After two incredibly special weeks in Japan, I’m back home feeling the most withdrawal I’ve ever felt from a vacation. And what better way to relive it than by discussing the details with you! Here’s everything I wore, along with any packing tips I can offer.
I had big plans to go all out with the looks for Japan, but that likely would’ve involved several suitcases, and my husband strongly encouraged me to pack as light as possible. I obliged, and I’m glad I did. Instead of packing in full looks, I focused on a capsule wardrobe, choosing only pieces—and a colour story—I knew would mix and match well and could be worn many different ways. Groundbreaking, I know, but I’m admittedly usually a more is more kind of packer.
Tokyo
Our first night in Japan, we landed just before 5pm and hit traffic from Narita, so we didn’t end up getting to our hotel until around 6:30. Safe to say we were exhausted, but we weren’t wasting any time. I showered, blow dried, and got dressed before heading out to a no reservations izakaya in Ginza. It was a great first meal.
Our first full day. It was rainy, and we’d planned to explore by foot, so I chose a trench and boots to stay as practical as possible.
The next two looks are what I wore to explore the city by day:
Button down is a few years old now but this is a good comp.
And the next two, by night!
I found myself rarely wanting to wear heels on this trip. We walked everywhere we could—whether it was to dinner itself or between drinks and dinner—so I ended up choosing flats most nights for convenience and comfort.
We stayed in Otemachi, so I wore this on our last morning, before taking the train to Kyoto, to grab a coffee and walk around the Imperial Palace.
Glasses were a Tokyo purchase from 10 eyevan.
Kyoto
This Auralee scarf might be my number one favourite of all the ones in my collection—and I got it at a great discount, which always feels really good. I’ve never ordered from Baltini, but they seem to have the last I can find, and for 47% off.
You may be bored of seeing these shoes at this point, but they’re the perfect dressy option for when I don’t want to wear heels. I’ve had them for nearly two years now and still love them just as much as the day they arrived.
Day to night! On the left is what I wore to walk around Kyoto all day. We stopped back at the hotel to freshen up a bit before heading to Osaka for the evening to visit my cousin who lives there.
I genuinely believe I’ve owned this Balenciaga turtleneck for at least 10 years, and so far I’ve been unable to track it down, but this would be good alternative.
Can’t forget the Pajamas! A perfect pair from Valentine West made from 100% super fine cotton thats so soft it almost has a silky feel—but without the cling!
These Body of Work pants were great to travel with. I wore them on the flight to and from Japan and twice in between. They’re machine washable, so I had them cleaned a couple of times throughout the trip and never felt nervous about it.
Kaga and Kanazawa
In Kaga, we had a one night stay at a ryokan, so the only outfits I actually wore—other than the travel looks (pictured two above and one below)—were this, the yukata, and athletic wear (leggings and a nylon top) for breakfast and a morning walk.
Again, only a single photo from Kanazawa shows what I wore. This is what I had on for the train from Kaga to Kanazawa and then straight to lunch at Omicho Market. We decided to travel light and shipped the majority of our luggage from Kyoto straight to Tokyo.
Tokyo Finale
Our first night back in Tokyo! The outfit fatigue began to hit, so I was very happy to keep it simple. A pair of dressy denim and a tucked in button down is always my fallback. I love this shirt from TWP because it’s designed with a roll-tab cuff, so I’m never fussing with my sleeves!
This coat from Tove was perfect for end of trip, when you’re over everything in your suitcase or running out of clean options (or both)—it makes me feel put together no matter what and completely hides whatever’s underneath. I wear it often at home over leggings and sweatpants for the same reason.
The Items I Wore Most— Rapid Fire!
Toteme Jeans: Perfect wash to take you from day to night.
Rebecca Flats: The impact of a heel in a flat. A few alternatives here, here and here
Gala Pant: The most versatile pant I own, and comfortable. Work for day, night, travel…the list goes on! Amazing alt here.
Coats: I prioritized space to bring a few coat options in my luggage, which I’d definitely recommend if you’re planning on going to Japan in November. It can get chilly and, more importantly, the coat can be the outfit!
Sneakers: Stating the obvious here, but a good, versatile sneaker is a necessity. The ASICS I brought with me were by far the most worn shoe of the trip.
Other packing details: Totes, Cases, Cosmetics
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—the Longchamp Extendable Tote Bag is the single reason I’m able to travel carry-on. It was essential for the portion of the trip where we traveled light, and the rest of the time it stored completely flat in my luggage. If you take anything from this letter, let it be the significance of this bag.
Zach brought a Travel Tote I got for him from Alex Mill, and it’s another one I’d very much recommend (great holiday gift).
Not pictured, but I also traveled with the Cadence Parcels for the first time and loved them. They come in various sizes, keep everything organized, and the clear TPU makes it so easy to see what’s inside. I have the Ink colourway.
If it made it into my bag for a trip, it’s an essential. We’ve got
Marie Veronique Rescue Tonic (skin saviour), Balancing Hypotonic mini, Soothing B3, Intensive Repair, Barrier Restore Serum, Barrier Lipid Complex, Spot Intensive and Probiotic + Exfoliation mask.
Susanne Kaufmann Rejuvenating Eye Cream one of my favourites, will last you months
Le Prunier SPF forever
Sweet Chemistry Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream really great under makeup
Westman Atelier Eye Activator Serum also fantastic under makeup
Vintner’s Daughter Understory fragrance is perfect for travel. The roll-on is limited edition and sold out now, but they’ve released three editions so far so hopefully more will be coming!
Other most used items: NakedBeauty MD Eye Masks to perk me up before dinner, and the ultimate complexion trio—Victoria Beckham Beauty Foundation Drops, Concealer Pen, and Blush Tint.
I picked up the Foundation Drops just before leaving on the trip and was immediately blown away when I first tried them. They’re not overly dewy, more skin-like with a touch of radiance, and offer great coverage (a lot more than I expected based on the consistency). Love.
Before I wrap this up, I must shout out Helen from Preserve Travel who helped us plan our trip. She was amazing from start to finish and made our whole experience incredibly seamless! If you’re looking for help planning a trip to Japan—or anywhere, really—I couldn’t recommend her more. I only want to travel with Preserve from here on out!
That’s all for now xx
the weather was so gorg this november!!
love that the NakedBeauty MD eye masks made it all the way with you to Japan! They are my favorites!