Travel Lightly!

The Japanese people are masters at living in small areas.  Not only do they make their homes in confined spaces, but they also travel very lightly.  Their suitcases are miniature versions of our large American luggage sets.

You'll suddenly notice this on your flight to Tokyo as the loading and unloading process of the plane moves much more quickly than a mainland flight.  The overhead compartments aren't stuffed with huge bags that should've been checked in at the desk.

When searching for hotels, I read many customer reviews complaining about the size of the hotel rooms so I was prepared for close living quarters for our family.  I also discovered that many of the hotels only had the option of booking 2 adults per room.  The hotels we chose allowed up to 3 occupants so we placed one of our kids with my parents.  Chilren over 5 or 6 years old are considered adults.  As you check-in, you must present your passports so the number of people in each room will be monitored.

Here are some tips that have helped us when packing for our Tokyo trip:
1.  Check if the hotel has washing machines and dryers.  Japanese washing machines are small and may only hold up to 2 outfits.
2.  Use the shampoo, conditioner and soap provided by the hotel.  Hotels will also provide many toiletries for travelers.  (toothbrush, razor, cotton, q-tips, hair ties, comb, brush, etc.)
You won't have to pack any of these things!
3.  Hotels also provide kimono style pajamas to sleep in.

Some of the hotels provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash in large pump bottles to avoid more trash from individual containers that people travel with.

Packing for Tokyo requires some thought as you need to have room for the many trinkets, souvenirs and omiyage you will purchase throughout this wonderful city!