If you dont want to stand out in Japan here are 3 tips: dont wear noisy patterns or loud colours together like orange and blue. Have at least half your clothes in black-camel-white with plain colours. Japanese love wearing white - but this is not practical for tourists so bring a white jacket that is waterproof and easy to wipe stains from. Dont wear dark red as this has bad connotations. for women dont bring any shoes with high heels as it will be very impractical for the amount of walking.
I 100% recommend a backpack vs suitcases. You’re not in Disney World or on a cruise, you’re in a city where normal people buy normal people things, so getting everything as you go is way more practical.
My son and I took first trip to Japan on March this year, our mistakes were packed too much clothes.. too heavy backpack, so exhausted then we found out the clothes there were so good and affordable.. now we double carried everything.. live and learn Thanks for your channel and your advices
Thanks so much John for reading my chat in the live it was great the clothing store very modern looking hope you found something you liked at the clothing store
Thanks for an amazing livestream and answering our questions John! Super helpful, and really appreciate you covering off each element in such detail. Love the 'trimester' breakdown for September, the hints on buying versus packing (and the Uniqlo store tour/advertisement - but they need to put you on their payroll!), and the use of luggage forwarding. Thank you - looking forward to this month's postcard, as always!
My plan is one middle range backpack eastpack for luggage and a smaller basic backpack inside the first one that will be used for daily trips with the day necessities, and later on for small souvenirs. Buying the necessary stuff in Japan will lighten the load and contribute more to the Japanese economy
going in februari for the 3rd time to japan this time solo for 4 weeks . i am so glad i have a big 70 liter backpack so much easier to haul arround japan . and no shinkansen luggage reservation needed.
Thanks John! I’ll be in Tokyo (and Nagoya & Sendai) the first 10 days in September and this was super helpful. Will hope the summer clothes are still on sale then!
I would add a caveat regarding buying clothes while in Japan. If you are in the median size range you can easily buy clothing if you are in the outer edges of the size scale you won't have an easy time. Big feet, breasts, body shapes will be hard pressed to find clothes. Additionally clothing is sized differently in Japan (Asia in general) so you'll likely need to size up to fit Japanese sizes so be sure to try it on before buying.
Thanks John. Good insite to travelling in Japan and your take of donating helping your community. Also seeking self help. You are a good man. Glad you traveled in live in Japan to help others do the same. Haruo
"What are we going boating?" Lol! 😂 This information is very useful. It would be fun to go shopping with you, John! Oh yes...I recall your sink-washing conversation with PVG 🤔😂
Actually, the washing machines at APA Hotels (and most other hotels) have built-in detergent dispensers, so you don't need to bring detergent with you.
I actually save my old clothes that I am about to throw away and use them as throw aways when I travel. Fill my backpack and start throwing stuff away and make room for souvenirs. I usually only bring 3 days worth of good clothes I will keep and the rest are throw aways.
I always travel with a bagpack😊japan have coin loundry wasmachine😇4 t-shirts/2 pants one you wear/underwear7/4pair socks/1 pair sandels/and rest your bath items❤
November is still relatively warm. I'm canadian, but I brought a sweater & a light jacket and I was good. In December, it does get colder, but I haven't experienced it myself yet. I'll be headed there this December though to spend Christmas and new years there. Weather does vary depending which region you go to. Hokkaido does tend to be colder. Hope that helps
One thing that wasn't mentioned about laundry is keep an eye out for laundromats too! Since they come with detergent all you need to do is bring your dirty washing and some money (often about 1000 yen for a 15kg load if I remember correctly)
I'm a UK L size and have to buy Uniqlo XL size in Japan. It's a bit baggy around the gut area but OK on the shoulders and chest. Uniqlo in the UK have different sizes it seems.
We were there last year, they could accommodate American sizes at Uniqlo - we picked up a couple jackets for my 6 ft tall son and husband and my 2X mother in law. Other stores, not so much.
I've kinda sorta been looking for this exact video and been unable to find it. Going Sept 22-Oct 4, and you'd be surprised how little specific information there is to be found about the time between months. People usually only talk about the weather in terms of one whole month or another, so this video is a bit of a relief, as I have been dreading the unknown severity of the heat/humidity combo. (I am from south Mississippi, though, so I'm hoping I'll be fine).
No mention of sizing issues with clothes. It you are model thin with small feet, narrow hips and a tiny bust, buy in Japan! Unfortunately, 'plus size' starts at a size 12-14. Bra sizes? LMAO. Western-sized shoes for 'big feet' are a special order. There are stores with a limited range, but finding them is a trick. You may have to ask, as the larger clothes may not be on display. If you really want something that fits, google 'plus-size clothing Japan' for a short list of shops/online stores. As for regional passes, they always are for consecutive days. That's not useful if you need a rest day or weather changes your plans.
I live in Kagoshima. You must be built differently. I wouldn't even dream of saying that the heat and humidity is down until closer to the end of October. That's when we suddenly drop from 30C to 25C and it becomes drier within a week.
Daughter just arrived in Tokyo with her husband for work (2 years at an international school in Motoazabu) and both are larger sized people. Suggestions for getting shoes and clothing that can fit bigger people?
Gap, Zara and H&M are some of the only places you can buy clothes in larger sizes. The larger sizes are online only. I’m a US size 8 and I buy L and XL sizes in Uniqlo and Japanese shops. I’m an 8 in shoes and I buy men’s sneakers. Very few women’s styles available.
More info re travelling Northeast.. Sendai and beyond...why go north? Less crowded, less expensive, people more friendly, food as delicious? Arriving in Morioka on September 25. So excited to explore the countryside and rural communities, customs and traditions historic. Thanks.
We are in tokyo for 4 days. Doing 2 at Disney but want to see lots for the other 2. Is there a good hop on hop off or is there a good ticket option to see lots for public transport?
That was great video! I’ve been in Japan this year in April …. Can’t wait to my next time next year for longer What about early September in Hokkaido and mid September in Kyushu? Please 🙏 let me get some information
Thanks for the travel tips and I am an avid Uniqlo shopper even here in Canada. Will be in Japan in early January 2025, will you be having any events or Meet Up event that I could join? thanks.
Sometimes, if I’m here - always can try to find me live :) Patreon supporters know first, I can usually gauge if there is interest from our smaller groups.
Lol Stanford CT I used to live in Darien and you're right, I'm English and I live in England now, but I used to live around Greenwich, Connecticut and yes it was the college look Don't forget the loafers
I will be traveling to Japan in September. I won't be depending on buying clothes there as I been hearing there is no such thing as plus size. I have gotten very good as packing only what I need that I can wash easily in a carryon for a two week trip. I am looking forward to my trip.
Hi John, could you do a video on where to do laundry at if our hotel does not have a laundromat? Thank you! Also, the price of postage will go up again. Just a heads up!
Thank you for suggestions. I am planning to travel fiirst week of September so this video is very helpful. Aside from Uniqlo and GU, any other clothing shop you recommend for shirts with Kanji characters? I will be in Osaka and Kyoto. Thanks.
They have a big and tall section inside the Ginza store in Chuo Ave, the biggest in the world I think. There are a ton of big and tall stores around Tokyo, one in Bakurocho and another in Shinjuku that I’ve seen. Google maps will help but I’m generally, selection isn’t great and you should always bring what you will 100% need in that case. However, you can order anything on Amazon.co.jp and have it shipped to your hotel, in Tokyo it’s 24 or less with prime is almost all cases.
Thank you for the info. I also have a question though. Can a person rent a pocket WiFi at Haneda airport? You’ve been to Haneda airport quite a few times, I thought you might have an information on that.
FYI my experience with Yamato last year was that it takes at least 2 days between Hiroshima and Tokyo and that is only if it's going to an actual Yamato Service Desk location. If it was going to a hotel without a Yamato Desk or a random address, it would be an additional day.
Depends what time you leave the bags there as well. If you miss the day, it’ll take 2 days. If it leaves, it’ll arrive in Osaka in the middle of the night and get moved to Tokyo for an evening delivery next day. Just depends …
Lol The first guy to walk past you is in shorts then the next one crossed in front of then a third across the street all in shorts then leading up it was two people in shorts to one in pants. In the store one of the female mannequin is wearing shorts 😅 And 1 in 3 females was in shorts or a short skirt. From the people in the background I will go off what to wear from them 😂
I was over last September and it was 37°c, with 100% humidity, totally fucked. Stepped outside every morning and was instantly wet with moisture, grim.
will those luggage forwarding services forward to a airbnb too or only hotels? We've got a couple airbnb's we'll be staying at in october for like 5 days at a time.
I'm loving these detailed nuggets about travel. hardly anyone gets in the nitty gritty of it...its taking me back.
If you dont want to stand out in Japan here are 3 tips: dont wear noisy patterns or loud colours together like orange and blue. Have at least half your clothes in black-camel-white with plain colours. Japanese love wearing white - but this is not practical for tourists so bring a white jacket that is waterproof and easy to wipe stains from. Dont wear dark red as this has bad connotations. for women dont bring any shoes with high heels as it will be very impractical for the amount of walking.
I 100% recommend a backpack vs suitcases. You’re not in Disney World or on a cruise, you’re in a city where normal people buy normal people things, so getting everything as you go is way more practical.
Always appreciate your willingness to share insights related to practical philosophy.
I agree about doing laundry there. The hotel we stayed at have laundry facilities and you don’t need detergent , it’s preloaded in the machine.
Love your sense of humor! 6:00-6:50 was lol funny. 'It's hip to be squared.' 🤣
My son and I took first trip to Japan on March this year, our mistakes were packed too much clothes.. too heavy backpack, so exhausted then we found out the clothes there were so good and affordable.. now we double carried everything.. live and learn
Thanks for your channel and your advices
Thanks so much John for reading my chat in the live it was great the clothing store very modern looking hope you found something you liked at the clothing store
Last year in mid September, beginning of October was so hot thought ! 🥵 I did not wore my sweater once 😅
Thanks for an amazing livestream and answering our questions John! Super helpful, and really appreciate you covering off each element in such detail. Love the 'trimester' breakdown for September, the hints on buying versus packing (and the Uniqlo store tour/advertisement - but they need to put you on their payroll!), and the use of luggage forwarding. Thank you - looking forward to this month's postcard, as always!
My plan is one middle range backpack eastpack for luggage and a smaller basic backpack inside the first one that will be used for daily trips with the day necessities, and later on for small souvenirs. Buying the necessary stuff in Japan will lighten the load and contribute more to the Japanese economy
It’s fun to bring back everyday stuff from travel like clothes, shampoo etc. good reminder of the trip - pack light is always a good idea!
Thank you for making this. How about for mid November?
Perfect video for me. If you can do one for November December too :)
Or even March to April, please.
I highly recommend the luggage service to send bags to and from the airport. Gives you extra time to explore the city before check in/after check out.
Thanks for the always nice streams, i learn so match new staff. I really like the amazing video!
Love the video, I hope to see a similar video idea like this when it is coming close to November/December!
Thank you. I heading to Japan next weekend so this helps me out on what to pack
going in februari for the 3rd time to japan this time solo for 4 weeks . i am so glad i have a big 70 liter backpack so much easier to haul arround japan . and no shinkansen luggage reservation needed.
Thanks John! I’ll be in Tokyo (and Nagoya & Sendai) the first 10 days in September and this was super helpful. Will hope the summer clothes are still on sale then!
I would add a caveat regarding buying clothes while in Japan. If you are in the median size range you can easily buy clothing if you are in the outer edges of the size scale you won't have an easy time. Big feet, breasts, body shapes will be hard pressed to find clothes. Additionally clothing is sized differently in Japan (Asia in general) so you'll likely need to size up to fit Japanese sizes so be sure to try it on before buying.
Champion! Such a great outlook on life. Might bump into you next month, itching for a "you found me" card!!!
I’ll be around! Hopefully it’s A LOT cooler 🥵 haha
Thanks John. Good insite to travelling in Japan and your take of donating helping your community. Also seeking self help. You are a good man. Glad you traveled in live in Japan to help others do the same.
Haruo
"What are we going boating?" Lol! 😂 This information is very useful. It would be fun to go shopping with you, John! Oh yes...I recall your sink-washing conversation with PVG 🤔😂
Actually, the washing machines at APA Hotels (and most other hotels) have built-in detergent dispensers, so you don't need to bring detergent with you.
great episode! just what i needed. thanks John!
MUJI is also great for affordable, versatile clothing
3:06 sup little dude! ✌🏼
Oooh I'd love for a video like this for December, that's when we'll be going.
Great video i will be in japan in late october ❤❤❤❤
Enjoy your trip.
Thanks as always for the update!!What gimbal did you use today john?!
I actually save my old clothes that I am about to throw away and use them as throw aways when I travel. Fill my backpack and start throwing stuff away and make room for souvenirs. I usually only bring 3 days worth of good clothes I will keep and the rest are throw aways.
Thanks for this!!! Going to be in Japan late October ✨
I always travel with a bagpack😊japan have coin loundry wasmachine😇4 t-shirts/2 pants one you wear/underwear7/4pair socks/1 pair sandels/and rest your bath items❤
I am headed to Japan for the first time from 29th Nov to 10th Dec. What kind of clothes should I carry?
November is still relatively warm. I'm canadian, but I brought a sweater & a light jacket and I was good. In December, it does get colder, but I haven't experienced it myself yet. I'll be headed there this December though to spend Christmas and new years there. Weather does vary depending which region you go to. Hokkaido does tend to be colder. Hope that helps
Damn,airism is awesome...thanks for the tip. Bought one to try,probably will buy more ✌️
Thanks for the info. Delighted that I stumbled upon your video! I am coming from the caribbean so any temperature under C 27 is cold for me😊
One thing that wasn't mentioned about laundry is keep an eye out for laundromats too! Since they come with detergent all you need to do is bring your dirty washing and some money (often about 1000 yen for a 15kg load if I remember correctly)
I'm a UK L size and have to buy Uniqlo XL size in Japan. It's a bit baggy around the gut area but OK on the shoulders and chest. Uniqlo in the UK have different sizes it seems.
If you can also provide information on what to wear around 1st and 2nd week of December that will be much appreciated :)
I always pack light for Japan giving me the excuse to buy new clothes whenever I'm in Tokyo.
Nice to meet you, super traveler,Only.
I don’t think they will have my size. Im American.
Thank you for showing us the inside of the store like that, very cool!!
We were there last year, they could accommodate American sizes at Uniqlo - we picked up a couple jackets for my 6 ft tall son and husband and my 2X mother in law. Other stores, not so much.
John, both Hong Kong 🇭🇰 SAR and Singapore 🇸🇬 also has UNIQLO. I am sure that this clothing chain is world 🌎 all over in major cities.
本当 に 恥ずかしかった Thanks for answering my question. I can't believe I missed this video, not sure why.
I've kinda sorta been looking for this exact video and been unable to find it. Going Sept 22-Oct 4, and you'd be surprised how little specific information there is to be found about the time between months. People usually only talk about the weather in terms of one whole month or another, so this video is a bit of a relief, as I have been dreading the unknown severity of the heat/humidity combo. (I am from south Mississippi, though, so I'm hoping I'll be fine).
No mention of sizing issues with clothes. It you are model thin with small feet, narrow hips and a tiny bust, buy in Japan! Unfortunately, 'plus size' starts at a size 12-14. Bra sizes? LMAO. Western-sized shoes for 'big feet' are a special order. There are stores with a limited range, but finding them is a trick. You may have to ask, as the larger clothes may not be on display.
If you really want something that fits, google 'plus-size clothing Japan' for a short list of shops/online stores.
As for regional passes, they always are for consecutive days. That's not useful if you need a rest day or weather changes your plans.
Just what I needed for my trip
I must say that shop looks pretty good. They've got them in the UK as well and I've always got some nice clothes
I actually found a roller, backpack combo! We are going to be just fine! 😎
Thank you for the information
I live in Kagoshima. You must be built differently. I wouldn't even dream of saying that the heat and humidity is down until closer to the end of October. That's when we suddenly drop from 30C to 25C and it becomes drier within a week.
Laundry cost 100yen to 500yen depends your Laundry😊
I love you John..thank you for Japan🎉
Thank you, this was great information..
You can maybe pack a carry on suitcase and bring a foldable duffel bag for souvenirs. Just be mindful of the space in your duffel bag
there are always laundromat. thanks for the share! stay awesome!
Love your Gripweed glasses❤. Imagine.
I usually bring one t-shirt and then buy two 500 yen t-shirts from Uniqlo when I get there.
Wow great video and super helpfull! Im brazilian and im going exactly between late sept to early october (my first international trip haha)
Great breakdown on September!
G.U. is related to Uniqlo. Prices at G.U. are cheaper.
Awesome video thank you 😊
Some people travel light with disposable undies and disposable socks 🧦. 😬😬😬
I'm a 6'6 and big guy Japan doesn't sell my size so I will personally have to pack everything. Would love to see a video for March April
I hope you do one for october-november ... I will be there...
We will be in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto during mid October. We have been there in end November Koyo time before. Hope it won’t be as cold.
Daughter just arrived in Tokyo with her husband for work (2 years at an international school in Motoazabu) and both are larger sized people. Suggestions for getting shoes and clothing that can fit bigger people?
Buy from home in bulk and bring to Japan. Sizes in Japan are very small for the bust, waist and shoe size.😔
Gap, Zara and H&M are some of the only places you can buy clothes in larger sizes. The larger sizes are online only. I’m a US size 8 and I buy L and XL sizes in Uniqlo and Japanese shops. I’m an 8 in shoes and I buy men’s sneakers. Very few women’s styles available.
More info re travelling Northeast.. Sendai and beyond...why go north?
Less crowded, less expensive, people more friendly, food as delicious? Arriving in Morioka on September 25. So excited to explore the countryside and rural communities, customs and traditions historic. Thanks.
We are in tokyo for 4 days. Doing 2 at Disney but want to see lots for the other 2. Is there a good hop on hop off or is there a good ticket option to see lots for public transport?
That was great video! I’ve been in Japan this year in April …. Can’t wait to my next time next year for longer
What about early September in Hokkaido and mid September in Kyushu? Please 🙏 let me get some information
Thanks for the travel tips and I am an avid Uniqlo shopper even here in Canada. Will be in Japan in early January 2025, will you be having any events or Meet Up event that I could join? thanks.
Sometimes, if I’m here - always can try to find me live :) Patreon supporters know first, I can usually gauge if there is interest from our smaller groups.
How muchy?
Lol Stanford CT I used to live in Darien and you're right, I'm English and I live in England now, but I used to live around Greenwich, Connecticut and yes it was the college look Don't forget the loafers
I would wear all that👍
I will be traveling to Japan in September. I won't be depending on buying clothes there as I been hearing there is no such thing as plus size. I have gotten very good as packing only what I need that I can wash easily in a carryon for a two week trip. I am looking forward to my trip.
Spiciness in the air
Hi John, could you do a video on where to do laundry at if our hotel does not have a laundromat? Thank you! Also, the price of postage will go up again. Just a heads up!
Thank you for suggestions. I am planning to travel fiirst week of September so this video is very helpful. Aside from Uniqlo and GU, any other clothing shop you recommend for shirts with Kanji characters? I will be in Osaka and Kyoto. Thanks.
Amazon.co.jp and send it to the hotel 😂 tourist places. Japanese don’t wear that stuff. I’ll look out for it and let you know if I find a place.
Going to need one for late January early February lol that's when my trip is
Will do
Please spread some information about the Japan earthquake 🙏
Edit: I am on holiday in Japan and I felt an earthquake for the first time...
Are Japanese stores going to have shirts that fit big and tall guys? I'm 6'3" (190.5cm), and fat. I generally wear US size 2XLT or 3XLT shirts.
They have a big and tall section inside the Ginza store in Chuo Ave, the biggest in the world I think. There are a ton of big and tall stores around Tokyo, one in Bakurocho and another in Shinjuku that I’ve seen. Google maps will help but I’m generally, selection isn’t great and you should always bring what you will 100% need in that case. However, you can order anything on Amazon.co.jp and have it shipped to your hotel, in Tokyo it’s 24 or less with prime is almost all cases.
a followup question on the luggage delivery.
Can you make it so that your suitcase arrives 3 - 4 days later?
Coming to visit Tokyo and Yokohama this end of August to early September! Hopefully there’s still a sale? 😅
I live in Tokyo 😂 pretty much year round like it’s summer. As long as it’s over 5C I’m good.
Thank you for the info. I also have a question though. Can a person rent a pocket WiFi at Haneda airport? You’ve been to Haneda airport quite a few times, I thought you might have an information on that.
When's the November Dress & Pack update?? I'll be there at the end of the month. 😄🎉✈
Probably in late Sept / early Oct.
@@onlyinjapanGO Fantastic! Plenty of time to do some shopping before I leave.
FYI my experience with Yamato last year was that it takes at least 2 days between Hiroshima and Tokyo and that is only if it's going to an actual Yamato Service Desk location. If it was going to a hotel without a Yamato Desk or a random address, it would be an additional day.
Depends what time you leave the bags there as well. If you miss the day, it’ll take 2 days. If it leaves, it’ll arrive in Osaka in the middle of the night and get moved to Tokyo for an evening delivery next day. Just depends …
fabric is used to make clothing..not material..
i wear a long sleeves during summer and pants because the mosquitoes. now during winter short sleeves shirts. in SC
Lol The first guy to walk past you is in shorts then the next one crossed in front of then a third across the street all in shorts then leading up it was two people in shorts to one in pants. In the store one of the female mannequin is wearing shorts 😅 And 1 in 3 females was in shorts or a short skirt. From the people in the background I will go off what to wear from them 😂
I was over last September and it was 37°c, with 100% humidity, totally fucked. Stepped outside every morning and was instantly wet with moisture, grim.
I came to Japan (Tokyo mostly) around mid to late September last year and unfortunately it was 30 to 35° everyday
Thank you very much for this! Though I’ve been to Japan many times, but first time heading there in September. I much appreciate this content!
Take care 🤔
bad times always mean losing people for me. i've never been able to find help in friends or family. always been alone in hard times. it's not helpful.
Japanese clothing style looks so nice, but as a bigger size person I cannot fit most of them sadly
Hi, John, are there any gluten free food to eat in Japan for celiac traveller
Been to GU a few weeks ago. They're good and even cheaper than Uniqlo.
Go Buckeyes!
will those luggage forwarding services forward to a airbnb too or only hotels? We've got a couple airbnb's we'll be staying at in october for like 5 days at a time.