I miss Japan

an overdue run through of our trip to Tokyo & Kyoto starting with what I packed

I know, I know, it’s quite embarrassing how long it’s been since I said I would put together a post recapitulating our trip to Japan, back in April - but here we are.

As I’ve mentioned many times on the podcast and in my videos, this trip to Japan has been on our “pre-baby bucket list” for a minute now, and yes, that’s also an overdue post I’d like to write soon. Nonetheless, we couldn’t be more excited for this trip, especially since my mom and sister also joined us, meaning we had triple the planners, so the itinerary was packed.

Now, if you’d like to hear about the trip and all the fun little stories and impressions, you can listen to the podcast episodes. If you'd like to see a visual representation, diary-style, of our trip, you can also watch the videos. This collection of posts will serve as a reflection and guide for anyone planning or considering a visit to Japan, offering my two cents as someone who loves obsessing over the details.

Packing for 2.5 weeks

I’ve been notoriously known as an overpacker in my family. Usually hidden behind the “it’s my job” excuse - as in pack way too many options and end with 50% of what I packed left untouched. I didn’t veer too far off because I still used this trip as an excuse to finally invest in some good quality luggage.

I wanted to find the perfect size luggage that would put some size restrictions on my overpacking tendencies, but realistically allow enough space for a 2-week trip. Enter the AWAY Bigger Carry-On Flex. No, this is not sponsored; I am truly couldn’t be happier with this purchase. For most trips overseas, your plane ticket will also include a checked bag, which is why I went with the “Bigger” version of the Carry-on Flex as I knew I wouldn’t be carrying it on anyway for longer trips, which are my most frequented; plus I still wanted the space restriction and lightness for when it comes to going up and down the stairs in transit or in various Airbnb situations.

I wish I could’ve taken a picture of how everything was beautifully arranged in my suitcase, but here is a rough packing list of all the things I packed that I think were essential for a March/April trip to Japan.

PACKING LIST

• Goes-with-everything Jeans

• Black trousers

• Uniqlo Heattech Ultra-Warm Longsleeve

• Packable Down Jacket (this is my absolute favorite jacket ever)

• Sweatshirt/Sweater

• 2 white t-shirts

• 2 fun/non-basic tops

• 2-3 Layering long-sleeved tops

• Cross-body bag

• Shoulder bag

• Loafers

• Sneakers (I didn’t pack any since I knew I wanted to purchase a pair while in Tokyo)

• Belt

• Sunglasses

• Light accessories: scarves, hats, jewelry, glasses

• Packable duffle bag

  *We knew we were going to do some shopping on this trip, so we purposely underpacked and left space in our luggage + brought this packable duffle

1.studded belt 2.black trousers 3.sweater 4.scarf 5.jacket 6.loafers 7.jeans 8.daily bag 9.light sweater 10.crossbody bag

This post does lose a little relevance now that we’re in peak summer and you’re probably not shopping for jackets or sweaters; however, I thought it was worth sharing, as this was the first trip of my adult life that I felt I packed just right.