sweater or Hanes Male’s Sweatshirt.
6. Long Pants
After getting the upper body part warm and toasty, it is time to move over to the lower limbs.
One major turn-off while travelling in winter is having cold, wet pants after walking in snow-prone regions.
So it is always recommended to look for waterproof and breathable long pants lined with fleece.
For a casual style, consider buying Camel Crown Women’s Fleece Pants or Free Soldier Men’s Cargo Pants.
7. Down Jacket
A down jacket is definitely one of the must-have items to bring on your Japan winter packing list.
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.
If you are looking to boost your style, Columbia Women’s Down Jacket or Columbia Men’s Down Jacket could be a good fit.
8. Beanie
Apart from keeping your head from excessive heat loss in winter, a beanie can be a great fashion prop too!
Get yourself a cute beanie like Furtalk Beanie.
9. Wool Scarf
Wool scarves help to retain heat and keep the neck-chest area warm and cosy against the cold wind and snow.
Also, wool scarves are more durable and breathable—not to mention more affordable too.
Check out these stylish wool scarves like Ohayomi Women’s Wool Scarf or Alpine Swiss Men’s Winter Scarf to complement your overall winter while you are looking for the answer to “What to wear in winter in Japan”.
10. Earmuffs
If you have been wondering what other items to include on the winter Japan packing list, earmuffs are one of them.
Apart from being a cute fashion accessory, earmuffs help keep your ears warm and toasty during winter in Japan.
11. Gloves
Gloves are a crucial winter accessory to have when visiting Japan in winter.
Be sure to look for touchscreen-friendly gloves so that you can use your phone at ease without taking out the gloves.
12. Wool Socks
Another must-have item on your Japan packing list winter is wool socks.
As you are exploring the country during the cold season, keep your toes and soles warm and comfy by putting on wool socks.
So get yourself a few pairs of great quality wool socks before going to Japan in winter.
13. Snow Boots
During winter, the amount of snow produced in Japanese cities varies depending on its location.
Nevertheless, be sure to pack a pair of 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.
The important qualities of walking boots to have are waterproof, lightweight, and comfy.
So check out Columbia Women’s Snow Boots or Columbia Men’s Snow Boots if you are looking for one.
What To Pack For Winter In Japan: Other 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.
Make sure to include a portable phone charger on your packing list Japan winter.
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.
3. Headphones
Chances are you are going to spend hours travelling from the departure country to Japan.
Or getting on the shinkansen train services using JR pass hopping around major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and others.
So fill your journey with your fav music with Anker Soundcore Life Q20.
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.
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.
8. Japanese Phrasebook
If you prefer to read a book to kill time, you might consider buying a Japanese phrasebook to learn some basic Japanese words.
Some shinkansen rides can take up to hours when getting from one Japanese city to another, so have a read, learn a little, and impress the locals with your simple vocab!
Here are some of the recommended phrasebooks:
- Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary
- 2000 Most Common Japanese Words in Context
- Conversational Japanese Dialogues
Also Read:
- Day Trip To Nara—The Ultimate Nara Itinerary One Day
- 1 Day Itinerary Osaka—The Best Itinerary To Explore Osaka In 24 Hours
- The Perfect Kyoto 2-Day Itinerary—Epic Guide To Explore Kyoto
- Best Day Trip To Hakone From Tokyo: The Ultimate Guide
- Off The Beaten Path Japan—Top 18 Places That You Need To Discover
- First Time To Japan: 45 Useful Travel Tips For First Time Traveler
- What Japan Is Known For: 33 Famous Things To Discover
Essential Japan Travel Tips In Winter
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
The main function of winter wear is to provide or retain warmth against the cold weather.
And so you can expect most winter wear and accessories to be bulky and thick.
To save space, make sure to use some packing cubes when you are packing the items.
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.
For convenience, it is recommended to wear slip-on shoes before heading over to these fascinating religious sites.
Use Japan’s Luggage-Forwarding Service
If you are bringing lots of luggage when travelling to Japan in winter, consider using the local luggage-forwarding service.
This reliable service helps users to send their belongings from one place to another at an affordable cost.
So you don’t have to spend much energy lugging bulky luggage across the airport or through the jam-packed public transportation systems.
Among the most popular luggage-forwarding service companies in Japan is Yamato Kuroneko.
Travel tip: If you plan to ski in Japan during winter, you can opt for this service to send your heavy ski gear directly from the airport to your ski resort!
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 shouldn’t miss out on getting travel insurance while you are travelling overseas.
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.
Rent Pocket Wifi
Want to stay connected with your friends and family members no matter wherever you are in Japan?
Or perhaps you want to post your beautiful Instagrammable pictures immediately to your social media accounts?
Then be sure to rent a pocket Wifi device for your Japan trip!
Travel tip: You can choose to claim the device at the airport or have it sent to your accommodation site.
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 to bring home from Japan!
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.
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. 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: Conclusion
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!
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.