Japan SUMMER Travel Essentials Packing List ☔️ What to Wear in Tokyo 🪭

[@KenshoQuest]

Japan Packing List blog post with PDF checklist to download and print: kenshoquest.com/expert-japan-packing-list-travel-essentials/ I appreciate when you shop Merino wool travel clothing through our affiliate link: geni.us/unboundmerino Save 10% with KENSHOQUEST

[@wilfredpapaya4739]

Would like to pack light for my late summer trip. I’m sure it will be hot the last weekend of August and first week of September. Thanks for the video! Going for the first time! 🇯🇵

[@KenshoQuest]

Have fun! Yep, that's a hot time of year.

[@jaychu3850]

It’s miserable in the summer. MISERABLE. And there’s literally millions of tourists. Think ant colony in hell. lol😂

[@ndoucette9676]

This was great especially for the weather in Japan

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks! Are you visiting Japan soon?

[@solomani-42]

Very organised. Love it. I use to live in Japan in the 90s and early 2000s and it’s incredible how much easier it is to live in Japan with a smart phone. Great tech.

[@KenshoQuest]

A smart phone makes travel so much easier!

[@happy_sady]

Heidi & George, thank you for sharing your time, energy and talent regarding Japan travel. 🏯✈

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! Thank you!

[@avgeek3255]

This is such a thoughtful video. We've just come back from Japan and I would have benefited from some of these tips! I have also learned to pack very light. I took too many clothes on our trip and didn't wear all of them.

[@KenshoQuest]

We've overpacked so many times! I'm hoping to finally get it right on our next Japan trip.

[@aimee_g]

Very helpful video! I’m looking forward to exploring your channel to learn more about how to prep for my trip to Japan!

[@KenshoQuest]

Welcome!

[@stressedmadi]

This has calmed my nerves for my July trip significantly. Thank you so much

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Have a wonderful trip.

[@ashleighgoldsmith3603]

I'm going in July too

[@mrcava9060]

Super helpful tips and great video. This will be helpful for our first trip this summer. Thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome. Have a wonderful time in Japan!

[@ltakahashi3802]

👏👏👏 This is 10th Dan packing advice. The soap leaf kit for public toilets, the notebooks to collect stamps and signatures and the insect repellant suggestions show you know EXACTLY what you are doing. I cannot see one superfluous item in your bags. I had managed to avoid summers until last year and will be back this August, I also go to Japan once a year and will be using this video as a template. It’s flawless!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks so much! I tried to include as many helpful tips as possible. Summers in Japan are intense! 🌸 Heidi

[@ltakahashi3802]

@@KenshoQuest Only other item I would include are swimming caps as most Japanese pools require them. My own kid has fine long hair and it took a looong time before we found out which kinds weren’t painful and would stay on her head.

[@KenshoQuest]

@@ltakahashi3802 Oh, yes! We purchased swim caps in Japan before, as they were required for the public swimming pool.

[@ltakahashi3802]

@@KenshoQuest We arrived in Japan last week. As we travelled (indirect flights with a stopover) the Japanese government put out a cautionary mega earthquake alert and typhoon 7 had formed. This meant that many of the local shops in Tokyo temporarily did not have some of the basic items we rely on. We also discovered that there is a shortage of the film my child’s camera uses. None of this was a problem for us as we came prepared.

[@nhbn7244]

Great info and to the point. Thanks

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Are you traveling to Japan in the summer?

[@nhbilly]

​@@KenshoQuest how did you figure? 😉 Looking forward to mid July and hoping for no rain or light rain. 😁

[@KenshoQuest]

Wishing you clear skies! ☀️

[@Dorsal425]

This is so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to share :)

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! I just released another Japan packing video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHqXlZ6cZc-Cd6c

[@ebarshin]

Thank you soooooo much for this video! I am beginning to feel a lot more prepared for my upcoming trip to Japan!

[@KenshoQuest]

Yay! Have a wonderful time in Japan!

[@charlenehyle9700]

I love your well thought out organization for international travel!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! 💕

[@arosete3512]

Such good info.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks! Will you visit Japan during summer?

[@xiaoleiyue9355]

Thank you so much for such detail!

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome!

[@Ciaseea]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome!

[@nosasavvas]

Thank you so much for all your videos! You explain everything down to the last detail! We are going on a honeymoon on July 3rd and I have found almost everything I need to know in your videos! ❤

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome. Have a wonderful time on your honeymoon!

[@margiemiguel8878]

Wow, thanks for the timely video! So many useful tips Unfortunately, nail clippers, umbrellas and other pointy objects are not allowed in carry-on bags where I'm from.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing! For flights from the USA, TSA allows nail clippers, metal nail file, umbrella, and even small scissors. I usually put our first aid kit that has small scissors into a checked suitcase, since some airlines can be really strict.

[@IdeallyAbroad]

Thanks for the tips! I don't plan on going to Japan for a looong while, but I'll be following along to see what you come up with. I'm stuck in Europe at the moment while I save up haha. Enjoyed the laid back nature of the video! :) All the best from an American in Georgia!

[@casual_ayks8987]

I'm still waiting on that laundry video huhu

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for the reminder! The various ways we’ve washed laundry in Japan include: vacation rental with washing machine and hang dry, vacation rental with washer and dryer, hotel laundry room with coin operated washer/dryer combo, coin laundry laundromat with washers and dryers. If the buttons/ instructions are not in English, I use Google translate lens. The washing machines at hotels and coin laundry often dispense their own detergent, so you don’t need to add your own detergent. Any specific questions?

[@quickmsg428]

Great info! 🎉Where do you recommend to buy kids shoes at Tokyo & Osaka please?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. There are many ABC Mart stores in Japan that sell kids shoes. Shopping is endless in Japan!

[@quickmsg428]

@ Yay! Thank you so much 😊

[@valeriewalker7945]

Several items are referred to in short hand, or presume we know what they are: ie. power bank.

[@KenshoQuest]

Power bank = portable charger. I use it for charging my phone on-the-go. Items are listed in the description box, if it makes it easier to see them in written form. 🌸 Heidi

[@GayleMin]

Thank you for your video. Where did you get the dress that you are wearing on the video? I love it!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks! I bought it from Ibex seven years ago, and unfortunately they don't sell dresses any more. I have links to other brands of wool dresses in the description box below my video on my minimalist travel wardrobe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH61g3iimdR1p7s

[@esthersturm5750]

Where did you buy the packing cubes? Also, what size do you recommend for the cubes?

[@KenshoQuest]

These are the packing cubes I show in the video: amzn.to/3Vp1lCc I prefer small size packing cubes so I can separate different types of clothing. For example, dresses or shirts in one. Bottoms in another. It also depends upon the size and shape of luggage you will be packing into.

[@happy_sady]

Hi Heidi. Where can I buy wool wash liquid for my Merino Wool outfits (all secured through your links)? In case I can't receive them on time for my Japan travel, what other powder/liquid would you recommend I use to hand wash my items?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. Here's our affiliate link for travel size packets of wool wash: amzn.to/3Y72D7M If you can't get wool wash in time, the best alternative is shampoo. Caring for wool fibers is similar to caring for hair. Most hotels in Japan provide shampoo and body wash. Have a wonderful trip!

[@caelumkilleren7744]

Is it still hot in Japan on last week of August and early September?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, it can be very hot. But the last couple of years has been very unpredictable with some days hot and others getting cool. So please bring a sweater.

[@bellamcqueenhoang8710]

Hello can you let me know the baby carrier brand? It looks very comfortable for baby. Im taking 1 year old to Japan. Thanks

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. It's a Kinderpack. It's the most comfortable out of all the soft structured carriers I've used over the years. Here's my referral link: rwrd.io/87m3cet?c

[@pandarush.]

Hello, where did you buy the flat loofah? Thank you.

[@KenshoQuest]

That one I bought at The Hive eco store in Malaysia. They are also easy to find in Thailand. There are some options for “flat loofa sponge” on Amazon USA.

[@varshapawar7789]

Informative video. Thank you. We are flying from Mumbai to Narita airport and return back again from Narita itself.. Please suggest which place (statio/city) will be convenient to stay and visit the various attractions? Will kawaguchi a good option? Is this station come on JR line?

[@solomani-42]

Curious do you have a video dedicated to visiting in winter?

[@KenshoQuest]

We will release videos about winter once it gets to be fall. Is there something in particular you are curious about? We made a video about preparing for the Sapporo Snow Festival: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fImYd6eteNGtr8k We were so busy filming everyday when we were there in winter that we didn't get a chance to edit the videos yet.

[@solomani-42]

@@KenshoQuest we are planning on going back for a month in either October, November or December. I am leaning towards October just because it should still be pleasant. So was just curious how you felt about it (would you go in summer over winter for example). I’ll check out the videos you linked as well.

[@KenshoQuest]

@@solomani-42 Fall is one of my favorite times of year to visit! It's not crazy hot like summer and it's less crowded than spring. We also really like going in winter. For winter trips we go to Hokkaido to play in the powdery snow.

[@lindac1142]

@@solomani-42 I travelled in November 2023 and it was still quite warm in the cities. Not sure if that was typical or not but all we needed was a light jacket. The only time we were cold and needed our foldable down jacket was when we were in Takayama in mid-November (it actually snowed!). So depending on what part of Japan you're visiting, you may not need "winter" clothes for that time of year.

[@solomani-42]

@@lindac1142 great. Thank you. We will be sticking mostly to Tokyo this time with a weekend in Nikko.

[@ronica2623]

We just returned from our second 3 wk trip, both in June. We have found weather more like 78-90 Tokyo,Osaka,Kyoto,etc…areas. Sun umbrella and small rechargeable fan essential. Supposed to be rainy season but both times only rained hard one day.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ushabhatnagar4579]

Hi I love your bags pls share the link to buy these bags i am from india Lovely video and great packing tips

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. My purse and backpack are by Lily Jade. They are based in the USA, but they do ship internationally. Here's my affiliate link to their website: shrsl.com/4kr87

[@ushabhatnagar4579]

Hi thanks for the reply but it says you are denied access to this website

[@KenshoQuest]

@@ushabhatnagar4579 Here is the direct link. They sell both cow leather and vegan bags: www.lily-jade.com/

[@jvrcamacho1]

Do you have any recommendations for men? I plan on visiting the Tokyo area soon and would like to wear shorts and tank tops but I heard it may be frowned upon. Any advice?

[@KenshoQuest]

George wears shorts and tee shirts in the summer. Especially if you are visiting a temple, shrine, or castle, I would opt for a tee shirt with shoulders covered, rather than a tank top.

[@meadowyoung337]

Is the a digital Pasmo app in English?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes. Just make sure your phone settings are set to Language “English” and Region “United States”. It’s easiest to install the digital PASMO directly through Apple Wallet. Select “+” then “transition card” then scroll down to Japan.

[@happy_sady]

I see your recommended power bank is by Futurista, but which one do you prefer; the Pixy Mini Compact, or the Pixy Go Magsafe wireless? There is a very small price difference, and I'd like to get the better one. Also, are you recommending the 5000 or the 10000. I'd like to charge an iPhone and MacBook Air simultaneously (if possible). Thanks.

[@KenshoQuest]

I have the Futurizta 10,000mAh Pixy Go Magsafe power bank. That's probably the better option if you want to charge both an iPhone and MacBook Air at the same time. It can charge two devices at once, one through Magsafe and the other through USB-C. I'm thinking of getting the Pixy Mini compact power bank for our next Japan trip. It's only 5000mAh and could probably charge my iPhone one time. I just like that it's smaller, so I could easily carry it in my purse. Anker is also another good brand for power banks. We used other versions in the past, but this one looks good for travel (affiliate link): amzn.to/3KQR5O5 Most airlines allow you to carry on (not in checked luggage) a power bank of up to 10,000mAh, so I wouldn't go above that.

[@happy_sady]

@@KenshoQuest as always your replies address my questions fully, plus they include answers to questions I hadn’t thought to ask; such as don’t go above 10000 and power bank should travel on board (not checked in). Does your KZbin or URL page have a way I can make a donation directly to you in gratitude?

[@KenshoQuest]

@@happy_sady Thanks for asking! You could comment on one of our videos with a Super Thanks. Right under the video there's the thumbs up, share, and if you scroll right on a phone there's an option for "Thanks". Or on a computer there are three dots for a drop down menu, and "Thanks" is located under there. 💕

[@happy_sady]

@@KenshoQuest I just tried sending a Super Thanks - for the 1st time. Hopefully it went through. By the way, may I suggest that you consider introducing/sharing this "Thanks" feature on your next live video. I believe many people, like myself, wish to thank you, but don't know how. I kept wondering what the super thanks were about on your live videos.

[@KenshoQuest]

@@happy_sady Thank you! We received it. We'll try to remember to mention the Super Chat option on our next live. We're still getting the hang of doing live videos.

[@killerangel-qy9ug]

What was the website you said you fill all your paperwork out at before you got there? Also what is that website good for?

[@KenshoQuest]

Visit Japan Web services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/ It's for entering trip information (such as address of your hotel) to expedite Immigration and Customs procedures once you arrive in Japan.

[@killerangel-qy9ug]

@KenshoQuest awesome ill check this out. One more question, it's been a number of years since I've been in japan did you have a similar packing list for sakura season?

[@KenshoQuest]

@@killerangel-qy9ug I haven't made a spring packing list video yet. We did just visit in winter + spring. It's still pretty cool in spring, so we kept wearing most of our warm long-sleeve clothes and only stopped wearing our hats/mittens/snow boots. I plan to make a spring list!

[@killerangel-qy9ug]

@KenshoQuest kool thank you so much for the replies. Looking forward to your next videos

[@gailcrockett9883]

Products List/Link?

[@KenshoQuest]

I included links in the description box below the video. You can also read my blog post and download a printable checklist: kenshoquest.com/expert-japan-packing-list-travel-essentials/

[@pandarush.]

Should i have a book for Shinto shrines and another book for Buddhist?

[@KenshoQuest]

It’s probably best to have two separate books, if the goshuin stamps are written directly into the book. Many ones these days are on a separate piece of paper, and then you can glue it into the book.

[@pandarush.]

​@KenshoQuest Thank you! Where can i find stamp books? (Im in Colorado, going to visit Japan for the first time in 38 years. Train stations used to be SO MUCH simpler).

[@KenshoQuest]

We've purchased them at temples, castles, and a shop in Kawagoe. You can probably find them other places, as well. They fold out accordion style.

[@vanessaknowles9290]

I still don’t understand why I would need a sim and a pocket WiFi ?

[@KenshoQuest]

They are for internet connection. You can either get a data plan through a SIM card or pocket WiFi, or use an international plan offered by your phone service provider. Here's our video explaining about eSIMS and Pocket WiFi: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6WQppWgac-BptU

[@happy_sady]

Hi Heidi (and George). I've seen so many of your videos and read so many of your posts that at home I refer to you as "my friends George and Heidi" - and everyone knows who I'm talking about. Question: Heidi, you mentioned you don't pack Sudafed, however my doctor has instructed I take (Sudafed = Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 30mg tablets) during the flight. In the US it's over the counter, and simply a nasal decongestant. I know Japan's List of Controlled Substances, but I don't see Sudafed/ingredients listed there. Is there somewhere else I should check? Can you help me verify if regular Sudafed 30mg is allowed?

[@KenshoQuest]

Your friend, Heidi, here. You might want to ask your doctor if they have a way to look up which medications are banned in Japan. I'm not a medical doctor. I am under the impression that pseudoephedrine is illegal in Japan. I also have not been able to find the types of decongestants that are typically sold in the USA in pharmacies in Japan. Here are two websites to refer to: jp.usembassy.gov/services/importing-medication/ and www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html I know you've watched a bunch of our videos, but just in case, you might like this checklist for preparing for a Japan trip. I mention about medications in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3echox8fpJ8aZo

[@kevinpang5031]

good. three bigger ones than yours

[@fannieharvey113]

So many unneeded items. Sorry

[@KenshoQuest]

What are your essentials to pack for Japan?

[@fannieharvey113]

Besides medications and battery packs everything could be purchased in Japan including sanitary pads and plastic bags

[@ltakahashi3802]

@@fannieharvey113Personally, the last thing I want to do in Japan in August is spend precious time and energy hunting through all the stores to collect those same items I could have brought along with me, especially with sweaty kids in tow. But even if that was my preference, the video is great for setting out what I’d need.

[@fannieharvey113]

@@ltakahashi3802 there is nothing to hunt for. It’s just going to the drugstore and buying what you need instead of caring and worrying about not having things before you go.