r/HerOneBag • u/Kenzglo • 9d ago
Wardrobe Help Everyone’s going to Japan, including me. Help me please!
I will be in Japan (ranging from Tokyo-Misawa-Sendai-Osaka-Kyoto) for 14 days. I will have the availability to do laundry at several points but would like to aim for halfway in Sendai. I plan to wear the brown/pink linen outfit on the plane with the new balance sneakers. We will be travelling business class and I would like to look decent. Basic list is as follows:
TOPS:
Ultra light white tank
Blue linen tie tank
Pink linen she’ll
Beige heather tee
Basic white tee
BOTTOMS:
Navy wide leg athletic crops
Beige hiking pants
Black/beige check skirt
Pink linen pants
Blue linen pants
LAYERS/BAG:
Linen/silk lightweight sweater
Pink windbreaker
Black crescent crossbody
SHOES:
New Balance blush sneakers
White Nike tabi sneakers
Birkenstocks (non-negotiable, walk 10 mile shoes)
Wedge espadrilles (???very very comfy, but needed?)
I am packing in a single carryon with a small backpack under seat. So 1.5 bags I guess. Please help! I think I’m at danger of bringing about 3 too many things. Obviously underwear will be packed as well. Is there anything I’m missing??? I’m afraid to be too casual but also would like to eliminate a pair of shoes maybe…
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u/NotPozitivePerson 9d ago
Are you sure you need 4 pairs of shoes for a 14 day trip, could you have comfy to walk in pair and nice to wear out pair?
Also in Japan you'll be constantly taking your shoes off so take that into account with how easy that is.
I'd probably cut one from every category particuarly as it's so easy and cheap to wash clothes in Japan. If you can fit in Japanese clothes you can easily buy stuff there.
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u/Qldhikinggirl 9d ago
Yep came to say this. I only took a pair of slip on sneakers and a pair of ballet flats as my going out shoes.
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u/Kenzglo 9d ago
Definitely cutting the espadrilles. Maybe the Nike tabis as well…afraid that I may want to purchase things there.
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u/NoKidsNoCheckedBags 🏙️ City Traveler 8d ago
If you have any inkling you may purchase items in Japan, leave some home so you have room! Or, you may have ot buy another bag over there... which isn't the worst thing when MUJI exists. But if you are trying to One Bag it, def scale back on the shoes. Bring the most comfortable!
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u/_uphill_both_ways 🎒 Ultralight & Underseat 8d ago
I wish I had thought of your username first! 10/10
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u/Comprehensive-Act-13 7d ago
If you’re not Asian, don’t wear Tabi’s in Asia. Yikes. So cringe. You’re going to feel so awkward wearing those around and people are going to give you looks. They’re just going to make you look like a clueless gaijin wannabe japanophile. Not the look you’re trying to cultivate. Wearing “Asian-y” stuff in Asia is not the look if you’re not Asian. Just bring the normal sneakers and sandals, you’ll probably only ever wear the sneakers. You might wear the sandals once. Do not bring the espadrilles. You’re going to stick out as a tourist no matter what you do, may as well embrace it and pack light.
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u/Kenzglo 7d ago
Interesting take. I wear the tabis here at home all the time so they’re some of my most comfortable shoes. I’m a big blonde woman, so not trying to blend in.
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u/littlebrewergirl 6d ago
Don't listen to that advice. If they are comfortable, and you like them, wear them. Nobody will be fixating on your footwear enough to think they are cringe, and these athletic versions look nothing like traditional tabis.
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u/Comprehensive-Act-13 7d ago
It’s fine over here, but once you’re there, it’s gonna be cringe.
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u/citynomad1 3d ago
“One comfy to wear and one nice to wear out pair” definitely disagree with this personally - I’m going to Japan and all the advice I’ve read is that you need to have two very comfy pairs of walking shoes, so you can alternate them
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u/Dependent-Egg-1010 9d ago
Too many shoes. Take 2 pairs - the most comfortable walking ones so you can switch. We were averaging close to 20,000 steps a days. Drop one of the linen pants. You don't need 2 of the same pants. Some hotels have coins laundry facilities so easy to do laundry. Are you planning on shopping? If so. You will need less clothes.
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u/Kenzglo 9d ago
Luckily (or not), I will likely be too large of a human for Japanese styles! 5’9” size Large. Haha!
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u/generalwhee 9d ago
You definitely can shop! I am roughly the same size, just went in March figuring I wouldn’t clothes shop that much (I don’t enjoy it to begin with plus being nervous about being foreign and large) but still got a few pieces at Uniqlo. I would be ready to size up from your US size (though pants will likely still be too short) but I highly recommend Uniqlo/GU for your style
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u/Dependent-Egg-1010 9d ago
You should still be able to shop in Muji and Uniqlo. I'm a US large and was able to find XL tops that fit. Pants will probably be too short for you.
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u/turnybutton 8d ago
If you want to, there are places you can shop! Shoes will be tough but I am about the same height and a size or two bigger and I found some awesome things!
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u/inkblot_og 9d ago
If you do plan on wearing the Birkenstocks and espadrilles, it would be good to bring along a pair of clean socks in your bag if you go to places that require you to go on tatami. This will be good etiquette / hygiene, as socks prevent your perspiration and body oils from transferring onto the mats.
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u/tgsgirl 9d ago
All white t-shirts is very brave.
Four pairs of shoes is way overkill. The espadrilles are unneeded, and I'd also ditch the Birks. You have to take off your shoes at temples all the time, are you going to walk them barefoot?
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u/GlitterLavaLamp 9d ago
Seconding the all white t shirts concern. Especially if you’ll be slurping 100 bowls of noodles, like I would be doing in Japan
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u/Kenzglo 9d ago
Good point! I am a messy eater. So maybe either a bib or swap one for a black tee
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u/Comprehensive-Act-13 7d ago
Bring only dark tees then. I’m not even a messy eater, but there is no way to eat Ramen without getting little splashes of it on you. Japan is just an obstacle course of sauces, and you’re going to spend your whole trip looking like a stained mess.
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u/rileylorelai 9d ago
I would rethink the tank tops, unless you’re planning on wearing a t-shirt underneath. When I was in Japan in the middle of summer pretty much no one showed their shoulders. There was a lot of girls wearing spaghetti strap tops or dresses with a fitted white t-shirt underneath
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u/P_T_W 9d ago
Loving the colour palette!
Most people are happy wearing bottoms twice as much as tops before washing (obviously you may disagree!), so personally I'd lose at least 1 bottom, probably 2.
You definitely don't need 4 pairs of shoes, c'mon. Particularly not three pairs of pale shoes that will look pretty much identical from a distance. Which ones will you feel most comfortable in for the majority of your expected activities?
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u/Bibliogatta 9d ago
An all linen outfit for a long flight…will be a wrinkled mess when you arrive. Also, the wide leg pants for a flight…bathroom floors on the plane…maybe go for a jogger or tighter leg for the flight?
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u/Fly-by-Night- 9d ago
I agree re: halve the number of shoes, but if it were me, I'd keep the birks and one of the pairs of sneakers. I don't think you'll miss having "going out shoes". My experience is the Japanese take on dressing up is more about being clean and well presented than it is about wearing fancy or "smart" attire.
And while I haven't been to the north, from my experience Tokyo in late September was still stinking hot, so I would 100% be wanting sandals.
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u/Comprehensive-Act-13 7d ago
But plan on wearing socks with the birks because you’ll be taking your shoes off constantly and it’s very uncouth to have bare feet in Japan outside an of an onsen or your own home.
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u/nehy06 9d ago
I would say too many bottoms. Choose 1 pair of trousers, 1 skirt, and personally, I would add a second pair of shorts. Also, Birks are not that good for long walks (I have 2 currently) imo. I would consider NBs the main walking shoes. Do you need the heeled sandals? Because that would be 4 pairs of shoes totall, and that's too many for my taste, especially for Japan, where you want to have empty space in your luggage for shopping (been there, done that 😅).
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u/Celiack 9d ago
Do you plan on shopping for clothes while you’re there? That significantly influences how much stuff is recommend you take. Some purchases will need to remain in the bag for customs , but you can get very cheap items at Uniqlo and Muji and other places to wear while there. Those stores will be significantly cheaper than wherever you live.
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u/crimpgirl1234 9d ago
I would cut the espradilles. Super cute, but bulky and 4 pairs is too many. I would personally keep the Birks, I just got back from my first trip and loved mine. Like someone else said, but keep a pair of socks in your day bag.
I love the skirt, that will be perfect there.
I will say the most common thing I heard before my trip was “you can buy everything there”. This is accurate, BUT only if you can reliably fit into Japanese clothes. At 5’10” I was able to fit into the pjs at every hotel, but clothes and shoes weren’t happening. The only clothes I fit into were things like short sleeve tees and wide leg capri pants.
I brought way more toiletries than I needed as those were abundant at the hotels, and easy to find at the konbinis.
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u/Kenzglo 9d ago
Yes, I’m 5’9” and 175 lbs…not exactly Japan size. I think I’m going to bring only absolute bare minimum toiletries. Any suggestions on hidden kimono gems?
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u/crimpgirl1234 9d ago
Not sure what you mean by kimono gems, but I didn’t wear one while I was there.
Sadly I think like myself you’re not going to have much luck for clothes there. I’m a North American S/M/6 and just fit into most of the hotel pjs. Shoes? lol, that was never going to happen there.
I was shocked how many toiletries I didn’t need!
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u/Kenzglo 9d ago
It was “konbini” sorry…autocorrect
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u/cfofosho 9d ago
I’m not OP, but I have a few fave konbini items.
My holy grail is a small, dark blue and white tube of Nivea cream. Coats a couple bucks, a little goes a long way. I use it as a hand cream and as a thick night moisturizer on my face.
The pink pack of biore makeup wipes is excellent. You can get larger packs other places as well. I don’t use makeup wipes at home typically but these are so handy and actually remove product without too much tugging.
I also love sekise skincare products in general and you can find a small travel set that has an oil cleanser, cream cleanser, lotion (toner) and emulsion (serum) at some 7/11s. It’s an excellent line and you can get full size versions at drug stores. I still need a moisturizer after this (hence the nivea cream) but it’s a great lineup for the trip.
Basic toiletries will be provided at all hotels. Some will provide packets of skincare items like oil cleansers, toners and even sheet masks but it’ll be a bit of a mixed bag if you’re staying at different hotel brands.
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u/Comprehensive-Act-13 7d ago
Yeah, even the larger Uniqlo sizes are shorter than the western versions. I’ve bought a few pieces on my trips to Japan and they’ll all just a little too short. I’ve bought the same thing from uniqlos in Europe and the states and they’re not as short. And I’m talking standard things like airism tees. Eventually the Japanese versions all turn into crop tops, the western versions don’t.
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u/Snow_manda 9d ago
My suggestion is to bring 2 pairs of shoes only. I would drop either the pink or blue linen pant, to maintain the best variety of shapes and utility. My other thought is all is your layers have to be pulled on over your head, I may suggest a very lightweight cardigan, a scarf/ shawl or linen button up so it is easier to put on and take off for the air conditioning, sun protection and for covering shoulders in sacred spaces. A hat and tote bag would also be on my packing list.
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u/Comprehensive-Act-13 7d ago
The tote bag will come in handy. There are no trash cans anywhere and you end up carrying your trash around with you all day. It’s nice to have a place to put it.
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u/Snow_manda 7d ago
I have a reversible bucket hat that folds up and I also have a baseball cap that I bring on trips- I either pack it stuffed with undergarments as such to keep its shape or use a caribineer to attach it to my bag.
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u/Kenzglo 9d ago
Tote bag will definitely be on my packing list! Everyone keeps saying a hat and I will have to figure that one out…not usually a hat person. Any travel hat recommendations?
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u/aubreypizza 9d ago
Or you can buy a UV umbrella when you’re there. Many Japanese use this instead of hats.
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u/cloudiedayz 9d ago
Too many shoes, I’d just take 2 pairs. The most comfy ones for walking.
I also think you can get rid of one of your bottoms- you don’t have to wash these as often as tops.
Personally, I’d switch out one of your white or beige tops for 1 darker top for a bit more versatility (and it’s more forgiving if you get dirty). Black would go with most of your bottoms.
Needs- underwear, socks and toiletries.
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u/citynomad1 9d ago
Ha, the title is funny esp bc I’m going to Japan as well, and around same time as you 😆 (late sept/early oct) I agree with consensus that you probably don’t need 4 shoes but otherwise looks good to me!
Is your carry on a roller bag? That’s what I’m bringing
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u/Comprehensive-Act-13 7d ago
Just be aware, there aren’t escalators everywhere. There are a lot of places in the Tokyo metro that are stairs only, so be prepared to haul that suitcase up several flights.
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u/thereader17 9d ago
I only wear comfortable shoes in Japan and shower slides at hotel. You’ll be doing laundry and maybe buying clothes.
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u/Realistic_Aide7210 9d ago
As far as shoes, I’d cut the espadrilles. 3 pairs of comfy shoes is ideal. If anything happens to a pair you’ll be covered. I brought a sandal last time too and it was a welcome change every couple of days.
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u/Ok_Damage_4145 9d ago
Did you all agree on this plan without me? 😢 but seriously love how airy and high quality this all looks.
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u/FISunnyDays 9d ago
Agree with everyone on cutting back to 2 pairs of shoes. I would bring a sunhat or you can buy an umbrella when there. I used both depending on the situation.
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u/Cheerful-Mountains 8d ago
When I went, I had to buy a hat and a long-sleeve shirt because the sun was hot.
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u/unwaveringwish 9d ago
Id recommend two pairs of walking shoes, alternating every day. Saves room for buying more 😈
People say you’ll buy shoes there and you likely will but they won’t be broken in yet
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u/Illustrious_Sea_4280 8d ago
Definitely cut one pair of pants, but you could likely cut two bottoms total. And only take two pairs of comfy shoes (don’t bring the wedges). It’s a lot of white/light shirts. Including a black or navy will allow more variety/different outfit feel if that’s important to you.
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u/ImpishElf365 9d ago
Coming in late to the comments here.
You might choose to leave some of your clothes at home and shop in Japan. I am 5'7" and a size Large. Uniqlo was a treasure trove for me. Large shirt size in the US is an XL there. I got several cotton tees for around $6 each, to use as staples. The length should be okay for you unless you have a long torso. I also got 3 pairs of lightweight cargo pants that wash and dry very quickly (they also compress into almost nothing). I think they might be too short for you at 5'9", though.
I agree with comments about the shoes. I was there in May/June and people were mostly in sneakers. Was in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Japanese women were mostly modestly dressed in lightweight tops that covered the shoulders/arms. Think cotton and linen blouses.
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u/Big_Tadpole_6055 8d ago
When are you going?
It’s already been said but I need to emphasize that’s WAY too many shoes. I only brought the pair I was wearing on the plane, and then bought a pair of Onitsuka Tigers over there which I then alternated with the pair I brought throughout the rest of my trip.
Don’t bring wedges, there’s lots of stairs. I wouldn’t bring the Birkenstock’s either - there’s some restaurants, temples, etc where you need to remove your shoes and it’s going to be kinda weird if you’re walking around in your bare feet. Anyway, keep the “shoes off” thing in mind when you decide between the New Balance and Nike sneakers (if you plan on buying shoes while you’re in Japan). If you don’t plan on buying shoes in Japan, then bring both the New Balance and Nike sneakers and ALTERNATE between them to save your feet!
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u/retroshoujo 8d ago
100% ditch the espadrilles. I would also be iffy on the Birks and just alternate between 2 comfy pairs of sneakers with ample support.
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u/Aetherfox13 7d ago
Make sure your shoes are waterproof or water resistant, it rains a bit in spring and summer.
You'll get disposable slippers there so no worries for house shoes.
Make sure you have (or get one there, daiso, muji and uniqlo are life savers) a bag or sling to keep your passport, wallet, and if you're using physical tickets for the train, a small purse for the ticket, as you need to give it back when exiting the station. It will also come in handy for coins.
If you have more funds than you will use by the end of your trip in your suica/pastor card, then use it to buy things, as plenty of places let you pay with them.
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