Asia & Pacific · Best Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Japan packing list for families: Tokyo and Kyoto
Japan is easy with kids once you know a few quiet rules, like shoes off indoors and carrying your own trash. Packing light and smart makes the trains, temples, and long walking days so much smoother.
Photo by Tomáš Malík on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto
- Pack shoes that slip on and off easily, and socks without holes. You'll take shoes off at temples, ryokans, and some restaurants, sometimes several times a day.
- Big suitcases are hard on Japanese trains, and some Shinkansen lines ask you to reserve a seat for oversized bags. I like sending large luggage ahead with a hotel courier service and riding with backpacks.
- Public trash cans are rare and many restrooms have no paper towels. A small hand towel for each person and a bag for your own trash will save you every day.
Best timeMar–May, Oct–Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyJapanese yen (cash still matters, especially in Kyoto)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto
This time of year
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Carry-on9
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Foldable tote for trash and souvenirsPublic trash cans are hard to find, so you carry your own.
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Slip-on shoes for each personOur pickShoes come off at temples, ryokans, and some restaurants.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones5
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerOur pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Small hand towel for each personMany restrooms have no paper towels or dryers.
Documents & tech5
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Coin purseYen coins add up fast, and smaller shops may be cash only.
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For the grown-ups
- A trench or chore jacket
- White sneakers
- One dinner outfit that packs flat
For the kids
- Cozy knits that layer
- Navy or olive leggings and joggers
- A raincoat with a hood
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Month by month
Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F 9°C | Cold, dry, and mostly sunny. Coats and hats for long walks, and fewer crowds outside the New Year week. | |
| February | 50°F 10°C | Cold, dry, and mostly sunny. Coats and hats for long walks, and fewer crowds outside the New Year week. | |
| March | 57°F 14°C | Mild spring days and cool evenings. Layers and a light jacket work well. | Cherry blossoms, usually late March into early April, with peak crowds in Kyoto. |
| April | 67°F 19°C | Mild spring days and cool evenings. Layers and a light jacket work well. | Cherry blossoms, usually late March into early April, with peak crowds in Kyoto. Golden Week, late April to early May, when Japanese families travel and trains and sights are busiest. |
| May | 74°F 23°C | Mild spring days and cool evenings. Layers and a light jacket work well. | Golden Week, late April to early May, when Japanese families travel and trains and sights are busiest. |
| June | 79°F 26°C | Rainy season. Gray, humid days with frequent rain, so pack umbrellas and quick-dry clothes. | |
| July | 86°F 30°C | Hot and very humid, especially in Kyoto. Typhoons are possible in late summer and early fall. | Gion Matsuri fills Kyoto with festival floats and evening street food all month. Summer fireworks festivals around Tokyo, a fun evening outing with kids in yukata. |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and very humid, especially in Kyoto. Typhoons are possible in late summer and early fall. | Summer fireworks festivals around Tokyo, a fun evening outing with kids in yukata. |
| September | 82°F 28°C | Hot and very humid, especially in Kyoto. Typhoons are possible in late summer and early fall. | |
| October | 72°F 22°C | Comfortable, clear fall weather. Light layers by day and a warmer jacket by late November. | |
| November | 62°F 17°C | Comfortable, clear fall weather. Light layers by day and a warmer jacket by late November. | Fall foliage peaks in Kyoto from mid-November into early December. |
| December | 53°F 12°C | Cold, dry, and mostly sunny. Coats and hats for long walks, and fewer crowds outside the New Year week. | Fall foliage peaks in Kyoto from mid-November into early December. |
Questions families ask
Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto with kids?
The best time is Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Mild spring days and cool evenings. Layers and a light jacket work well.
What's the weather like in Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto?
Typical daytime highs range from about 49°F (9°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto?
None. Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto with kids?
Pack shoes that slip on and off easily, and socks without holes. You'll take shoes off at temples, ryokans, and some restaurants, sometimes several times a day.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.