When we heard that one of our favorite beauty writers is as diligent about packing as she is skincare, we had to hear her strategy for a two-week trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Kaga. Jamie breaks down the notes app strategy and luggage-forwarding tip that allowed her to pack perfectly for a multi-leg trip during rainy, transitional weather—and how she managed to make extra room for all the niche beauty gadgets and giant arcade-prize stuffed animals her son acquired along the way.
What was the jist of your trip? What sorts of climates or events were you packing for?
March 15-29, 2025. Transitional weather, lots of walking, three destinations, and having extra room in the suitcase were all top of mind when packing for myself and my family for our first trip to Japan. I don’t want to be a carry-on hero. If I’m going somewhere longer than three or four days, I’m checking. I want to be strategic about what I bring, but I also want to be happy with the options I have.
So what did you bring?
I organize everything (packing-wise but also life-wise) in the Notes app. There are three things I considered to determine what to pack for myself for Japan:
Coats – Given the iffy weather moving from winter to spring in March, I packed a long trench for rainy days, and wore an olive green velvet jacket from Nicholas K over a Moncler vest for chillier days. I wore the latter two on the plane.
Shoes – I want to be comfortable but I don’t always want to go sporty. I wore a pair of lug-soled Loro Piana boots on the plane, and packed white New Balance textured sneakers (even though I knew I was going to buy a pair at Onitsuka Tiger), Chanel scuba moccasins for dinner, and clear jellies for walking around the hotel.
Clothes I could wear more than once – I tried to wear something for the first time at night, when we’d likely be going to dinner or doing something more low-key. Then I’d rewear it during the day when we had a much busier itinerary and much more ground to cover. The most hardworking items in my wardrobe were:
- Proenza Schouler long sleeve tie-dye t-shirts. Paper thin, layered under blazers, a way to bring in prints and color with minimal packing space.
- Zara long skirts – one full, one bubbly. Hate to say it but the synthetic fabrics wrinkle less.
- Malia Mills black travel pants – like a big sister to Substack-famous Ruti pants. The Tess trouser has been my go-to plane pants for at least 10 years. The oversized pockets make them feel a little fashion-y, and they can be dressed up or down.
- Ralph Lauren cashmere turtleneck – thin enough to pack, cozy enough to keep me warm. I hate being cold, so this sweater is like my insurance policy.
- B Sides jeans – patched and torn and repaired and always perfect.
As for bags, I brought my large (and light!) black Tom Ford tote, which served as the large nesting doll for other bags, including a small nude Chanel bag that looks cuter but holds less, and a black satin bag from Mango for evening.
What’s your strategy?
I write out day and night outfits, including accessories. I don’t always adhere to it, but if I switch things around, I’ll know what I have for later.
Because we were going away for so long, to three different locations (Tokyo, Kyoto, and a ryokan in Kaga), each city’s outfits got their own packing cube. And because it’s common to forward your luggage to your next destination when taking the bullet train in Japan, I also thought through what I would carry with me (bags, shoes, passports) and what I would send ahead (dirty clothes, anything we bought and weren’t planning to use, as well as clothes I didn’t need for at least two days).
This is the furthest thing from spontaneous, but it really allowed me to stay organized. I did a modified version for my kids, and it was helpful to know there would be clean clothes (especially socks and underwear) in each city. I usually pack a little vial of delicates detergent with me in case I need to wash something in the sink.
How do you organize your toiletries?
I also kept my toiletries fairly organized: clear plastic and leather envelopes for medications, electrolyte and magnesium powders, and anything I needed on the plane; one case for skincare and hair, and another for makeup.
I don’t like to waste space packing pajamas, but this soft, flattering top and shorts folds to nothing, and makes for perfect loungewear when hanging at the hotel. I also packed my favorite yoga one-piece, because I always try to attend a class wherever I am.
Any other tips?
Last thing! I packed for my younger son in one side of a large suitcase, and put an empty duffel bag in the other. He won a MASSIVE stuffed mushroom at an arcade in Akihabara, and we actually had room to bring it home. Also inside were tons of kitchen supplies (rectangular omelette pans, Japanese knives), stationary from Itoya, and everything from ramen to incense to beauty gadgets. I’d do it all over again, but would probably bring another empty duffel.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.