The Packing Edit — No. 04

What to Pack for
Japan in January

The cold-weather extras I’d add to my list.

BY MILE & MARQUE

January in Japan is cold and clear, and the wind is what really gets you. Over two weeks across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, a handful of things made all the difference. Some I packed, some I wish I had, and a few were better bought once we landed. This isn’t the whole list. Start with the Master Packing List, then add these.

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I.Pack It

Keep the wind out.

What goes in the suitcase before you leave: layers that block the wind outside and come off easily the moment you step indoors.

9 things

A wool coatThe wind was the coldest part of the trip, and mine, from Aritzia, kept it out beautifully.
A scarfAnother layer between you and the wind, and an easy one to pull off at lunch.
GlovesThese are the ones I brought.Shop on Amazon
EarmuffsMy ears were so cold that I went looking for a pair, and they took a while to find. I finally came across some in a train station, so I’d pack them before you go.Next time
Layers you can peel offRestaurants are warm inside. I was always taking off my coat, gloves, and scarf at the table, so wear pieces that come off easily.
Warm bootsI wore my Dr. Scholl’s sneakers. They were comfortable, but at times my feet were cold, and I wish I’d brought boots. Next time I will.Next time
Thick socksYou take your shoes off often in Japan, at temples and in some restaurants, and the floors are cold. I didn’t bring any warm socks, and I wish I had.Next time
AquaphorThe winter air is very dry, and this is what I’d reach for.Shop on Amazon
Small trash bagsPublic trash cans are hard to find in Japan, so we carried our own. They were a big help.Shop on Amazon

II.Buy It There

Better bought in Japan.

Some of my favorite cold-weather finds came from the shops once we landed, so leave a little room in your suitcase.

5 finds

Uniqlo Heattech, cashmere blendUniqlo is everywhere in Japan. My cashmere-blend Heattech shirts were a game changer under my tops.At Uniqlo
Heattech Ultra Warm bottomsThis is Uniqlo’s warmest line. My boyfriend wore them under his lighter pants and said they made him so much warmer, and they felt like pajamas.At Uniqlo
Hand warmersCalled kairo, the small heat packs sold at every convenience store. I picked mine up there.At convenience stores
Warm drinksWe always had a warm drink in hand, from a vending machine or a store. In winter, many vending machines sell hot cans, marked with red labels.Vending machines & stores
DHC lip balmI tried a few popular lip balms for the dry air. My favorite was DHC’s pink one, shaped like a lipstick.At drugstores

Ready to pack the rest?

Open the Master Packing List Read the Japan guides

Back to the beginning

What to Pack forJapan in January

Keep the wind out.

Better bought in Japan.

What to Pack for
Japan in January