trying to pack light for Japan - what do we REALLY need?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't think of why you'd need jeans in the summer in Japan. But are you someone who'd rather have the extra thing just in case, or are you someone who'd rather just deal with it if it turns out you wish you'd brought something you didn't think you'd want?

You can also run into a Uniqlo or Muji (or another store) and pick up whatever you wish you had with you.

That said I think I would commit hari kari if I was in sweaty Japan for 10 days and had all of two shirts to swap between. It is HUMID (if I am remembering right) and it's nice to change your shirt at least once a day so you don't stink and so you feel better.

Why do you get 4 pairs of shoes, but your son only gets two shirts?

If you're checking a bag with liquids, can't you fit some extra clothes in there so you guys aren't walking around these cities in dirty clothes?

Depends on your size. Japanese XL shoes are approximately size 8 US womens. Japanese XL clothes are somewhere around 6 or 8 in tops; Uniqlo only goes up to 4/6 in bottoms and trousers. So don’t bet on being able to buy clothes easily unless you’re small.

+1 if you are a U.S. womens size 10 or larger don’t count on being able to buy any clothes in Japan

+2 I went as a size 8 both in clothing and shoes and really couldn’t fit into anything.

[Anonymous]

Four pairs of shoes and two suitcases for an extremely short trip? And trying to dictate in advance what type of pants your husband wears? You sound not fun at all. If you were my wife, you’d get the boot.

[Anonymous]

Expect to take off shoes everywhere, including the fitting rooms at the clothing stores. Also don't wear hotel slippers when you go downstairs to eat breakfast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Expect to take off shoes everywhere, including the fitting rooms at the clothing stores. Also don't wear hotel slippers when you go downstairs to eat breakfast.

I can’t believe this even needs to be written.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Expect to take off shoes everywhere, including the fitting rooms at the clothing stores. Also don't wear hotel slippers when you go downstairs to eat breakfast.

I can’t believe this even needs to be written.

Believe it! We’ve seen this in Tokyo. People walking in their white paper slippers.

[Anonymous]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/05/japan-airlines-rent-clothes-baggage/

Just rent!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Expect to take off shoes everywhere, including the fitting rooms at the clothing stores. Also don't wear hotel slippers when you go downstairs to eat breakfast.

I can’t believe this even needs to be written.

Believe it! We’ve seen this in Tokyo. People walking in their white paper slippers.

It depends on what type of hotel in Japan. If you're staying in a traditional ryokan, you are given indoor slippers (not the white paper or terry cloth) to use inside the building. Your shoes are stored at the entrance/lobby. You do not wear slippers ever on tatami floors. If you are at a Japanese-style hotel, you may also be given indoor slippers (not in room slippers) to be used within the building. You can wear those to dining within the building.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't think of why you'd need jeans in the summer in Japan. But are you someone who'd rather have the extra thing just in case, or are you someone who'd rather just deal with it if it turns out you wish you'd brought something you didn't think you'd want?

You can also run into a Uniqlo or Muji (or another store) and pick up whatever you wish you had with you.

That said I think I would commit hari kari if I was in sweaty Japan for 10 days and had all of two shirts to swap between. It is HUMID (if I am remembering right) and it's nice to change your shirt at least once a day so you don't stink and so you feel better.

Why do you get 4 pairs of shoes, but your son only gets two shirts?

If you're checking a bag with liquids, can't you fit some extra clothes in there so you guys aren't walking around these cities in dirty clothes?

Depends on your size. Japanese XL shoes are approximately size 8 US womens. Japanese XL clothes are somewhere around 6 or 8 in tops; Uniqlo only goes up to 4/6 in bottoms and trousers. So don’t bet on being able to buy clothes easily unless you’re small.

+1 if you are a U.S. womens size 10 or larger don’t count on being able to buy any clothes in Japan

+2 I went as a size 8 both in clothing and shoes and really couldn’t fit into anything.

8 here. Found a lovely frock @ Muji & ts from the men's department @ Uniqlo

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Four pairs of shoes and two suitcases for an extremely short trip? And trying to dictate in advance what type of pants your husband wears? You sound not fun at all. If you were my wife, you’d get the boot.

OMG people, read the thread.

One suitcase for each person, plus an extra one to check. So 4 suitcases for 3 people. It's also not an extremely short trip, it's a 20 day trip but we will be able to wash the clothes at least 3 times during those 20 days.

I am not trying to dictate what kind of pants my husband wears! I am wondering if khaki pants is enough or if he'd also want a pair of jeans (same goes for the teenage son). He, and the son, would prefer to wear shorts and will only bring pants if they're needed for a nice restaurant or something.

[Anonymous]

We went to Japan for 9 days in June. My husband and sons wore shorts during the day and jeans/button downs for for dinners. I wore shorts and dresses during the day and jeans and tops for dinners. It is HOT and heavy air over there right now but I tried to keep my shoulders covered to be respectful as you don't see locals showing much skin.

Normal, nice dinner attire is similar to going out anywhere in the states like NYC or Chicago. Not sure where you're staying but we did Four Seasons in Tokyo and Kyoto and everyone at our hotels was wearing similar stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A passport. Essential meds. Everything else can be procured there quite easily.

Unless you or your family members are on the larger size. Clothing sizes in Japan are small. Here I am an XXS or XS and there I am a M, sometimes even an L.

[Anonymous]

No jeans, OP. Too hot, and if the men pack khaki pants they'll be covered.