Japan packing list for train travel, season by season

• Bags over 160 cm in total dimensions need a reserved oversized space on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu shinkansen.
• A cabin size case fits the overhead rack and saves you the reservation entirely.
• Stairs are common at older stations, so wheels alone are not enough.
• Use takkyubin luggage forwarding between cities and travel with a day bag on the train.

• Spring and autumn: layers, a light rain shell, one warm mid layer for the mountains.
• Summer: light breathable clothing, a hand towel, sun protection, humidity is heavy in July and August.
• Winter: a proper coat, thermal base layers, grip on your shoes for snow in the north.
• Rainy season in June: a compact umbrella, quick drying shoes.

• Power bank, since seat outlets are not on every car.
• An IC card such as Suica for local trains, subways and convenience stores.
• Offline maps and a translation app.
• Slip on shoes, you will take them off at temples, ryokan and some restaurants.
• A small bag for rubbish, public bins are rare.

Skip bulk toiletries, towels and heavy shoes. Business hotels supply toiletries, ryokan supply yukata and towels, and convenience stores sell everything you forgot at 03:00. Cash still matters at small restaurants and shrines, but cards work almost everywhere else.

• Passport, needed to exchange a Japan Rail Pass exchange order.
• Your JR Pass exchange order if you ordered a paper voucher.
• Visit Japan Web registration for immigration and customs.
• Travel insurance details saved offline.