Japan: Cultural Odyssey‎ > ‎

Packing List

Overall the weather in Japan is moderately temperate with four distinct seasons of: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. In the winter (December to February), it is quite dry and it’s common for snowfall to happen in the northern regions. From March to May, Spring hits and the temperatures get warmer-cherry blossom time! Then in June, summer begins where the rainy season is more prevalent. Summer usually ends in August. Finally in Autumn (September to November) it cools down.  

Luggage on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

When boarding the Shinkansen, the following regulations apply:

You may bring up to two pieces of baggage on board free of charge. For each bag the total of the length, width and height must not exceed 250 centimeters, the length must not exceed two meters and the weight must be no more than 30 kilograms.

Luggage pieces less than 160 cm (sum of height x length x width) can be brought aboard without prior reservation. For luggage pieces between 160 cm – 250 centimeters, a prior reservation is required, which can be made for free. In case no reservation is made, then a 1.000yen fine will be charged, and your luggage may be moved by the train conductor.

Luggage over 250 centimeters may not be brought on the train, and will need alternative transportation.

IMPORTANT: 

• Passport (MUST be valid 6 months after trip) 

• Personal medication. Note: Japan has very strict laws against many over the counter and prescription medication legal in the U.S.  Please see below for more information on what medication is prohibited from entering Japan. 

• One refillable water bottle 

• Small backpack or day bag for daily excursions

Clothes (Spring/Summer):

• Short-sleeved shirts  

• Raincoat (lightweight, water resistant)

• A warm sweatshirt / fleece (it can get cool at night)

• Undergarments & socks

• Bathing suits (for hotel pools)

• Shorts

• Comfortable pants suitable for walking 

• Hat for sun protection

• One pair of sandals and closed-toed shoes 

• One pair of comfortable tennis/walking shoes (these are for day-to-day activities)

Clothes (Fall/Winter):

• Comfortable long-sleeved shirts

• Raincoat (lightweight, water resistant)

• Heavy winter jacket with gloves and warm hat (for winter months)

• Warm sweatshirts / fleece 

• Undergarments & socks

• Bathing suits (for hotel pools)

• Hiking or yoga pants 

• One pair of comfortable tennis/walking shoes (these are for day-to-day activities)

*Laundry service is not available during the trip. We advise that you should bring enough lightweight clothes to avoid having to do laundry during the trip.

Bath/ Personal: 

• Personal toiletries (soap & shampoo provided at hotels)

Other: 

• Sunscreen (for summer months)

• Hand sanitizer

• Sunglasses 

• Ear plugs

• Portable charger (phone or camera) 

• Camera 

• Personal snacks 

• Books and/or magazines 

• Watch or small alarm

*Electrical outlets in Japan use 100 volt. Even though it’s lower than the voltage in the United States an electronic adaptor is not needed.