What I Packed For Japan: The Retrospective

Happy Sunday ladies! I am jet lagged but happy to be home. I’m up to my eyeballs in the laundry which surprises me because it all fit into one small carry-on and one handheld. With each piece I remove from my bag, I am reminded of what should have stayed home, what I wished I’d brought with me and what worked perfectly for this trip to Japan.

Let me start with an easy fix to a dumb mistake I made. Just because you have worn, loved and been comfortable in an item for over 5 years doesn’t mean you can purchase an exact replacement and expect it to fit the same without trying it on before you pack it. Case in point. These shoes. 

I replaced them the day before we left and discovered I’d inadvertently ordered a size too small. I couldn’t wear them but had to haul them all over Japan, then bring them home to exchange.

Here’s what worked

Three pairs of Eileen Fisher pants which got worn repeatedly. This slim legged pair is a ponte knit. I wore them to travel in and because they’re slightly heavier weight than my other pairs, were warmer in Koyasan.

I also brought 2 pairs of these stretch crepe pants, plus version here, which fold up to nothing. They were as comfy as leggings for a Tea Ceremony and dressed up nicely for dinner and a show in Tokyo.

This magnifying mirror. I’ve traveled with one for years and find them invaluable. You can stick them to the bathroom mirror but honestly, the light is better when you stick it to the window.

I brought this tank in ivory, pink dune, and two black ones. They’re the perfect layering tank which looks dressy from the front and is a knit for comfort in the back.

I brought two jackets from Artful Home and wore this one most often. I wore this hat virtually every day to keep the sun off my face and to add warmth. 

I stuffed the crown of my hat with a soft cashmere wrap then slipped it into my handheld while on the trains and flights.

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SNEAKER / PANTS / TOTE BAG / SCARF / JACKET / TANKBecause of my shoe fiasco, see above, these sneakers became my go-to shoe. They are incredibly comfortable but tend to pull peds off so I resorted to these socks. They’re called no-show socks but clearly, they do show which I didn’t worry about. You never go sockless in Japan because you will be removing your shoes often!

Red lipstick for the win each and every time I felt bedraggled. This inexpensive lipstick is cruelty-free and stays on very well. I am wearing it in “Currant”.

What I wished I’d brought

A roller bag. My old one became unwieldy and was heavier than it needed to be. A backpack for travel days. They’re not really my “look” but I can’t discount how helpful it would be to have both hands free.

What I should have left home

Some scarves. Shocking, I know! I brought eight but wore the same four repeatedly. I did not wear a single silk square. I opted for a cashmere wrap, two different silk and cashmere wraps and this colorful long silk scarf from Artful home.

 

This has been the trip of a lifetime for me. Sharing this special time with my daughter has been priceless. Thanks for coming along on this journey with us ladies. Your comments have meant the world to me.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!