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 and JAL allow one main bag plus one personal item sharing 10 kg in all cabins. Main bag: 55×40×25 cm AND 115 cm total, including wheels and handles. On domestic aircraft below 100 seats: 45×35×20 cm / 100 cm total. ANA personal item: 40×30×20 cm; JAL requires underseat fit without a published numeric box.

Peach Aviation includes one cabin bag and one personal item sharing 7 kg. The main bag has a 115 cm total-dimension limit, including protrusions. Weigh both items together, including shopping. Excess must travel as checked baggage; paying a baggage fee does not increase cabin weight. See the Peach guide and check the bag size; the tool does not validate the combined weight.

Jetstar Japan (GK) Starter includes one 56×36×23 cm main bag and one small underseat item, sharing 7 kg. The February 2027 JQ change does not apply to GK.

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.