While Andrew is great at logistics like itineraries and mapping things out, I like to research packing lists and supplies. He often overlooks these parts of planning (his packing hardly changes from trip to trip) while I fret about clothing styles and substrates. I think it’s the sewist in me to be so aware of these things, but I also know how much I value having clothes that fit the place I’m visiting.
To literally fit, I make sure what I wear is comfortable. If I know I’ll be doing a lot of sitting, I make sure I have clothes that don’t have an awkward seam right where I sit. If the weather is hot, I want moisture-wicking fabric like linen.
To figuratively fit, I want to be respectful of the local style and to try to blend in the best I can. I did a lot of research on what to pack and this is the area I was the most stressed about, but I am happy with what I ended up with.
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What to Wear in Japan
Japan is a very conservative country when it comes to clothing. I was cognizant of this as I chose my clothing, but I was still surprised when I got there. Americans (and non-locals) easily stand out and I knew right away that my choices weren’t going to perfectly blend in.
The Japanese have a very distinct style and it’s hard to emulate with the options we have at home. You’ll see a lot of neutral solid colors, looser-fitting clothes, and very little skin exposed. This means high necklines, long sleeves, long pants, long skirts, and layering, even in summer. Sneakers were the most common casual footwear I saw and platforms are very popular right now.
Being from Utah, a semi-arid desert, we’re not used to any humidity and the immediate sweat that comes with just being in it. For Andrew and Jadon, their clothing choices were no different from what they would wear at home: shorts and a t-shirt. For Isabelle and me, the new linen pieces I made for the trip were perfect for the weather, even though they weren’t as conservative as the locals. (I’ll share exactly what I made for the trip soon.)
I brought my longer, baggier shorts (which are still short in length) and tried to make sure the necklines of my tops weren’t revealing (they never really are), but I still felt a bit too exposed compared to the Japanese styles I saw. It was funny to feel that way there and then feel completely differently wearing the same thing at home.
My tip for anyone fretting about sleeves, necklines, and hemlines: Wear what makes you most comfortable, but be aware and respectful that locals don’t expose a lot of skin. You aren’t going to blend in, but I think it shows when you’re trying to be respectful with your attire.
Our Packing List for Japan
Trip details: 12 full days with 2 half days on either end. We visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara during the summer rainy season. We had access to a washer/dryer in our Airbnbs.
To pack:
- 4 t-shirts (or 3 tops and 1 dress)
- 3 pairs of shorts (or 2 shorts and 1 skirt)
- Pajamas
- 4 underwear
- 4 pairs of socks
- Rain jacket or umbrella
- Swimsuit
- Extra pair of shoes
- Charging cords for electronics
- Power adaptor
For the plane:
- 1 t-shirt
- 1 bottom (pants or shorts)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Light jacket
- Shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Backpack and/or belt bag
- Hat (or pack if you don’t want on plane)
- Something to do on plane
- Wired headphones
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Contact lens/glasses stuff
- Floss
- Skincare
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
Other Things to Pack
For other things to pack, check out my list of Common and Unique Items to Pack. If you’re like me and want all the details, I hope these posts help. Japan is a very welcoming country and you really don’t need to stress too much about packing. If you forget anything, you’ll find everything you need there.
If you want to read more, find all my Japan posts here and all my travel posts here.
Thanks for reading!
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