Utter the words “magic kingdom” and, instead of Disneyland, some adults might conjure up an image of Japan. It’s a country that has it all, from skiing and ryokans to shopping and seasonal changes so utterly sublime that people from all over the world plan their holidays around the flowering of a particular tree (the famous cherry blossom).
It’s not a trip where you’ll be doing much lounging around; there’s simply too much to see, eat, and buy that you’ll struggle to not plan every minute. Instead, what you pack will need to be comfortable, especially when you’re traveling between cities by train, and cool in both senses of the word (Japanese fashion is unsurprisingly in a league of its own).
From slip-on shoes to crossbody bags that will allow you to be as hands-free as possible, these essentials are worth their spot in your suitcase. Read on for our guide to what to wear in Japan.
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Daytime looks
With so much to squeeze into your itinerary, you need to pack daytime looks that are comfortable enough to wear for 12 hours straight (seriously, my experience is that you’ll most likely depart your accommodation in the morning only to return after dinner and a late-night dash to 7-Eleven). A lightweight tank with cargo pants will cover most outings on the itinerary or, equally, a striped cotton shirt worn over wide-leg jeans. These effortless combinations give you the freedom of movement to walk, eat, and explore comfortably.