Kyoto What to Pack

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Kyoto is HOT and HUMID from June to August. Rainy season is about June 5 to July 15. Women usually don't go sleeveless or wear shorts, but short sleeves are OK. The local custom of carrying a parasol may seem quaint to you, but portable shade is great. Umbrellas run from super cheap (less than $3) to deluxe and compact, so you don't have to bring one. Fans (paper, silk, etc.) also make a nice souvenir. Winter (Dec. - Feb.) can be quite cold because many places won't have central heat...space heating is the rule. Bring warm socks for places like temples where you have to take off your shoes and wear slippers.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Most of what you need is readily available in Japan. Tampons are high quality, but if you're environmentally minded, ones without plastic parts are hard to find. Tissues are handed out in the streets by advertisers and you need them for toilet paper in train station and public rest rooms. Also, be environmentally cool and follow local custom: carry a small hand towel for drying your hands as paper towels are usually not available in restrooms.

Photo Equipment: This is photo heaven. You don't need to bring it from home.

Luggage and bags: Do as the Japanese do & courier your excess bags on to your next destination. Nearly all accommodation outlets have forms. You can also pick up forms at some conveinance stores.

Luggage and bags: Pack light in summer it gets really warm and humid. Snow is rare in winter but it can get rather cool at times.

Miscellaneous: Everything is in Japanese and some older Japanese you meet on the streets may not undertand English. It is good to bring a small Japanese Phrase Book if you want to minimise communication problem.

Photo Equipment: If you SCAN your photo's - get prints with a MATT FINISH for best results.

Miscellaneous: Don’t bring a water bottle! Vending machines are everywhere (even on Mt. Fuji)