How to Pack for a Cosy Winter in Japan

Xperience Team
15 Dec 2024 - 5 min read

Winter in Japan is truly a magical time when the country will be transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland covered in beautiful white. While it might not be the best weather to enjoy blooming flowers, winter has so many things that you can enjoy with your friends and family including skiing, snowboarding and many others.

What is the Weather like in Japan During Winter?

The Winter in Japan usually lasts from December through February.

Japan’s winter actually varies significantly across different regions. Here is detailed information about Winter in several regions in Japan.

Northern Japan (Hokkaido)

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Hokkaido is the coolest part of Japan, where the average temperature during winter can range from -5°C to 5°C. But in inland areas, the temperatures can even drop as far as -25°C. Heavy snowfall is also common in the area, especially in mountainous regions, as well as strong winds which will make the temperatures even colder.

Central Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka)

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The average Temperatures in central Japan like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka often range from 2°C to 10°C. The air is pretty dry, leading to low humidity and potential skin dryness so you will need to bring yourself several necessities to avoid the dryness on your skin.

Southern Japan (Kyushu, Okinawa)

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Southern Japan houses the mildest winter out of all areas in Japan. The winter in this area usually has average temperatures around 10°C to 15°C. There might be also occasional rain showers, especially in Kyushu.

What to Pack for a Trip to Japan in Winter?

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1. Clothes

Clothes are one of the most important things that you need to keep in mind, especially if you don’t want to get any frostbite because of the cold weather of winter.

Base Layers

Thermal underwear, long-sleeved tops and buttons made of wool or fleece base layers for added warmth.

Mid Layers:

Warm sweaters or pullovers made of wool, cashmere, or fleece.

Outer Layers

A heavy-duty winter coat, preferably waterproof and windproof. Don’t forget to bring a warm hat, scarf, and gloves and if you would like to, bring yourself an additional tick winter jacket.

Footwear

Waterproof and insulated winter boots with good traction. Don’t forget about warm socks made of wood or thermal.

2. Electronics

Phone and Charger

Which are essential for your daily navigation and communication.

A Portable Charger

Your absolute lifesaver for keeping your phone alive in an emergency and to be connected on the go.

Universal Adapter

Japan uses Type A and B plugs, so bring yourself an adapter so you can charge your phone and use electricity without trouble the moment you step into Japan.

A camera along with its charger

Bring your best camera to capture your moment in Japan with your beloved ones.

3. Documents

Passport

The most essential document that you need to bring whenever you go to Japan.

Visa(If required)

Australian passport holders do not need a visa to enter Japan if they plan to visit under 90 days. But if you plan to stay for more days, you are b expected to make your personalised visa beforehand.

Travel Insurance

To protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances, Travel Insurance is one of the considerable documents that you should make.

Itinerary

One essential especially if you visit under a limited amount of time. Making an itinerary would help you to maximize your time to visit all the places that you would like to explore.

Japanese Yen

The currency of Japan, and the cash that you should prepare even before stepping your feet to Japan. Some places might allow online payment or card payment, but some of them only allow cash as their payment method.

Japanese Rail Pass

The Japanese Rail Pass is especially necessary especially if you plan to move from one region of Japan to another in a few days. Besides it will give you efficiency, it would also save some of your money in some cases.

4. Toiletries

Travel-Sized Toileteries

Pack essentials like your usual shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste. It is even more recommended if you have sensitive skin. If it goes on your carry-on toiletries bag, please make sure that the liquid do not go over 100ml.

Hand Sanitizer

One of the handy tools to maintain hygiene.

Deodorant

Pack up your favourite Deodorant, so that you can maintain a refreshing smell all the time.

Medicine

While you can just purchase medicine from the nearby konbini that you can find anywhere, it is always better to anticipate bringing your familiar medicine like the one for stomach ache, diarrhoea, constipation, cold and even headache during your trip.

Because most of the medicines sold on the konbini are in the Japanese language, there is a high probability that you are not very familiar with them.

Tips for Your Packing to Japan in Winter

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1. Pack Light

Never bring too many things in your luggage and leave a lot of space for gifts and souvenirs!

Japan is a great place to shop, where you will be tempted to purchase many great things from snacks, cosmetics, clothes, accessories, shoes, and many others during your trip.

Besides, Japan is also known for their stylish fashion and great snacks they limitedly produce only within the area.

2. Bring Yourself Water Bottle

You’re going to walk for a long way in Japan, where you will need to drink a lot to keep yourself hydrated all the time, including during the winter.

Bringing yourself a bottle of water does not only save some of your money from purchasing drinks, it also helps in saving the environment.

3. Translation App

Not exactly the things you need to pack, but the things you need to have. Translation App is the most useful thing that you need to download or have before going to Japan. Japan might be a great place for tourists with numerous tourist attractions nestled within the area, but still, the main language you’re going to see everywhere you go will be Japanese.

If you have no confidence in reading the Japanese language, it is critical for you to have the Translation App to help you buy something, or order something during your exploration.

4. Hat, Scarf, and Gloves

It is cold during the winter! Never forget to bring yourself a warm hat, scarf, and gloves to keep yourself warm all the time.

If you feel all of those clothes are not enough to make yourself warm, no worries, because you can always purchase heat packs in the nearby konbini once you get to Japan.

Flight to Tokyo

Mon, 26 May 2025

Scoot

Melbourne (MEL) to Tokyo (NRT)

Start from AU$383.16

Sat, 14 Jun 2025

Greater Bay Airlines

Bangkok (BKK) to Tokyo (NRT)

Start from AU$194.29

Wed, 11 Jun 2025

VietJet Air

Jakarta (CGK) to Tokyo (NRT)

Start from AU$215.51

Here are all the things you need to know including the weather in Japan during winter and packing tips before going to Japan in Winter. Discover everything you need to know in A Lover’s Guide to Japanese Love Hotels for a unique and memorable experience!

If you would like to book accommodation, services, or flight tickets to Japan, Traveloka is more than happy to help you in booking those tickets. Besides giving the best price, Traveloka also often gives numerous combos, discounts, and promotions! So don’t miss yours!

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In This Article

• What is the Weather like in Japan During Winter?
• Northern Japan (Hokkaido)
• Central Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka)
• Southern Japan (Kyushu, Okinawa)
• What to Pack for a Trip to Japan in Winter?
• 1. Clothes
• 2. Electronics
• 3. Documents
• 4. Toiletries
• Tips for Your Packing to Japan in Winter
• 1. Pack Light
• 2. Bring Yourself Water Bottle
• 3. Translation App
• 4. Hat, Scarf, and Gloves

Flights Featured in This Article

Mon, 26 May 2025
Scoot
Melbourne (MEL) to Tokyo (NRT)
Start from AU$383.16
Book Now
Sat, 14 Jun 2025
Greater Bay Airlines
Bangkok (BKK) to Tokyo (NRT)
Start from AU$194.29
Book Now
Wed, 11 Jun 2025
VietJet Air
Jakarta (CGK) to Tokyo (NRT)
Start from AU$215.51
Book Now

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