Japan 1 - PACKING

Plus, an India throwback.

Starting very tentatively to go through my Japan trip notes, I came across this golden ticket. My crumpled packing list (click image to enlarge).

Packing List for Japan (in progress), May 2026 | Click to enlarge

Why is this an object of interest? Well, I hate packing for trips. It doesn’t matter if it’s a few days or a few weeks – it’s always the same. But for an extended international journey, it’s a very special situation. I have to really hunker down and think things through. Especially since we would be going through so many different situations: searching for (and hopefully finding) Keith’s long-lost host parents from his year abroad in college 35 years ago; fancy cultural events in Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Tyoko; meeting up with old friends in the countryside; hiking in the Japanese Alps; and remaining comfortable on a long-haul flight with an acting-up sacroiliac joint.

You’d think with as much travel as I’ve done, I’d be a pro. Just pack it up — lightly (ha-ha-HA!) and lickety-split. A well-practiced wanderer, I may be. But, alas, packing is so not my forte. I’m one of those (where my people at?) women who wants to bring it with me, because I very well might need it. And, ya know, a good 80% of the time, I do end up needing it. Or someone in my travel crew needs it.

Upon examining Exhibit A, I’m happy to say that most items turned out to be necessary. I didn’t need the power bank (“extra battery pack”) as outlets are available everywhere nowadays. But I always like to have that puppy on hand in case – you know, there’s a situation. I also only wore my jeans once – when everything else was being laundered; Japan was too hot and muggy already, even in May. Even the mountains were warm.

You’ll notice on this list that I’m obviously very concerned about pillows. 🙂

And socks! I’ve never worn so many socks. Sandals weren’t really appropriate culturally. Nicer socks are needed for temples and cultural property and to show respect; one removes their shoes in traditional restaurants, too. I’m glad I brought what I did, and could have brought another pair.

That “black-checkered shawl” came in handy. With the elegant Lady Baba, hostess of Geisha Evenings® at the Kaikaro teahouse in Kanazawa

In contrast, you’ll get a chuckle or eyebrow-raise from this India packing list (below) made in 2007 for months of much rougher, backpacker travel - and a younger me. This is a direct excerpt from my book, Truth Seeker: A spiritual adventure of love, loss, and liberation.

from Truth Seeker by Erin Reese, p. 22 | Click to enlarge

Such a quirky, fun way to kick off the sharing of my Japan journey. I’d love to hear what stands out to you. Please share your comments below!

Arigatō gozaimasu

Erin

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