Japan at Easter and packing

[Stompythedinosaur]

Hi, I wonder whether anyone can help me with my current packing stress!

Me, dp and dds (age 11 and 12) are heading to Japan for 16 days covering the very end of March and beginning of April, staying in Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto.

My googling has given conflicting information about whether it will be jumper and long trousers weather or a bit warmer? And I'm also keen to work out how rainy it might be, and whether we'll be ok with some lightweight waterproof jackets that can be shoved in a bag, or whether we'd be better with proper waterproof jackets and maybe an umbrella?

If anyone's been to Japan at a similar time if year it would be great to hear how you found it!

Agreed. Made up nonsense.

I also lived in Japan for years. Don't believe that anyone would contract Japanese encephalitis in Tokyo, and I believe that a Japanese doctor would direct any patient to a morgue even less. Not even remotely credible, I'm afraid.

Def no vaccine/hygiene concerns.

I was there for 2 years and ate all kinds of stuff much of which I couldn’t tell you what it was. Only place in Asia I never had an upset tummy. Or barely a cold.

We’re going at the same time and to similar places.

I’m definitely not planning on taking a winter coat unless the weather forecast just before we go suggests an unseasonably cold snap. I’m packing a blazer, a light jacket and a fairly lightweight rain jacket. I’m just taking things that can be layered up if it’s a bit chilly. No big jumpers or winter clothes. A couple of pairs of jeans, a couple of dresses, a skirt, a pair of joggers for the plane and then a mixture of long and short sleeved T-shirts and tops and a couple of lighter weight jumpers.

The daily high temperatures in Tokyo for the first two weeks of April last year were between 17 and 24 degrees. In 2022 there was a cold snap for a few days of 9-10 degrees and then temperatures in the teens and twenties (up to 26 degrees). 2021 was between 14 and 22 degrees for the same period.

So it could be jumper weather or quite a bit warmer than that but it’s not going to be full on winter coat cold.

I am also not getting a JE vaccine and didn’t get one the last time I went either. It’s definitely not necessary for a golden route trip in Japan.

I am going exactly the same time and also wondering about this. We’re trying to go with cabin luggage only. I don’t usually shop on holiday but maybe here.

I actually happen to have had JE vaccination, so all set there 😜

Like you @Asiatoyork I prefer to travel light and wash as needed, but I'm used to doing that in warmer places. I think I'm consigned to taking a big case each and using the luggage transportation thing, which seems like a really convenient thing.

Thanks for all the advice. My packing is now looking like jeans/long trousers, jumpers, a blazer and a thin waterproof. I'm going to take a change of trainers I think, for the kids at least, because we'll be doing a lot of walking and I don't want blisters. I've just ordered some new packing cubes, and I'm feeling organised.

Thanks to everyone!

I’m normally a cabin bag only traveller but will be taking a checked bag this time.

We could fit what we need into a cabin case plus personal item but I want to have space for souvenirs on the way back so we’re going to check a medium case each.

Definitely agree with having a change of trainers. I only took one pair on a trip once and got blisters on the soles of my feet. It was really painful. I’ve always taken two different pairs since then and being able to rotate them makes a huge difference. I’m taking a change of trainers and a pair of loafers.