Packing lists

What to pack for Tokyo in April

April in Tokyo is one of the best times of year to visit. The cherry blossoms usually peak in the first week of the month, afternoons are mild and bright, and a light jacket is enough most days. Mornings and evenings are still cool, though, and rain comes through every few days.

So the list is built for mild weather and a lot of walking, often ten or more miles a day. Tokyo dresses neatly, so simple, well-kept basics fit in better than athletic wear. Pack shoes you can slip on and off, because you will take them off at temples, restaurants and fitting rooms.

Checked

The weather

Daytime high
67°F
19°C, warming toward the end of the month.
Overnight low
51°F
11°C. Evening picnics under the blossoms get chilly.
Wet days
~10
Rain arrives every few days, often heavy but brief.
Daylight
13 h
Sunrise before 5:30am and sunset around 6:15pm.

The capsule

A week, one traveler, Gallery palette. Black, white and gray that mix without thinking, and nothing that needs ironing. A capsule is a few clothes in one palette (a base color, a neutral and an accent) that all go together. The full list below adds what sits outside it.

Gallery palette · 10 pieces · 18 outfits

Layers

  • Light trench coatLight trench coat
  • Fine-gauge cardiganFine-gauge cardigan

Tops

  • Heavyweight white teeHeavyweight white tee
  • Mock-neck knitMock-neck knit
  • Oversized cotton shirtOversized cotton shirt

Bottoms

  • Drawstring crepe pantsDrawstring crepe pants
  • Black jeansBlack jeans
  • Pleated midi skirtPleated midi skirt

Shoes

  • Easy slip-on sneakersEasy slip-on sneakers
  • LoafersLoafers

Three days from this capsule

Cherry blossoms in the park
Temples in the rain
Izakaya after dark

Shown for one traveler. Packlier packs a capsule like this for each person on the trip.

The full list

Clothes

  • Light coat or trench
  • Cardigan or light sweater
  • Four or five tops
  • Two pairs of pants or jeans
  • A skirt or dress, if you wear them
  • Clothes that are easy to sit on the floor in
  • Socks without holes, since your shoes will come off
  • Sleepwear

Shoes

  • Comfortable sneakers you can slip on without untying
  • A second pair, in case the first gets soaked

Day bag

  • Small towel or handkerchief
  • Coin purse
  • Small bag for your own trash
  • Compact umbrella
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic sheet, if you plan to join a blossom picnic
  • Tote bag that holds a rolled-up coat
  • Sunglasses

Documents and tech

  • Passport; hotels are required to copy it
  • Travel insurance details
  • Transit card loaded on your phone, or bought on arrival
  • Some yen in cash for small restaurants, shrines and temples
  • Type A plug adapter if you are not from North America (100V)
  • Power bank
  • eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen
  • Blister bandages
  • Any prescriptions, in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription

Gear worth the space

  • Slip-on sneakers

    Look for a pair with a sturdy heel so you can step in without crushing it. They should be comfortable for a full day on sidewalk.

  • A light trench coat

    It covers the cool mornings and blossom-viewing evenings, and it shrugs off a shower. Roll it into your tote in the afternoon.

  • A coin purse

    Change adds up quickly, since there are coins up to ¥500. A small purse keeps it from ending up loose in every pocket.

  • A compact umbrella

    The April rain can be heavy, and many shops offer umbrella sleeves at the door. A small one fits in any bag.

Ten or more miles a day, and shoes off at every temple. Packlier packs your April for both.

Tell it where, when, why, which bag and which palette, and it packs the capsule, checks it against the bag and adds everything that is not clothing. Launching this year on Android, with iOS to follow.

One email at launch, nothing else.