Japan Packing Guide - @mahirslens

For Diksha & Ayush

Japan · 14 to 29 November 2026

A weather led guide for your Osaka, Kyoto, Koyasan, Tokyo, Nagano, Kawaguchiko, Nagoya, Takayama and Shirakawago days. Built around the temperatures and daily conditions For Diksha & Ayush, with a complete luggage checklist, day bag lists and customs guidance for both directions of travel.

1. Your packing strategy

Your forecast moves from mild Osaka and Kyoto afternoons to a very cold Koyasan night, then cool Tokyo days, a cold Nagano fireworks evening and near freezing nights around Kawaguchiko. Pack for layering, walking and rain, with one proper cold weather outfit that can be repeated.

Temperature range

Warmest daytime: 22°C in Kyoto.

Coldest daytime: 9°C in Koyasan.

Coldest night: −2°C in Koyasan, followed by 1°C in Kawaguchiko.

Expect a noticeable difference between sunny afternoons and evenings, especially after sunset and in exposed mountain areas.

Best clothing formula

Mild day: breathable base layer + shirt or sweater + light jacket.

Cool city day: thermal or long sleeve base + sweater/fleece + insulated outer layer.

Cold evening: thermal top + mid layer + padded jacket + scarf + gloves + warm socks.

Insider tip: Use a small set of mix and match layers rather than a separate outfit for every day. You can repeat trousers and outerwear, then rotate base layers, tops and socks. This saves suitcase space and keeps your luggage manageable when moving between cities.

Suggested clothing quantities per adult

Item	Quantity	Notes
Underwear	8 to 10	Enough for a week plus a buffer. Plan one laundry stop if needed.
Everyday socks	7 to 8 pairs	Include 2 to 3 warm pairs for cold days.
Thermal base layer tops	2	Wear on Koyasan, Nagano evening and Kawaguchiko.
Thermal leggings / base layer bottoms	1 to 2	Useful under trousers on Koyasan and the Nagano fireworks evening.
T shirts / light tops	4 to 5	For milder Osaka and Kyoto afternoons and layering.
Long sleeve tops	3 to 4	Core autumn layer.
Sweaters / fleece	2	One lighter, one warmer.
Trousers	3	Comfortable walking trousers; one warmer pair is useful.
Warm outer jacket	1	A packable insulated jacket or warm coat for Koyasan, Nagano and Kawaguchiko.
Water resistant shell	1	Prefer a hooded rain shell that fits over a sweater.
Scarf, gloves, beanie	1 each	Essential for Koyasan and Nagano at night.
Sleepwear	2 sets	Choose a warmer set for mountain accommodation.
Comfortable walking shoes	1 pair worn	Broken in, supportive, grippy and preferably water resistant.
Backup shoes	1 pair packed if space allows	Lightweight and comfortable. Useful if the main pair gets wet.

Important for Koyasan: Your forecast reaches −2°C overnight. Mountain lodging, temple buildings and corridors can feel colder than city hotels. Keep thermal layers, warm socks, gloves and a beanie accessible rather than buried at the bottom of a suitcase. Indoor heating varies by property.

2. Complete main luggage checklist

Use this as the master checklist for each adult. Share bulky items where practical, while keeping personal essentials and valuables in each person’s own cabin bag.

Clothing & footwear

8 to 10 underwear
7 to 8 pairs socks, including warm socks
2 thermal tops
1 to 2 thermal bottoms
4 to 5 T shirts or light tops
3 to 4 long sleeve tops
2 sweaters or fleece layers
3 comfortable trousers
1 warm insulated jacket
1 hooded water resistant jacket
1 scarf, 1 beanie and 1 pair gloves
2 sleepwear sets
1 set of comfortable indoor clothes
1 pair broken in walking shoes
Optional backup shoes
Foldable slippers if your accommodation requires them
Small laundry bag for worn clothes

Toiletries & personal care

Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Face wash and moisturiser
Sunscreen, even in November
Lip balm, preferably with SPF
Body lotion for dry, cold weather
Shampoo and conditioner in travel sizes if preferred
Deodorant
Comb or hairbrush and hair ties
Shaving kit
Makeup and makeup remover
Contact lenses, solution and glasses if used
Personal hygiene products
Nail clipper and tweezers, packed in checked luggage where appropriate
Small pack of tissues and wet wipes
Hand sanitiser
Travel size detergent or laundry sheets
Quick dry towel only if your accommodation needs one

Medication & health kit

Regular prescription medicines in original packaging
Prescription copy and generic medicine names
Basic pain relief you normally use
Cold and flu medicine suitable for you
Throat lozenges
Motion sickness medicine if required
Antacid or digestive medicine you normally use
Plasters and blister patches
Small antiseptic wipes
Any personal medical devices and spare supplies
Spare glasses or contact lenses if applicable

Check Japan’s rules for each medicine before packing. Some ingredients that are common in India are controlled in Japan. See the customs section below.

Documents & money

Passport for each traveller
Japan visa or entry documents as applicable
Return flight and onward travel details
Hotel confirmations and addresses in Japanese
Travel insurance details and emergency contact
Copies of passport identity pages stored separately
Visit Japan Web registration and QR code, if using
International debit / credit cards
Some Japanese yen in cash
Small coin pouch
Booking confirmations for trains, activities and timed entries

Electronics & charging

Phones and protective cases
USB C / Lightning charging cables
Charging bricks
Universal travel adapter with Type A compatible plug
Power bank, carried in cabin baggage
Camera, lenses and camera batteries if using
Action camera, mounts and spare batteries if using
Memory cards and card reader
Earphones or headphones
Smartwatch charger
Compact extension lead only if permitted by accommodation and airline
Offline maps and downloaded tickets

Japan uses 100V electricity and Type A two flat pin sockets. Check that each charger says 100 to 240V. A plug adapter changes the plug shape, while a voltage converter changes voltage.

Useful travel extras

Foldable tote bag for shopping
Small umbrella or compact rain ponchos
Reusable water bottle
Packable day bag
Compression packing cubes
Luggage tags with contact details
Small combination luggage locks
Zip pouches for cables and small items
Plastic bags for wet umbrella or damp clothes
Eye mask and earplugs
Travel pillow for long flight if useful
Snacks for the flight, subject to Japan’s food import rules on arrival
Pen for forms
Small notebook or digital notes

Shared items for the two adults

1 compact umbrella per 1 to 2 people, with a second option if rain is forecast all day
1 shared first aid pouch, with each person’s personal medication separate
1 laundry kit
1 universal adapter with enough USB ports, plus a backup charging brick
1 foldable shopping tote each
1 luggage scale, especially useful after shopping
1 small pack of tissues and wet wipes in the day bag

How to organise the suitcase

Keep the warm jacket, thermal layers, gloves and beanie near the top for the Koyasan and Nagano days.
Pack one full change of clothes and essential toiletries in each cabin bag in case checked luggage is delayed.
Keep medicines, valuables, passports, cameras, power banks and spare lithium batteries in cabin baggage, subject to your airline’s rules.
Use one packing cube for clean tops, one for bottoms, one for undergarments and one for cold weather accessories.
Leave a deliberate shopping allowance. A foldable duffel can help on the return, while checked baggage weight and dimensions remain subject to your airline ticket.

Japan transport tip: You have city changes and day trips in this itinerary. Keep the main suitcase out of your sightseeing routine. Use hotel luggage forwarding where it fits your route, and use station lockers or a luggage storage service for short gaps. For Shinkansen journeys, oversized baggage with total dimensions over 160 cm and up to 250 cm requires a seat with an oversized baggage area or compartment reservation. Items over 250 cm cannot be brought aboard. Confirm current train and carrier rules before travel.

3. Everyday travel bag checklist

The day bag should stay light enough for long walking days, train transfers, temple visits and crowded stations. Refill it every evening based on the next day’s forecast.

Daily essentials

Phone
Wallet with yen, cards and transit card
Passport or secure passport plan, plus a digital copy
Portable power bank and short cable
Small water bottle
Compact umbrella or packable rain shell
Pack of tissues
Hand sanitiser
Wet wipes
Lip balm
Small sunscreen
Any medication needed that day
Plasters or blister patches
Foldable tote bag
Hotel address and key booking details offline

Weather add ons

Rainy day: umbrella, hooded shell, small towel and waterproof pouch for electronics
Cold day: gloves, beanie, scarf and spare warm layer
Mountain day: thermal layer, warm socks and hand warmers
Sunny day: sunglasses, sunscreen and water
Fireworks evening: insulated jacket, thermal base, gloves, beanie, scarf and a sit pad if you expect to wait outdoors

Power bank reminder: Carry power banks and loose spare lithium batteries in cabin baggage, protect terminals from short circuit and follow the exact airline capacity and use rules. Airline restrictions can differ, especially for high capacity batteries. Keep the Wh rating visible on the power bank.

Keep these out of the day bag unless needed

Full size toiletries, spare shoes, bulky shopping, passport copies in multiple loose places, all your cash in one wallet, and a large umbrella on a clear day. Japan has convenience stores, but having your basic essentials ready saves time during day trips.

4. Customs: India to Japan and Japan to India

The rules below are focused on a short tourist trip with personal baggage. Customs and quarantine rules can change, and the final decision rests with the authorities. Check the official links before departure, especially for medicines, food, plant products and expensive purchases.

India to Japan: items to leave at home

Food and quarantine are the biggest traps. Japan strictly controls meat, meat products, fruits, vegetables, plants and plant products. Vacuum sealing, cooking, commercial packaging or a small personal quantity does not automatically make an item acceptable.

Item	Practical guidance for your suitcase
Meat and meat products	Leave out fresh, cooked, dried, cured or processed meat, including chicken, mutton, beef, pork, jerky, salami, sausages, ham, meat floss, meat filled snacks, meat buns and instant meals containing meat. Most personal imports lack the government inspection certificate required by Japan.
Meals and leftovers	Finish airline meals containing meat before leaving the aircraft. Do not pack leftovers, sandwiches, burgers or meat filled dumplings for arrival.
Fresh fruit and vegetables	Leave out mangoes, apples, citrus, chillies, tomatoes, fresh herbs and other fresh produce. Many plant products require phytosanitary certification and inspection; some are prohibited.
Seeds, plants, soil and flowers	Do not pack seeds, seedlings, bulbs, soil, cut flowers or plant material as souvenirs or snacks without checking the specific import requirements first.
Dairy and egg products	Avoid bringing milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter and egg products unless the relevant Japanese authority confirms the exact item and documentation requirements. Commercial packaging alone is not a guarantee.
Homemade Indian food	Safest approach: leave homemade curries, theplas, parathas with meat or egg filling, chutneys, pickles containing fresh plant material and mixed snack boxes at home. Ingredient and quarantine checks can be complicated.
Medicines	Check every active ingredient. Japan’s standard personal import limits generally allow up to 1 month’s supply of prescription drugs, 2 months of other drugs and quasi drugs, and up to 24 units per item for many external use medicines. Controlled substances and certain ingredients have separate rules and may be prohibited or require advance permission.
Stimulant / cold medicines	Check ingredients carefully before packing common Indian cold, cough, ADHD, pain and sleep medicines. Some amphetamine related ingredients and pseudoephedrine products have strict restrictions. Carry original packaging and a prescription or doctor’s letter where relevant.
Weapons and dangerous items	Firearms, ammunition, explosives, certain knives, swords and other regulated weapons require strict permits or are prohibited. Leave them at home.
Counterfeit goods and protected wildlife	Do not carry counterfeit branded products, pirated goods, ivory, protected animal products or items made from endangered species.

Safer flight snack strategy: Eat fresh food before landing and bring only simple, commercially packaged snacks whose ingredients contain no meat, dairy, egg, fresh produce or seeds. Keep packaging and ingredient labels visible. When in doubt, declare the item or dispose of it in the airport quarantine disposal bins.

Medicines: a separate check before packing

Make a list of each medicine’s brand name, active ingredient, strength and quantity.
Keep medicines in original labelled packaging and carry a prescription or doctor’s letter for prescribed medication.
Check Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare guidance for Import Confirmation requirements. The standard quantity limits do not override controlled drug rules.
For any medicine containing a controlled ingredient, obtain written confirmation from the relevant Japanese authority before travel. Do not rely on a pharmacy’s advice alone.

Japan to India: shopping and souvenirs to handle carefully

India’s general duty free allowance: Under the 2026 Baggage Rules, an Indian resident or tourist of Indian origin arriving by air generally has a ₹75,000 allowance for eligible articles, in addition to used personal effects. The allowance is assessed per passenger and cannot be pooled between the two adults. Certain listed goods are excluded from the general allowance. Keep receipts and declare goods when required.

Shopping category	What to know before bringing it into India
Meat, dairy and animal products	Meat and meat products, dairy, poultry and certain animal products are restricted or prohibited under Indian import and quarantine rules. Avoid bringing Japanese meat snacks, beef or pork products, sausages, dairy products and fresh animal products unless you have confirmed the applicable permission.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds and plants	These are subject to plant quarantine controls. Avoid bringing fresh produce, seeds, bulbs, live plants, soil and planting material in passenger baggage without the required permits and phytosanitary documentation.
Fish and seafood	Fish and seafood products can be subject to food safety and import controls. Check the exact product and quantity with Indian authorities before packing. For a simple return, skip fresh, chilled and raw seafood.
Gold and silver	Gold or silver in forms other than personal ornaments are outside the general duty free allowance and are subject to separate conditions. Gold jewellery concessions have eligibility requirements, including a qualifying period of residence abroad. A short tourist trip does not qualify for the long residence jewellery concession.
Alcohol	The 2026 passenger baggage rules list up to 2 litres of alcoholic liquor or wine as the quantity allowed within the specified baggage treatment. State excise rules may also apply after arrival. Pack bottles securely in checked baggage and check airline limits.
Tobacco	Passenger concessions are limited. The 2026 rules list 100 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 125 g tobacco as thresholds in the Annexure I restrictions. Check current rules and declare excess quantities.
Televisions	Televisions are specifically excluded from the general duty free allowance and can attract customs duty. Avoid buying one as a casual suitcase purchase.
Phones, cameras, watches and electronics	Personal used effects are treated differently from new purchases. Keep invoices for new high value electronics. A new laptop/notebook has a specific one unit duty free provision for passengers aged 18 or above under the 2026 rules. Other goods count towards the applicable allowance and may attract duty above it.
Luxury goods and multiple identical items	Several sealed identical products, large quantities of cosmetics, watches, bags or electronics can look commercial. Keep purchases to a reasonable personal or gift quantity and retain receipts.
Counterfeits, wildlife and antiques	Do not bring counterfeit branded goods, pirated products, ivory, protected wildlife products or antiquities without the required approvals. Some cultural objects require export documentation from Japan as well.
Drones, satellite phones and radio equipment	These can require Indian permissions or type approvals. Check the exact model and rules before purchasing.

What Japan shopping is usually straightforward?

Clothing, ordinary souvenirs, stationery, character merchandise, household items, sealed sweets and packaged non animal food products are generally easier choices for personal use. Check the ingredients on food labels, avoid restricted animal and plant ingredients, and keep receipts. Indian customs allowance and product specific import rules still apply.

Japan’s new tax refund process from 1 November 2026

This matters for your exact travel dates. Your shopping dates begin after Japan’s new refund method starts on 1 November 2026. You generally pay the tax inclusive price in the shop first. At departure, customs confirms that eligible tax free goods are being taken out of Japan, then the shop or refund provider processes the consumption tax refund.

Show your passport at participating tax refund shops and check that the purchase is registered correctly.
Keep the goods available for customs inspection when leaving Japan. The customs confirmation is required within 90 days of purchase.
Allow extra time at the airport for customs confirmation before completing departure formalities. Follow the airport’s current instructions on whether inspection is before or after check in.
Keep receipts, purchase records and refund details accessible.
Goods consumed in Japan cannot qualify for a refund. The new system removes the former sealed consumables bag requirement, while the goods still need to be exported.
Refund methods and timing can vary by retailer or refund provider. Ask at the shop how and when the refund will reach you.

Customs allowance: your two adult calculation

Passenger	General allowance for eligible goods on arrival by air	Key point
Adult 1	₹75,000	Individual allowance, subject to exclusions and conditions.
Adult 2	₹75,000	Individual allowance, subject to exclusions and conditions.
Combined shopping budget for planning	₹1,50,000 total	Use only as a planning sum. Customs allowances cannot be pooled or transferred between passengers.

Used personal effects are treated separately. The value and nature of goods, passenger status, duration abroad, item category and current rules matter. Keep new purchases and receipts organised by passenger. Use the Red Channel and declare goods where required.

Gloves, beanie and scarf
Spare warm socks
Hand warmers, bought in Japan if needed
Water bottle and personal medication
Phone and power bank, kept warm in an inner pocket
Small torch only if your accommodation or evening walk requires it

Insider guidance

This is the coldest stop of the itinerary. Keep cold weather gear in your accessible cabin bag or the top of your suitcase. Koyasan’s temple lodging and traditional buildings can have colder indoor areas, so ask your accommodation about heating, bedding and bathing arrangements. If you plan an early cemetery visit, dress for the temperature before sunrise. Keep batteries warm because cold can reduce battery performance.

Priority day: Do not rely on a light autumn jacket here. A proper insulated outer layer, thermal base, gloves and warm head covering are the core kit.

20 November · Day 7

Nara and Osaka

11°C day
10°C night

Forecast: Times of clouds and sun. Night: a bit of rain in the evening, otherwise mostly cloudy.

Wear

Thermal or long sleeve base, sweater and medium weight jacket. Wear comfortable shoes for Nara Park and city walking. Bring a rain shell for the evening.

Pack in the day bag

Compact umbrella or rain shell
Gloves if you feel cold easily
Water bottle and tissues
Power bank and transit card
Small zip pouch for cash and receipts

Insider guidance

Keep food sealed and stored securely around Nara’s deer. Follow posted feeding rules and use approved deer crackers only. Keep paper maps, food wrappers and shopping bags zipped away. The evening rain makes a water resistant outer layer more useful than carrying a large umbrella all day.

21 November · Day 8

Tokyo

18°C day
9°C night

Forecast: Plenty of sun. Night: partly cloudy.

Wear

Long sleeve top or T shirt with a light sweater and jacket. Sunglasses will be useful in the afternoon. Add a warmer layer after sunset.

Pack in the day bag

Sunglasses and sunscreen
Light jacket for the evening
Water bottle, tissues and hand sanitiser
Power bank and transit card
Foldable shopping tote

Insider guidance

Tokyo days often involve long stretches underground and above ground. Keep a layer easy to remove when entering heated shops and trains. If shopping, take a foldable tote and keep receipts together for tax refund and Indian customs records.

22 November · Day 9

Tokyo

17°C day
9°C night

Forecast: Sunshine and some clouds. Night: clear to partly cloudy.

Wear

Long sleeve base, sweater or overshirt and a light to medium jacket. Keep a warmer layer for the night.

Pack in the day bag

Light jacket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Power bank and charging cable
Wallet, transit card and cash
Foldable tote and small water bottle

Insider guidance

Use the clear forecast for outdoor neighbourhood walks and viewpoints. Keep shopping receipts and tax refund purchase records in one envelope or digital folder. Charge your phone before leaving because maps, camera use and ticket apps drain batteries through a full day.

23 November · Day 10

Nagano fireworks day trip

13°C day
4°C night

Forecast: Overcast with a touch of rain in the afternoon. Night: mainly clear, around 4°C.

Wear

Thermal top, sweater or fleece, insulated jacket, long trousers and warm socks. Add gloves, scarf and beanie for the fireworks. A waterproof outer shell is useful for the afternoon rain.

Pack in the day bag

Warm gloves, beanie and scarf
Thermal layer or compact fleece
Waterproof shell and small umbrella
Hand warmers
Power bank and camera batteries
Small towel and tissues
Water and locally purchased snacks

Insider guidance

Plan for several hours outdoors after dark. Dress for standing still, since you will feel colder while waiting than while walking. Charge camera batteries fully and keep spare batteries in an inside pocket. Confirm the event’s access, seating, bag and transport guidance, and check the final return train or bus before the day.

Fireworks rule: Your warmest outfit of the Tokyo section belongs here. A thermal base, insulated jacket, gloves and beanie will make the evening much more comfortable.

24 November · Day 11

Tokyo

17°C day
9°C night

Forecast: Mostly sunny. Night: some clouds.

Wear

Long sleeve top, comfortable trousers and a light sweater or jacket. Bring a warmer layer if you will be out late.

Pack in the day bag

Sunglasses and sunscreen
Light jacket
Water, tissues and hand sanitiser
Power bank and transit card
Foldable tote for shopping

Insider guidance

Use this as a flexible city day for anything you want to revisit or shop for. Check luggage weight and suitcase space before larger purchases. Keep fragile items and liquids protected in separate pouches.

25 November · Day 12

Kawaguchiko

11°C day
1°C night

Forecast: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. Night: cloudy, around 1°C.

Wear

Thermal top, warm sweater, insulated jacket, long trousers and warm socks. Add a beanie and gloves for the evening. Sunglasses are useful if the sun appears around the lake or Mount Fuji viewpoints.

Pack in the day bag

Warm outer layer and gloves
Beanie and scarf
Sunglasses
Water bottle and snacks purchased locally
Power bank and camera batteries
Small towel and tissues

Insider guidance

Lake areas can feel colder because of open exposure and wind. Keep a warm layer on hand even if the afternoon starts pleasantly. Check the Mount Fuji visibility forecast in the morning and prioritise the clearest window for viewpoints. Keep your camera battery warm between shots.

26 November · Day 13

Kawaguchiko

13°C day
2°C night

Forecast: Rain at times. Night: occasional evening rain, otherwise cloudy.

Wear

Thermal or long sleeve base, sweater, waterproof shell and comfortable trousers. Wear water resistant shoes with good grip. Add warm socks and a jacket for the evening.

Pack in the day bag

Umbrella and hooded waterproof shell
Waterproof pouch for phone and camera
Small towel and spare socks
Warm layer for the evening
Power bank and transit details

Insider guidance

Keep outdoor plans flexible and use indoor stops as weather breaks. Rain and low cloud can obscure Mount Fuji, so check visibility before travelling to a viewpoint. Protect camera gear and keep a dry cloth accessible for lenses. Avoid packing wet outerwear against clean clothes.

27 November · Day 14

Nagoya and Ghibli Park

17°C day
5°C night

Forecast: Mostly sunny. Night: cloudy, around 5°C.

Wear

Comfortable walking trousers, long sleeve top and light sweater. Add a medium jacket for the evening. Choose shoes suitable for a full day on your feet.

Pack in the day bag

Ghibli Park tickets and entry details
Power bank and phone
Water bottle and tissues
Foldable tote
Light jacket for the evening
Sunglasses and sunscreen

Insider guidance

Ghibli Park has timed entry and specific area access arrangements. Keep tickets easy to reach and check current rules for bags, photography and re entry. The park is spread out, so prioritise comfortable footwear and keep the bag light. Leave room for souvenirs.

28 November · Day 15

Takayama and Shirakawago day trip

17°C day
7°C night

Forecast: Cloudy during the day and night.

Wear

Long sleeve base, sweater or fleece and a medium weight jacket. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for village lanes and uneven surfaces. Carry a warmer layer for the return journey.

Pack in the day bag

Warm layer and optional gloves
Water bottle and tissues
Power bank and camera batteries
Cash for smaller purchases
Foldable tote for souvenirs
Small towel and personal medication

Insider guidance

Expect a full day with substantial walking and transfers. Check the bus reservation and return schedule for Shirakawago carefully. Keep the day bag compact and use a small amount of cash for local shops. If you buy food souvenirs, inspect ingredients for meat, dairy, egg and plant products before packing them for India.

29 November · Day 16

Departure from Japan

15°C
Occasional showers

Forecast: 15°C with occasional showers.

Wear

Comfortable travel clothes with a light sweater and water resistant jacket. Wear shoes that are easy to remove at security if requested. Keep a spare top in your cabin bag.

Pack in the day bag / cabin bag

Passport, boarding pass and travel documents
All tax refund purchase records and receipts
Power bank and essential electronics
Prescription medication
One change of clothes and basic toiletries within airline liquid limits
Umbrella or rain shell
Fragile valuables and high value purchases
Empty water bottle to refill after security

Insider guidance

Build extra time into the airport journey for the new tax refund customs confirmation process. Keep tax refund goods accessible for inspection and follow airport instructions. Check in only after confirming the correct order of customs and airline procedures for your departure airport. Weigh both suitcases before leaving the hotel and keep purchases grouped by passenger for Indian customs.

6. Final departure checklist

Before leaving the hotel

Check passport and flight details
Check airline baggage allowance and dimensions
Weigh each checked bag separately
Move power banks and spare lithium batteries to cabin baggage
Keep medicines and valuables in cabin baggage
Separate liquids and protect fragile purchases
Check hotel room, safe, drawers and charging sockets
Keep receipts and tax refund records accessible

At the airport

Follow the airport’s current tax refund customs process
Keep tax refund purchases available for inspection
Complete airline check in and baggage drop in the required order
Declare goods in Japan or India where required
Use India’s Red Channel if carrying dutiable or restricted goods requiring declaration
Keep passport, phone, wallet and boarding pass together
Check the gate and boarding time after security

Two traveller rule: Keep each adult’s new purchases and receipts identifiable. India’s passenger allowance is assessed individually and cannot be pooled. Both travellers should be ready to explain their own purchases and declare goods accurately.

7. Official rules and useful references

These are the primary government and airport references used for the customs guidance. Open the live pages before travelling because rules and operational procedures can change.

Scope note: This guide is a travel planning aid, not an individual customs ruling or medical clearance. Food, medicine, wildlife products, plant material, gold, alcohol, tobacco, drones and high value electronics can have product specific rules. When a product is uncertain, check with the relevant authority before packing or purchasing it.