What is ANA's carry-on weight limit to Tokyo?

ANA allows 10 kg in the cabin on international routes to Tokyo (Narita and Haneda). The maximum bag dimensions are 55 × 40 × 25 cm. JAL matches this with a 10 kg limit on international routes.

How strict is Peach Aviation's carry-on limit?

Peach enforces a 7 kg carry-on limit and is considered one of Japan's strictest budget carriers. Bags are regularly weighed at check-in and sometimes at the gate. The maximum size is 55 × 40 × 25 cm.

Does Jetstar Japan include carry-on in the base fare?

No. Jetstar Japan does not include carry-on luggage in its cheapest Starter fare. You must purchase a carry-on allowance or upgrade to a bundle. The allowance when purchased is 7 kg with a maximum size of 56 × 36 × 23 cm.

Can I buy toiletries cheaply in Tokyo?

Yes. Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Welcia are Japan's two largest pharmacy chains with locations throughout Tokyo, including both Narita and Haneda airports. Don Quijote (Donki) sells toiletries at very low prices and is open 24 hours in major areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Do I need a Suica card and how do I carry it?

A Suica or PASMO IC card covers all Tokyo Metro, JR, and bus routes in greater Tokyo. Add it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet if your device supports it, or pick up a physical card from any JR ticket machine at Narita or Haneda. Keep it in your wallet rather than loose in a bag.

What are Narita and Haneda airports like for carry-on travellers?

Both Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) are well-organised and efficient. Security lines move quickly and CT scanners are being rolled out across both airports, meaning you no longer need to remove laptops or liquids bags at many lanes. Allow 90 minutes for international departures from either airport.

Carry-On Only for Tokyo: ANA, JAL, Peach, and Jetstar Japan

Tokyo rewards travellers who pack light. The city's train network is so good that you want to move quickly between stations without dragging large luggage, and coin lockers are available at most major stations for mid-day storage. The challenge is choosing the right bag for your airline, because Tokyo's carriers span some of the most generous and strictest policies in Asia.

Airline Carry-On Policies for Tokyo Routes

ANA (All Nippon Airways) allows 10 kg in the cabin on international routes, with a maximum bag size of 55 × 40 × 25 cm. This is generous for an Asian carrier and gives you real flexibility for packing. Domestic ANA routes within Japan allow 10 kg on the same size.

Japan Airlines (JAL) matches ANA at 10 kg international, same dimensions. The 10 kg limit applies in Economy on all long-haul routes. If you're flying JAL domestic within Japan, the same 10 kg applies.

Peach Aviation is a budget carrier operating from Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita. It enforces a 7 kg limit strictly — bags are weighed and oversized ones pulled. The maximum size is 55 × 40 × 25 cm. If your trip involves a domestic Peach flight within Japan, pack for this limit from the start.

Jetstar Japan does not include carry-on in its base Starter fare. You pay to add it. When purchased, the allowance is 7 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm. Check your booking confirmation carefully before arrival — this catches many travellers off guard.

Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND): What to Expect

Both of Tokyo's international airports are excellent. Security is efficient and orderly by global standards. CT scanners are being progressively introduced at both airports, which means at an increasing number of lanes you do not need to remove your laptop or liquids bag from your carry-on — though it's safest to do so until you see the CT scanner signage.

Allow 90 minutes for international departures. Domestic connections at Haneda are extremely fast — 30–40 minutes is realistic if you know the terminal layout.

Haneda is closer to central Tokyo (around 30–40 minutes by monorail or Keikyu Line). Narita is further out (60–90 minutes by Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner). Factor this into your carry-on logistics.

What to Wear and Pack for Tokyo

Tokyo is a fashion-forward city and restaurants — especially izakayas and ramen shops with limited seating — have an unspoken casual-smart standard. "Tourist" shorts with a polo and trainers are fine, but you'll look and feel more at home in clean trousers and a collared shirt for evening dining.

Clothing essentials:

4–5 smart-casual tops (avoid overtly touristy prints)
2 pairs of versatile trousers or dark jeans
1 light jacket or blazer (restaurants and convenience stores are air-conditioned year-round)
5–6 pairs of socks (Tokyo involves walking — 20,000 steps a day is common)
Slip-on shoes or well-cushioned walking shoes that come off easily (many traditional restaurants and homes require shoes off)

The Umbrella Situation

Tokyo receives rainfall year-round. A compact folding umbrella packs into a small bag easily. If you forget one or yours breaks, every konbini (convenience store — 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) sells transparent vinyl umbrellas for around 500–600 yen. They're cheap, completely functional, and disposable if you don't want to carry it home.

Cash and Cards

Japan remains significantly cash-dependent outside of central Tokyo. While IC cards (Suica, PASMO) work at station kiosks and many convenience stores, smaller restaurants, shrines, rural transit, and many markets only accept cash. Bring some yen or withdraw at a 7-Eleven ATM, which reliably accepts international cards.

Carry a small coin purse. Japanese cash transactions frequently involve coins — 100 yen and 500 yen coins accumulate quickly and are essential for vending machines, small shops, and shrine offering boxes.

Toiletries: Buy in Tokyo

Pack only what you need for the flight. Every Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Welcia pharmacy in Tokyo stocks full-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and skincare at prices competitive with home. Don Quijote sells the same products even cheaper and is open 24 hours — ideal for an arrival-night restock. Buying toiletries on arrival saves 300–500 g from your carry-on and means you skip the liquids bag anxiety at departure security.