Essential Winter Packing Guide for Japan
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It was our first time experiencing a winter trip to Japan, and I’m excited to share everything you need to pack to stay cozy and warm during your adventure. Of course, what you bring will depend on your destination—whether you’re heading to ski resorts, the northern regions, or bustling cities.
As for us, we mostly stayed in Tokyo and visited a ski resort. Our trip spanned from the last week of December to the second week of January.
Packing for Japan in winter requires thoughtful planning when it comes to clothing and essentials. As parents of a 3-year-old, we initially weren’t sure how to dress her, and it took some effort to ensure we packed everything we needed. We wanted to avoid lugging around too much baggage or bulky items while still staying warm throughout the trip.
Keep an eye on the weather before you go. December in Tokyo is relatively mild, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and nighttime temperatures in the 30s. Of course, your tolerance for cold will depend on where you’re from :)
Here’s a concise list:
Layering is Key:
Layering is key, this is golden. So the most important part is the base layer. For our 16-day trip to Japan, this is what we packed.
For myself: with all my base layers were from Uniqlo. Uniqlo offers three different levels of HeatTech. A pair or two should be enough to start with, and you can always buy more once you’re there. Uniqlo in Japan is way cheaper than anywhere else!
Brought my comfy Gap Sherpa Parka (I’ve had this parka since 2019) and got another long coat from GU… and I chose not to bring my H&M Puffer Jacket to save some space in our luggage.
For my daughter: I packed a variety of winter clothes and bought some extra pieces in Japan. I included different base layer brands to see which one she prefers, along with a mix of leggings and jackets. Since kids grow so quickly, have fluctuating body temperatures, and tend to sweat more than adults, it's important to check on them regularly. Most of her clothes are from Uniqlo, Gap, H&M, and Old Navy—perfect for affordable yet warm winter wear.
Shop here: Extra Warm T-Shirt; Extra Warm Leggings; Puffer Jacket; Fleece Jacket; Old Navy Fleece Leggings; Columbia Base Layer
TIP: Japan has year-end sales, so if you're planning to visit between December and January, definitely take advantage of them! The discounts are crazy, and everything from winter clothes to accessories and more is way cheaper. I ended up buying extra baselayers for us too!
Footwear:
These were the main shoes we wore throughout our trip to Tokyo. For my daughter, we ended up buying her shoes while we were there. Since Tokyo is known for its amazing fashion scene, I noticed many people wearing all kinds of boots, including UGGs.. It’s important to have comfortable footwear suitable for walking long distances and handling wet conditions. Luckily, it only rained twice during our trip!
Shop here: Asics Metid Mini; New Balance 530; Nike V2K Run
Accessories:
Bring hats, scarves, gloves, earmuffs, and thermal socks for your city walks, especially in windy, rainy, or snowy weather. Tokyo tends to get colder at night. We only packed fleece gloves for the trip, but you can always purchase the other items once you arrive.
Warm Clothing for Skiing/Snowboarding:
If you're visiting ski resorts, make sure to pack snow pants, insulated jackets, and ski gloves or other snow gear. However, you can always choose to rent gear when you arrive. Whether to bring your own or rent is totally up to you! For our visit to Gala Yuzawa, we decided to bring some of our own gear. I forgot to take pictures while packing, but here are a few of the essentials we brought along.
Shop here: Toddler Snowsuit; Toddler Boots; Insulated Bib Overalls; Snow Pants; similar to Toddler’s Jacket
Tech & Everyday Essentials:
As you prepare for winter, don't forget the essentials. Along with bundling up to stay warm, make sure to pack tech gadgets and smaller items like lip balm and moisturizer to keep your skin healthy. And, of course, don't miss the chance to capture Japan's breathtaking winter landscapes! Here's a look at the key items we carried with us every day—your must-have carry-on essentials. Though not pictured, we relied on CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Body Cream during our winter trip, and it kept our skin perfectly moisturized. Oh, and be sure to pack a power bank too! :)
Shop here: Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station; UGREEN Power Bank; Lip Balm
Overall, our winter trip was an amazing experience! We loved the cold, sunny, and dry weather. The cold was definitely manageable, thanks to the base layers we had packed. I highly recommend investing in good base layers. With the right gear, you can fully enjoy Japan’s winter, from the snowy mountains to the vibrant cities. Packing wisely will make sure you're prepared for everything this beautiful country has to offer in winter.
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