Curated by @mahirslens For Gauri & Shivam
Contents
Route Overview
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 18 Sept | Osaka arrival |
| 19 Sept | Osaka Universal Studios Japan |
| 20 Sept | Osaka city sightseeing |
| 21 Sept | Nara day trip, night in Kyoto (Higashiyama) |
| 22 Sept | Amanohashidate day trip, night Kyoto |
| 23 Sept | Kyoto Arashiyama |
| 24 Sept | Gotemba Premium Outlets |
| 25 Sept | Hakone, evening Tokyo |
| 26 Sept | Tokyo Ginza and Tokyo Drift |
| 27 Sept | Tokyo Shinjuku |
| 28 Sept | Tokyo Shibuya |
| 29 Sept | Tokyo Disney Sea |
| 30 Sept | Tokyo Asakusa |
| 1 Oct | Departure from Tokyo (Narita) |
September and early October weather context
September in Japan is the tail end of summer transitioning into autumn. Osaka and Kyoto run at 29 to 33°C early in the trip with humidity that lingers even as temperatures drop. By the time you reach Tokyo’s last stretch and especially Hakone and Gotemba, temperatures fall to 22 to 25°C and the cooler mountain air is noticeably different. The consistent thread across the trip is humidity and afternoon rain or thunderstorm risk almost every single day. Pack accordingly from the start.
Master Packing List
This is everything that goes in the main luggage. The daily daypack additions are listed under each day below. Cross reference the customs section before packing anything from India.
Clothing (per person)
- 9 to 10 lightweight breathable tops in moisture wicking fabric the Osaka and Kyoto days run hot and humid
- 2 to 3 slightly warmer long sleeve tops for Gotemba (25°C), Hakone (22°C), and Tokyo evenings that cool to 18 to 20°C
- 5 to 6 pairs of shorts or light trousers in quick dry fabric
- 1 pair of light long trousers for Kyoto temple visits, Amanohashidate, and cooler evenings
- 1 packable rain jacket per person needed on almost every day of this trip
- 1 light fleece or cardigan for the Gotemba and Hakone days and for cold air conditioned trains
- Underwear for the full trip plus 3 spares
- Socks for the full trip plus 4 spares quick dry or bamboo hold up better in humidity
- 1 smart casual outfit for nicer Tokyo dinners in Ginza or Shibuya
- Swimwear if your Tokyo hotel has a pool or you plan an onsen in Hakone
- Wide brimmed sun hat for the September sun in Osaka and Kyoto
- Comfortable completely broken in walking shoes new shoes on this itinerary is a blister guarantee
- 1 pair of lightweight sandals or slip ons for hotel corridors and casual evenings
- Sleepwear for the full trip
Toiletries
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash in travel sizes (most Japanese hotels provide basics but yours is better over 14 days)
- Deodorant September humidity makes this non negotiable
- SPF 50 sunscreen large tube, you will use more than expected
- Lip balm with SPF
- Anti chafe stick or body glide for long humid walking days
- Sanitary products as needed
- Prescription medicines in original packaging with a doctor’s letter and prescription copies check the customs section below before packing any medicine
- Safe medicines for Japan: paracetamol, ibuprofen, standard cetirizine (Zyrtec), antacids without controlled ingredients
- Motion sickness tablets needed for Hakone mountain routes and Amanohashidate bus sections
- First aid kit: plasters in multiple sizes, blister pads, antiseptic wipes, small bandage roll
- Hand sanitizer 2 bottles for main luggage, 1 always in daypack
- Insect repellent for Amanohashidate forested paths and Kyoto temple gardens
- Small personal towel for onsen use at Hakone if you plan to soak
Electronics
- Smartphones and chargers for both
- Japan uses Type A plugs at 100V if your chargers are dual voltage (most modern ones are) you need a physical adaptor if your plugs are different
- 2 portable power banks long theme park and outdoor days drain phones fast
- Camera and spare memory cards
- Earphones for transit days
- Portable Wi-Fi device or Japan SIM cards for both phones essential for navigation across this itinerary
- Kindle or tablet for evenings and the longer train journeys
- If you are bringing electronics purchased in India (your own camera, laptop), get an Export Certificate from Indian Customs before departure to avoid duty on return
Documents and Money
- Both passports plus photocopies stored separately in the luggage
- Visa documentation for Japan if required for your passport type
- Travel insurance policy with emergency contact number on both phones
- IC cards ICOCA for Osaka and Kyoto & Tokyo
- JR Pass if using it for the Osaka to Tokyo Shinkansen leg
- All hotel and accommodation confirmations downloaded offline across all locations
- USJ Express Passes, Disney Sea tickets, and any advance bookings confirmed on both phones
- Emergency contact list printed and kept in the daypack
- Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees plus a backup card each
- Cash in yen Japan is still heavily cash dependent especially in Kyoto, Amanohashidate, and Hakone
- Coin purse Japanese transactions produce a lot of coins
Rain and Weather Gear
- 1 compact sturdy umbrella per person rain arrives at some point on almost every day of this trip
- 1 packable rain jacket per person with a sealed hood
- Dry bags or large ziplock bags for phones and camera on heavy rain days
- Cooling towels, 1 per person the most effective heat management tool for the Osaka and Kyoto stretch
- Portable misting spray bottle per person
- Electrolyte sachets pack at least 15 to 20 for the trip
- Reusable insulated water bottle per person
- Non slip shoe soles or shoes with genuine grip wet stone temple paths throughout Kyoto and Nara are slippery
Miscellaneous
- 1 structured daypack for daily use, separate from main luggage
- 1 crossbody bag or compact shoulder bag for one person managing documents and phone hands free in crowds
- Laundry bags for separating worn from clean clothes
- Travel pillow for the Shinkansen leg and the Amanohashidate transit
- Snack supply for transit days and early starts Japanese convenience stores are everywhere so this is mainly for the first morning and long bus routes
- Reusable shopping bags, 2 to 3 folded flat for Gotemba Outlets and Tokyo shopping
- Small portable luggage scale if you plan to buy heavily at Gotemba or in Tokyo
- Luggage lock for checked bags
Laundry across 14 days
With 9 to 10 outfits per person across 14 days, you are right at capacity. One laundry session around day 6 or 7 before leaving Kyoto for the Gotemba and Tokyo stretch keeps everything fresh. Coin laundry near accommodation in Kyoto and Tokyo costs 300 to 600 yen per load including drying. Many hotels offer same day laundry service in Tokyo.
Day by Day Guide
Every day covers the detailed weather, what it means for planning, and what to add to the daily daypack on top of the permanent essentials that always travel with you (phones, wallets, IC cards, hotel keys, water bottles).
18 September Day 0 Osaka Arrival
Day Temperature
32°C
Night Temperature
22°C
Daytime Conditions
Very warm with sun and some clouds
Night Conditions
Partly cloudy and humid
A warm arrival day at 32°C with sun breaking through cloud. No rain risk today but the humidity will hit you immediately after an international flight.
What this means for your day
From Kansai International Airport (KIX), the Haruka Limited Express reaches Osaka and Shin Osaka in about 75 minutes. Buy the ICOCA and Haruka combo ticket at the airport before you board. Once at the hotel, resist the urge to do anything ambitious on a travel day in 32°C heat. Dotonbori in the evening at 22°C is exactly the right level of first night energy.
Daily bag additions
- Cooling towels soaked and ready for the airport to hotel transfer
- Insulated water bottle filled at the airport before leaving the terminal
- Misting spray bottle for the outdoor transfer sections
- SPF 50 sunscreen applied before leaving the arrivals hall
- Sun hat for any outdoor walking
- Electrolyte sachet dissolved in water during the journey
- ICOCA or cash ready to use immediately
Insider tip First night in Osaka
- Dotonbori canal at night is the correct first evening. The neon reflects off the canal, the food stalls are fully alive, and takoyaki from a street stall is your first Japan meal, full stop.
19 September Day 1 Osaka USJ
Day Temperature
33°C
Night Temperature
23°C
Daytime Conditions
Partly sunny, very warm and humid. Thunderstorm in spots in the afternoon
Night Conditions
Partly cloudy and humid
Hottest day of the trip. Partly sunny at 33°C in a theme park is physically demanding. The afternoon thunderstorm risk creates a natural structure: arrive early, use the dry morning, take cover when the storm arrives.
What this means for your day
USJ opens at 9am. Hit Super Nintendo World and the Harry Potter section at opening before the heat peaks and queues build. From 11am to 2pm, prioritise indoor shows, air conditioned areas inside the Harry Potter castle, and the food court. When the afternoon storm arrives, USJ’s indoor attractions absorb the crowds. Evening park time is pleasant at 23°C once the storm passes.
Daily bag additions
- SPF 50 sunscreen applied before entering the park, reapply every 90 minutes during outdoor sections
- Cooling towels for both of you
- Misting spray
- 2 litres of water per person minimum
- Electrolyte sachets throughout the day
- Compact umbrella for the afternoon thunderstorm
- Light rain jacket accessible from the top of the bag
- Dry bag for phone and camera
- Portable phone charger fully charged
- USJ Express Passes confirmed on phone
- Snacks in the bag to reduce time spent in food queues during the outdoor heat window
Insider tip USJ in September
- September is still school holiday season in Japan and USJ gets crowded. Since you have an Express Pass, you can arrive later than opening time.
- The Power Up Band for Super Nintendo World turns the entire land into an interactive quest. Worth buying in advance through the USJ app it sells out on busy days.
- Butterbeer in the frozen version is the heat day version. Get one as soon as you reach the Wizarding World section.
- The afternoon thunderstorm typically passes within 60 to 90 minutes in Osaka’s September pattern. Move to an indoor show, wait it out, and the evening in the park runs cooler and more comfortably.
20 September Day 2 Osaka City Sightseeing
Day Temperature
30°C
Night Temperature
24°C
Daytime Conditions
Cloudy and humid with a passing afternoon shower
Night Conditions
Partly to mostly cloudy and humid. Late night shower
Cooler than yesterday and the cloud cover helps. 30°C with overcast skies is genuinely manageable compared to the USJ day. A passing afternoon shower is less severe than the previous day’s thunderstorm.
What this means for your day
Osaka city day with more flexibility. Morning: Kuromon Ichiba Market (covered, perfect for 30°C), Osaka Castle park and exterior before heat peaks. Late morning: covered Shinsaibashi arcade and Namba walking. Afternoon when the shower arrives: Osaka underground shopping network. Evening: Shinsekai and Dotonbori for dinner.
Daily bag additions
- Umbrella for the afternoon shower
- Light rain jacket
- Sunscreen even under cloud, UV still penetrates overcast skies in September
- Cooling towels for the humid morning
- Comfortable walking shoes for a full city day
- Cash for Kuromon Market where card machines are limited at some stalls
Insider tip Osaka city day
- Shinsekai is old Osaka done right. The Tsutenkaku Tower area, the retro signage, and the kushikatsu restaurants tucked under covered arcades all have an energy that Dotonbori has outgrown. Good for late afternoon when the shower has passed.
- Hozenji Yokocho alley near Namba is a short atmospheric lane with traditional small restaurants lit by lanterns. One of the best evening walk spots in Osaka.
21 September Day 3 Nara Day Trip and Kyoto Higashiyama
Day Temperature (Nara)
29°C
Night Temperature (Kyoto)
20°C
Nara Daytime
Mostly cloudy with occasional rain in the afternoon
Kyoto Night
Rain and a thunderstorm
29°C with cloud cover makes Nara comfortable in the morning. The afternoon rain means front loading the deer park. Kyoto evening brings a real thunderstorm so plan to be settled in well before it arrives.
What this means for your day
Morning in Nara: Nara Deer Park, Todai ji temple and the giant Buddha, Kasuga Taisha shrine approach path. All outdoor and best done before 11am before the afternoon rain develops. Transfer to Kyoto by early afternoon.
Daily bag additions
- Hand sanitizer in a front pocket for after deer contact essential
- All food fully sealed and zipped inside the daypack, deer will find it
- Umbrella for Nara afternoon rain
- Full rain jacket for the Kyoto evening thunderstorm
- Non slip shoes with grip for wet stone temple paths in Higashiyama
- Dry bag for camera and phone
- IC card topped up for the Kintetsu Nara line
Insider tip Nara and Kyoto Higashiyama
- The deer at Nara park will bow when they want crackers. Buy shika senbei from stalls near the entrance (about 200 yen per bundle) and hold them to the side and away from your face. The deer are gentle but persistent.
- Todai ji houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha at 15 metres. There is a wooden pillar inside the hall with a hole at the base that is the same width as the Buddha’s nostril. Both adults can attempt it it is a classic Japan moment.
- Higashiyama after a thunderstorm passes is extraordinary. The stone lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka with wet cobbles reflecting the lanterns is genuinely cinematic. If the storm passes by 9pm, a late evening walk here is one of the best hours of the whole trip.
22 September Day 4 Amanohashidate Day Trip
Day Temperature
30°C
Night Temperature (Kyoto)
18°C
Daytime Conditions
Some sunshine giving way to clouds with times of rain in the afternoon
Kyoto Night
Clear best night of the Kyoto stay
30°C with morning sunshine before clouds and afternoon rain. Amanohashidate in the morning sun is a genuinely different experience from the rainy afternoon version. The clear 18°C Kyoto night is the best evening weather of the Kyoto leg.
What this means for your day
Amanohashidate (Heaven’s Bridge) is one of Japan’s three scenic views. The sandbar itself is a 3.6km pine tree covered strip you can walk or cycle across. The viewpoint from Kasamatsu Park (cable car up) is where you view it upside down between your legs, the traditional way. Morning sunshine window is your viewing and walking time. When afternoon rain arrives, head back toward the station. Return to a clear 18°C Kyoto evening use it.
Daily bag additions
- Sunscreen for the morning sun window
- Sun hat for the sandbar walk
- Umbrella for the afternoon rain
- Light rain jacket
- Motion sickness tablets if the train routes affect you
- Snacks and water for the full day journey
- Comfortable walking or cycling shoes for the sandbar
- Camera fully charged, the morning view of the sandbar from the cable car viewpoint is outstanding
- Light layer for the 18°C Kyoto evening, the first noticeably cool night of the trip
Insider tip Amanohashidate
- Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Three Views and is genuinely undervisited compared to Kyoto and Nara. Arriving on a clear morning means you have it largely to yourself.
- The traditional way to view the sandbar from Kasamatsu Park is to bend forward and look at the view upside down between your legs. The pine trees reflected in the water appear to float like a bridge to heaven. It is one of those Japan things that sounds odd and then completely delivers.
- Cycling across the sandbar (rentals available near the station) takes about 30 minutes each way and is the best way to experience the pine forest on the sandbar itself. Manageable in the morning before rain arrives.
- The clear 18°C Kyoto evening is a gift. Walk Pontocho alley along the Kamo River. At 18°C it is one of the most pleasant evenings of the trip and the atmosphere is completely different from the humid nights earlier in the week.
23 September Day 5 Kyoto Arashiyama
Day Temperature
29°C
Night Temperature
18°C
Daytime Conditions
Some sunshine giving way to clouds with a little rain in the afternoon
Night Conditions
Mostly cloudy with a little rain
29°C with morning sunshine before clouds and a light afternoon rain. Arashiyama in morning light then settled in before the gentle evening rain. 18°C overnight means the second cool night in a row pack a layer for the evening.
What this means for your day
The bamboo grove before 8am is non negotiable. The morning sunshine and near empty paths are a completely different experience from the midday tourist version. Tenryu ji garden opens at 8:30am and its rear gate exits directly into the bamboo grove. The walk between temple sites, the Togetsukyo bridge view, and the riverside area all work best in the morning sunshine window. When the afternoon rain arrives, move to a riverside cafe or teahouse.
Daily bag additions
- Camera fully charged, morning light in the bamboo grove is the best photography condition of the Kyoto leg
- Sunscreen and sun hat for the morning sunshine
- Umbrella for the afternoon rain
- Non slip shoes, Arashiyama’s stone paths and riverside areas get slippery in rain
- Light layer for the cool 18°C evening
- Water bottle and snacks for an early start
Insider tip Arashiyama
- The bamboo grove takes about 15 minutes to walk through. The experience is the sound as much as the visual the way the bamboo moves and rustles in the morning air is something recordings never capture properly. Get there before 8am.
- Tenryu ji garden has a large pond garden framed against the Arashiyama mountains as backdrop. Enter through the main gate, walk the garden, exit through the rear gate into the bamboo grove. This is the correct sequence and avoids the main street entrance crowd into the grove.
- The Sagano Torokko scenic railway runs open sided vintage carriages through the Hozugawa River Gorge just beyond Arashiyama. The mountain river scenery is dramatic and it takes about 25 minutes one way. Book tickets in advance at Torokko Saga station or online September is still busy.
- Rickshaw rides through Arashiyama’s quiet back lanes are worth doing once. The drivers know every viewpoint and hidden path in the area and the 30 minute ride gives you the full picture of the neighbourhood without walking in the rain.
24 September Day 6 Gotemba Premium Outlets
Day Temperature
25°C
Night Temperature
16°C
Daytime Conditions
Mostly cloudy with showers
Night Conditions
A stray shower in the evening, otherwise mostly cloudy
25°C with showers and a 16°C night. The first genuinely cool day of the trip. Gotemba is at the foot of Mount Fuji and the mountain air makes 25°C feel noticeably different from Osaka’s 33°C. The showers today mean outdoor sections between outlet buildings will get wet.
What this means for your day
The outlet complex has over 200 stores including Japanese and international brands at significant discounts. The showers today mean moving between outdoor buildings requires your rain gear. Fuji views are unlikely given the cloud cover, but when the mountain appears briefly between clouds the backdrop is spectacular.
Daily bag additions
- Warmer layer than you have needed so far 25°C at Gotemba with showers feels cool
- Light fleece or long sleeve top in the daypack not just the main luggage
- Umbrella essential today, showers are forecast throughout
- Full rain jacket
- Reusable shopping bags for purchases
- Bus booking confirmation on phone
- Cash and cards both accepted at the outlet
- Small foldable duffle or bag for overflow shopping to carry back on the bus
- Portable luggage scale if buying anything heavy
Insider tip Gotemba Outlets
- Gotemba carries Japanese brands at outlet prices that are genuinely lower than Tokyo store prices. Nike and Adidas Japanese market runs, Comme des Garcons, Beams, United Arrows, and international luxury brands all have outlet sections worth time.
- The Mount Fuji backdrop from the upper outlet sections is one of the best accessible views of Fuji even on a cloudy day. Keep an eye on the sky, mountain shapes appear between cloud gaps in September and those brief windows are worth photographing.
- 16°C tonight is the coldest night of the trip. If you are staying near Gotemba, the fleece you packed will finally get serious use.
25 September Day 7 Hakone and Tokyo Arrival
Day Temperature (Hakone)
22°C
Night Temperature (Tokyo)
21°C
Hakone Conditions
Mostly cloudy with a touch of rain in the afternoon
Tokyo Night
Partly cloudy and humid
22°C in Hakone is the coolest daytime temperature of the whole trip. Coming from the Gotemba 16°C night, this is mountain weather. Tokyo at 21°C and partly cloudy is a pleasant arrival evening. Humidity returns when you drop back to sea level.
What this means for your day
Hakone full loop: Mountain railway to Gora, cable car to Sounzan, ropeway over Owakudani volcanic area, Lake Ashi boat, bus back to Hakone Yumoto The 22°C with afternoon rain means the ropeway and outdoor sections are cool and atmospheric. Arrive Tokyo in the evening to a pleasant 21°C night.
Daily bag additions
- Warmer layer for Hakone 22°C with cloud cover and mountain altitude feels genuinely cool
- Light fleece or jacket
- Motion sickness tablets taken before the mountain railway and winding Hakone roads
- Umbrella and rain jacket for the afternoon rain
- Non slip shoes for the ropeway stations and lakeside walking
- Camera for Owakudani volcanic landscape
- Hakone Free Pass confirmed
- Tokyo accommodation confirmation and IC card ready for evening metro
Insider tip Hakone
- The ropeway over Owakudani in cloud and light rain is one of those Japan moments that photographs underrepresent. Sulphur vents rising through the mist while you cross in a gondola above a volcanic crater is genuinely dramatic. 22°C and overcast is good ropeway weather.
- Owakudani’s black eggs (kuro tamago) are boiled in the volcanic hot springs and turn black from the sulphur. Sold at the top station in nets of five. The legend says each adds seven years. They taste like regular hard boiled eggs but the context makes everything different.
- On arrival in Tokyo: 21°C and partly cloudy is the best Tokyo arrival condition of the modern leg. A short walk around your hotel neighbourhood before bed is worth it as a first impression of the city.
26 September Day 8 Tokyo Ginza and Tokyo Drift
Day Temperature
27°C
Night Temperature
20°C
Daytime Conditions
Cloudy and humid. Morning shower followed by a little rain in the afternoon
Night Conditions
Cloudy and humid. Evening shower followed by a little rain late
27°C feels manageable after the Osaka heat but the cloudy humid description means the damp stickiness is present all day. Rain features in both morning and afternoon. A day that rewards indoor anchored plans with outdoor windows.
What this means for your day
Ginza in the late morning once the morning shower passes is ideal the covered arcades and department store galleries are largely weather proof. Ginza Six and Mitsukoshi are both worth extended time. The Tokyo Drift section (whatever experiences you have planned here) fits in the afternoon window between rain episodes. Evening back in Ginza or a covered dinner street nearby.
Daily bag additions
- Umbrella for both the morning and evening rain
- Light rain jacket for the humid day
- Comfortable shoes for a city walking day
- Suica topped up for metro hopping
- Camera, Ginza’s architecture photographs well even in flat overcast light
Insider tip Ginza
- Ginza on a cloudy day looks better than it does under harsh sun. The architecture along Chuo Dori from Ginza 4-chome crossing upward is a gallery of serious design work from Toyo Ito, Herzog and de Meuron, and others. Worth walking slowly.
- Ginza Six has a rooftop garden that is free to access and gives you a quiet elevated view of the area. Good for 15 minutes between rain windows.
- The Ginza dining floors in department stores like Matsuya and Mitsukoshi have exceptional restaurant variety and are entirely covered. A useful evening choice when it is raining outside.
27 September Day 9 Tokyo Shinjuku
Day Temperature
28°C
Night Temperature
20°C
Daytime Conditions
Humid with periods of rain
Night Conditions
Humid with rain
Rain features in both day and night periods. A rain heavy day but 28°C keeps it warm and humid rather than cold and miserable. Shinjuku is well equipped for rainy days between its underground networks and covered arcades.
What this means for your day
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in the morning between rain periods if there is a gap the garden in September light is excellent. Then Shinjuku itself: the underground shopping malls, Takashimaya Times Square, and Don Quijote for any purchasing. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building free observation deck is fully enclosed and gives you a high city view without queue or entry fee. Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) near Shinjuku Station for dinner is atmospheric even in rain as the yakitori smoke and the lanterns run regardless of weather.
Daily bag additions
- Umbrella rain is consistent today, not episodic
- Full rain jacket
- Waterproof or water resistant shoes if you have them, or dry socks in the bag
- Light layer for the 20°C rainy evening which will feel cooler than the number suggests
- Cash for Omoide Yokocho where most stalls are cash only
Insider tip Shinjuku
- Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) is a cluster of tiny yakitori and ramen stalls under the train tracks near Shinjuku Station West Exit. They run regardless of rain and the smoke, the lanterns, and the cramped atmosphere inside are exactly right for a rainy September evening. Most stalls seat 8 to 10 people and the turnover is fast.
- Shinjuku Golden Gai is a network of six seat bars in narrow alleys near Kabukicho. Each bar has its own personality and most welcome tourists. The cover charge is typically 500 to 1000 yen. Perfect for a rainy night when you want character over capacity.
- Don Quijote (Donki) in Shinjuku is the best single destination for last minute Japanese goods, cosmetics, electronics accessories, Kit Kats in every flavour, and general Japan shopping. Multiple floors, open until 3am, and genuinely worth an hour.
28 September Day 10 Tokyo Shibuya
Day Temperature
27°C
Night Temperature
20°C
Daytime Conditions
Humid with rain
Night Conditions
Periods of rain in the evening, otherwise cloudy
Second consecutive rainy day at 27°C. Shibuya handles rain well between its underground connections and covered walkways. Shibuya Sky observation deck requires checking weather for outdoor rooftop access book a flexible slot if possible.
What this means for your day
Harajuku and Takeshita Street are partially covered and work in rain. Omotesando’s tree lined boulevard with its department stores is fully walkable with an umbrella. Shibuya Sky in the afternoon if the rain eases the indoor viewing level still gives you the crossing view from above even if the outdoor rooftop section is closed in heavy rain. Shibuya Crossing from the Starbucks upper floor window is a good wet weather alternative for the iconic shot.
Daily bag additions
- Umbrella essential
- Rain jacket
- Shibuya Sky ticket confirmed on phone, check their weather policy for outdoor access
- Waterproof cover for your camera bag or a dry bag for the camera
- Cash for Takeshita Street crepe stalls
Insider tip Shibuya and Harajuku
- Harajuku crepes are a specific Japan institution. Marion Crepes and Original Harajuku Crepe Company both operate along Takeshita or the surrounding streets. Non negotiable on a Harajuku visit regardless of rain.
- The Shibuya Scramble Crossing from street level: stand on the corner by the Starbucks and let one full scramble crossing happen around you. Then look up at Shibuya Sky above you. The two perspectives together are the complete Shibuya experience.
- Shibuya’s underground connects to multiple train lines and has a long restaurant and shopping network that means on a rainy day you can move significant distances without going outside. The Shibuya Hikarie building connects to the station directly and has dining on the upper floors with crossing views.
29 September Day 11 Tokyo Disney Sea
Day Temperature
24°C
Night Temperature
20°C
Daytime Conditions
Mostly cloudy and humid
Night Conditions
Mostly cloudy and humid
24°C and mostly cloudy is genuinely good theme park weather. No rain forecast for either day or night. Humid but manageable at this temperature. After several days of rain, this is a clean window.
What this means for your day
Disney Sea at 24°C with no rain is one of the best weather windows of the Tokyo stretch. The overcast sky means outdoor sections are comfortable without the September sun heat. The harbour water shows, Soaring: Fantastic Flight, Tower of Terror, Mystic Manor, and the evening harbour nighttime show are the priorities. Book Premier Access for the key attractions via the Disney app on arrival morning.
Daily bag additions
- Disney Sea tickets confirmed on phone
- Comfortable walking shoes for a full park day
- Light jacket for the 20°C evening in the park
- Portable phone charger fully charged
- Small snacks to supplement park food
- Camera for the evening harbour show
- Disney Sea app downloaded and Premier Access checked on arrival
Insider tip Disney Sea
- Disney Sea is often called the most beautifully designed theme park in the world and it earns that reputation. The level of detail in the themed ports rewards slow walking and looking up something the overcast sky and comfortable temperature today naturally encourages.
- Soaring: Fantastic Flight is the standout for adult visitors. A giant wrap around screen flight simulation that covers sweeping landscapes. The queue time is long use Premier Access or get to it at park opening.
- The Big Band Beat show in American Waterfront uses a ballot system via the Disney app. Enter the ballot at 9am sharp when the park opens. The live jazz and Broadway performance is the highest quality live entertainment in the park and is genuinely exceptional.
- The nighttime harbour show runs around 8 to 9pm and uses the entire central harbour as its stage with projections and character appearances. Position along the harbour railing at least 30 minutes before it starts. 20°C with a light jacket is exactly right for an outdoor evening in the park.
30 September Day 12 Tokyo Asakusa
Day Temperature
24°C
Night Temperature
20°C
Daytime Conditions
Considerable cloudiness and humid. Rain ending then maybe another shower
Night Conditions
Partly cloudy one of the clearer evenings of the Tokyo stretch
24°C with rain clearing through the day and a partly cloudy evening. The second clean evening in a row at 20°C. A good final full day structure: flexible morning around the rain, productive afternoon, and a clear evening to finish the trip properly.
What this means for your day
Asakusa once the morning rain clears: Senso ji temple and Nakamise shopping arcade, then the backstreets of Asakusa toward Yanaka. Kappabashi (Kitchen Town, a street of restaurant supply shops that is excellent for Japanese kitchenware and ceramics as gifts) is a short walk from Asakusa. The partly cloudy 20°C evening is the best final Tokyo evening condition. Walk the Sumida River embankment from Asakusa or cross to Odaiba for a final Tokyo bay view.
Daily bag additions
- Umbrella for the morning rain
- Light jacket for the 20°C evening
- Camera charged for the final day photos
- Cash for Kappabashi and Nakamise where cash is preferred
- Reusable bag for any final purchases
- Comfortable shoes for a relaxed walking day
Insider tip Asakusa final day
- Senso ji is free to enter and the Nakamise arcade approach is one of the best souvenir streets in Tokyo for things that are actually worth buying traditional fans, temple charms, handmade paper goods, and wagashi confections.
- Kappabashi Street (Kitchen Town) runs about 800 metres and is lined with professional restaurant supply shops. Japanese knives, ramen bowls, lacquerware, and matcha equipment at trade prices. One of the best final day shopping streets in Tokyo.
- The Sumida River at evening on a partly cloudy night with Tokyo Skytree illuminated behind you and the old district of Asakusa lit up across the water is a proper final Tokyo image. Walk the river embankment after dinner.
- This is the night to pack methodically. Lay out everything, separate Japan shopping from original India luggage, and check the customs section before deciding what goes where.
1 October Departure from Haneda
Day Temperature
25°C
Conditions
Mainly cloudy. A comfortable departure day.
25°C and mainly cloudy. A clean departure day without rain risk. More comfortable for a luggage heavy morning than the rainy days earlier in the week.
What this means for your day
Pack the night before as completely as possible. Checkout, then Narita transfer.Allow minimum 3 hours before departure with shopping heavy bags. Haneda Immigration is efficient but queue times in October can still be 30 to 40 minutes.
Daily bag additions
- All departure documents at the very top of the daypack passports, boarding passes, travel insurance
- IC cards in an accessible pocket for the Haneda transfer
- Any remaining yen coins spend at the airport Lawson before immigration as coins are not exchangeable in India
- Hand luggage packed separately with everything needed for the flight
Insider tip Departure day
- IC card refunds: There is no refund for ICOCA balance in Tokyo. Spend your remaining balance at convenience stores.
India to Japan: What You Cannot Take
Japan’s customs and quarantine laws are among the strictest in the world. The penalties for illegal import include imprisonment of up to 3 years and fines of up to 3 million yen. These are not warnings they are enforced. Read this section before you pack a single thing from India.
Food Do Not Pack These
Absolute prohibitions these will be seized at Japanese customs without exception
- Fresh meat of any kind: chicken, mutton, lamb, beef, pork, goat raw, cooked, marinated, or vacuum sealed. This includes home cooked meat packed for the journey, meat curries in containers, and any aircraft meal leftovers containing meat that you carry off the plane. All seized.
- Processed meat products: sausages, jerky, salami, canned meats from Indian brands. Even vacuum sealed commercially produced meat products require Japanese government inspection certificates which Indian products do not carry.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables of any kind: mangoes, guava, lychee, green chillies, curry leaves, lemons, fresh ginger root, fresh turmeric. Even a single mango will be confiscated and can lead to further inspection of your entire luggage.
- Seeds and plants: any seeds including for cooking, live plants, saplings, flowers with roots, dried flowers with plant material attached.
- Fresh dairy: raw milk, fresh paneer, homemade ghee, fresh yoghurt.
- Fresh eggs: hard boiled eggs for the flight technically fall under this rule. Finish any egg containing food before landing.
- Soil: any item with soil attached even shoes with outdoor soil on them can trigger inspection. Clean your shoes before travel.
- Homemade food of any kind: Japan makes no exceptions for vegetarian, vegan, or religious dietary preparation. If it was made at home, it does not enter Japan.
Food Allowed With Conditions
| Item | Status | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Dry packaged spices (turmeric powder, cumin, garam masala) | Allowed | Original factory sealed packaging only. Not home ground or loose spices. |
| Packaged Indian snacks (namkeen, chakli, biscuits) | Allowed | Original factory sealed packaging. Personal quantities. |
| Indian tea and coffee | Allowed | Factory sealed packets. Darjeeling, masala chai blends, filter coffee all fine. |
| Commercially packaged pickles and chutneys | Allowed | Established brands, sealed jars, personal quantities. |
| Chocolates and dry Indian sweets | Allowed | Original packaging. Milk based sweets that require refrigeration are a risk. |
| Packaged dried fruits and nuts | Allowed | Factory sealed packets. Not home dried or loose. |
| Saffron | Allowed | Personal quantities typically under 100g. Keep receipt if value is high. |
| Instant noodles | Conditional | Only if seasoning packets contain no meat, egg, or animal derived ingredients. |
| Dairy products (cheese, butter) | Conditional | Commercially packaged, under 10kg total. Processed hard cheese is safer than soft cheese. |
The declaration rule
When in doubt about any food item, declare it on the customs declaration form you fill out on the plane and at the quarantine counter before customs. Declaring and having it confiscated carries no penalty. Being caught with an undeclared prohibited item does. Japan Customs inspects luggage thoroughly and uses X-ray and dog inspection on many India origin flights. The safest approach is to keep all food in your carry on visible and declare anything that could be questioned.
Medications Critical for Indian Travellers
Banned medications carrying these into Japan results in arrest, not just confiscation
- Pseudoephedrine-containing cold and sinus medicines: this catches Indian travellers most often. Many Indian cold tablet brands including some versions of D’Cold Total, Coldrex, Sinarest, and others contain pseudoephedrine. Japan classifies pseudoephedrine above 10% concentration as a Stimulant Raw Material and it is banned without an advance import certificate. Check the active ingredients on every cold, sinus, and allergy medicine you are packing not the brand name, the actual ingredients list.
- Vicks Inhaler (the stick, not VapoRub): contains l-methamphetamine and is banned in Japan. Do not pack it.
- Codeine-containing cough syrups and pain tablets: multiple Indian cough syrup brands contain codeine. All banned in Japan.
- ADHD medications (Ritalin, Concerta, Strattera): banned with no exceptions, even with a valid foreign prescription.
- Cannabis derived products including CBD oils: heavily restricted in Japan. Leave all CBD products behind.
- CBN (cannabinol) products: banned as of June 2026.
Medications that are allowed
- Paracetamol (Crocin, Dolo, Calpol): fully allowed.
- Ibuprofen (Brufen, Combiflam without codeine): allowed.
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Alerid): standard antihistamines are generally fine.
- Antacids (Digene, Eno, Gelusil): allowed if they contain no restricted ingredients.
- Prescription medicines not on Japan’s banned list: carry up to a 1 month supply, in original packaging, with a doctor’s letter stating the medication, dosage, and purpose.
- For more than 1 month of any prescription medicine, apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) from Japan’s Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare at least 2 weeks before departure.
Other Items Not to Bring from India
- Pepper spray or any aerosol self defence spray: completely illegal in Japan. Confiscation is certain and legal consequences follow regardless of intent.
- Knives with blades exceeding 6cm outside of kitchen cutlery context: Japan has strict blade laws.
- Counterfeit or fake branded goods: even for personal use. Japanese customs actively checks for counterfeit items and Indian markets are a known source. If the item is fake, it will be seized and you may face further questions.
- Disposable vapes: banned nationwide in Japan as of April 2025.
- Pornographic material: Japan has specific local standards and material legal in India may be confiscated at customs.
- Wildlife products under CITES protection: includes certain traditional Indian crafts made with ivory, specific animal skins, or protected plant derivatives. If you are unsure about a gift item, check before packing it.
- Currency: no limit on bringing foreign currency into Japan but amounts totalling ¥1 million or more must be declared. Indian rupees are not readily exchangeable in Japan and you will not need them leave them behind.
Japan to India: Shopping and Customs Limits
India updated its duty free baggage rules in February 2026 under the Baggage Rules 2026. These are the current rules for returning Indian residents arriving by air from Japan.
Duty Free Allowance (2026 Rules)
Your basic allowance as a returning Indian resident
- Rs 75,000 per adult on goods carried in baggage for personal use raised from Rs 50,000 in February 2026. This covers all new items including electronics, clothing, accessories, watches, and cosmetics combined.
- 1 laptop per adult allowed duty free and not counted within the Rs 75,000 limit, provided it is clearly for personal use.
- 2 litres of alcohol per person duty free, separate from the Rs 75,000 limit.
- 100 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 125g of tobacco per person.
- Allowances cannot be pooled between two travellers. Each person’s Rs 75,000 is theirs alone.
- Goods exceeding Rs 75,000 in value: a 10% basic customs duty applies on the excess, plus a 10% social welfare surcharge on that duty amount.
Smart Japan Purchases for the India Return
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese whisky (Suntory Toki, Nikka, Hakushu) | Excellent value | Within your 2 litre limit. Significantly cheaper at Airport duty free than Indian import prices. |
| Japanese cosmetics (SK-II, Shiseido, Canmake, Clio) | Strong value | Count toward Rs 75,000 limit. Cheaper in Japan than Indian imported prices. |
| Japanese Kit Kats and snacks | Fully allowed | Commercially sealed packaged food. Personal quantities clear Indian customs easily. |
| Green tea, matcha powder, Japanese teas | Fully allowed | No restrictions. Excellent gifts. |
| Japanese sauces and condiments (miso paste, yuzu kosho, soy sauce) | Allowed | Sealed commercially packaged products in personal quantities. |
| Ceramics, kitchenware from Kappabashi | Allowed | Count toward Rs 75,000 if new. Pack carefully to avoid breakage. |
| Japanese pearl jewellery (Akoya) | Declare | Counts toward Rs 75,000. Keep receipt. Gold jewellery follows separate weight-based rules. |
| Single new smartphone from Japan | Check value | Counts within Rs 75,000. A single high end phone can consume most of your allowance. |
| Camera or electronics above Rs 75,000 | Declare, pay duty | Duty is 10% on value above limit. Declare at Red Channel. Walking through Green Channel with undeclared dutiable goods is a customs offence. |
| Multiple identical electronics (2 phones, 2 cameras) | Avoid | Treated as commercial goods. Full duty assessed, much higher than 10%. |
| Drone purchased in Japan | Do not bring | Import of drones by air passengers into India requires advance DGCA permits. Do not attempt as a casual purchase. |
| Counterfeit branded goods | Do not bring | Indian customs checks for counterfeit goods. Confiscation and further questioning. |
| Gold bars or gold coins | Not permitted | Gold can only enter India as ornaments. Gold bars and coins are separately prohibited. |
| Alcohol beyond 2 litres | Do not exceed | Duty rate exceeds 150% plus potential fines on excess. Not economically rational. |
Gold and Jewellery Rules
- Female passengers: up to 40 grams of gold jewellery duty free under the 2026 rules (weight based, not value based).
- Male passengers: up to 20 grams of gold jewellery duty free.
- These gold jewellery allowances sit separately from the Rs 75,000 general limit.
- Japanese Akoya pearl jewellery is one of the best value Japan purchases for the return to India. Pearls follow the general Rs 75,000 allowance.
- Keep all jewellery purchase receipts. Indian customs can ask for proof of value.
Electronics Bring Proof of Indian Origin
Export Certificate tip before you leave India
If you are travelling with expensive electronics you purchased in India your own laptop, your own camera, your primary phone get an Export Certificate from Indian Customs at the airport before departure. Present your electronics to a customs officer before check in and they will issue a certificate confirming the items belong to you and were purchased in India. On return, this prevents customs from assessing duty on your own gear as if it were purchased abroad. Without it, a new looking laptop or camera can trigger questions that are avoidable with a piece of paper.
How to Navigate Indian Customs on Return
- Calculate as you go. Keep a running total in rupees of all Japan purchases. The Rs 75,000 limit closes faster than expected once you factor in a bottle of whisky, some cosmetics, Kit Kats, and a pair of Japanese sneakers.
- Keep all receipts. In a dedicated envelope or phone photo folder. Indian customs can request proof of value on any item.
- Green Channel: for passengers whose total new goods value is within Rs 75,000 and who carry no restricted items.
- Red Channel: if your total new goods exceed Rs 75,000, if you carry more than 2 litres of alcohol, or if you have any items requiring declaration. Walking through Green Channel with undeclared dutiable goods is a customs offence that can result in penalties up to three times the duty amount.
- Pack Japan shopping in checked luggage rather than hand luggage where possible to avoid additional liquids screening for sauces and cosmetics at security.
- Dispose of any remaining Indian rupees before departure Indian currency cannot be exported and coins cannot be exchanged abroad. Use them at the Lawson at Haneda before immigration.