Tokyo in April is gorgeous: cherry blossoms, parks, and long sightseeing days. But for parents, the real question is simple—what do we actually pack so everyone is comfortable and we don’t overpack?
This Tokyo packing list for April with kids walks you through real-life weather, what to wear, and what to bring for adults, kids, and toddlers/babies. You’ll get skimmable checklists plus a few smart space-saving strategies to keep family luggage under control.
How April Weather in Tokyo Really Feels (With Kids in Tow)
April in Tokyo is classic spring:
- Average highs around 18–20°C (64–68°F) in the day
- Lows around 10–12°C (50–54°F) in the morning and evening
- Some windy, rainy days, especially around cherry blossom season
What this feels like in real life:
- Mornings/evenings: Kids may say they’re cold in just a T‑shirt, especially if you’re out early or staying out after dinner.
- Midday: Often perfect in a long-sleeve T‑shirt or light sweater—you’ll peel off outer layers while walking.
- Rain: Light to moderate showers are common; heavy downpours are less likely but possible.
So your Japan spring packing list for family should focus on:
- Layers (base layer + light sweater + packable jacket)
- Breathable fabrics (cotton, light knits)
- One good rain option (umbrella or thin rain jacket)
Pack for layers, not bulk: thin pieces you can add or remove beat one big heavy coat for almost every day in April.
What to Wear in Tokyo in April: Quick Outfit Formula
For adults and kids, this formula works well for most days:
- Top: Long-sleeve T‑shirt or light knit
- Middle layer: Thin sweater or cardigan
- Outer layer: Light jacket or windbreaker
- Bottoms: Jeans, chinos, or leggings
- Shoes: Comfortable sneakers you can walk 15,000 steps in
- Extras: Light scarf for adults; beanie optional for smaller kids if they get cold easily
If your children have very different needs (one runs hot, one is always cold), that’s where a tool like Packfast helps: plug in your dates, “Tokyo,” each child’s age, and your activities and it builds a weather-aware packing list for each person in seconds—no spreadsheets needed.
Family Packing Strategy: Avoid Overpacking for Tokyo in April
With a family, overpacking happens fast. A few rules help:
- Pack for 5–6 days, even for a 10–12 day trip.
- Plan one light laundry session (hotel laundry, coin laundry, or sink wash for underwear and T‑shirts).
- Choose a shared color palette (e.g., navy/grey/denim) so layers mix and match.
Pack for 5–6 days and plan one laundry day instead of bringing 10+ outfits for each family member.
Packing cubes for “Adult 1 / Adult 2 / Kid 1 / Kid 2” make getting ready in the morning much easier.
Adult Packing List for Tokyo in April (Per Adult)
Clothing
- 4–5 T‑shirts (mix of short and long sleeve)
- 2–3 light sweaters/cardigans
- 1 lightweight jacket (windbreaker, trench, or packable puffer)
- 3–4 pairs pants/jeans/chinos
- 1–2 pairs comfortable leggings/joggers (great for flights and casual days)
- 1 casual dress or nicer outfit for evening (optional, still modest)
- 7–8 pairs underwear
- 5–7 pairs socks (include a couple thicker pairs for cooler days)
- 1 light scarf (very useful in wind and near the river at night)
- Sleepwear
Footwear
- 1 pair comfortable walking sneakers (non‑negotiable)
- 1 pair slip‑on shoes or sandals (for ryokan/hotel, flights, or onsen areas)
- Optional: 1 pair slightly dressier flats/loafers if you like nicer dinners
Prioritize shoes you have already broken in. Tokyo days can easily hit 15,000–20,000 steps with kids.
Outerwear & Rain
- 1 packable rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Optional: Light fleece if you run cold or are out late for night views
Cultural & Practical Clothing Notes
- Modest but casual is the norm: avoid very low-cut tops or super short shorts, especially on days you’ll visit temples/shrines.
- You’ll often remove shoes indoors (traditional restaurants, some play spaces, onsen areas), so:
- Pack nice socks without holes
- Avoid complicated boots that are annoying to take on and off repeatedly
- Indoor heating means trains, malls, and restaurants can feel warm, so layers you can shed easily are key.
Kids’ Packing List for Tokyo in April (School-Age)
Adjust quantities by length of trip and how messy your kids are, but this is a strong base.
Clothing
- 5–6 T‑shirts (at least 3 long-sleeve)
- 2 light sweaters/hoodies
- 1 light jacket (windbreaker or thin puffer)
- 3–4 pairs pants/jeans/leggings
- 1–2 pairs comfy joggers or sweatpants
- 7–8 pairs underwear
- 5–7 pairs socks
- 1 hat or cap (sun protection, especially at parks and zoo)
- Optional: 1 nicer outfit for family photos under cherry blossoms
- Sleepwear
Footwear
- 1 pair sturdy sneakers for walking
- Optional: Slip-on shoes for hotel/ryokan or if your child hates laces
Weather & Comfort Extras
- Compact folding umbrella or shared family umbrella
- 1 light scarf or buff (especially for kids sensitive to wind)
- Thin gloves if your child gets cold easily in wind or at night
For kids, lean into layers you can stuff into your day bag. A hoodie that can live at the bottom of the backpack is worth its weight.
If you’d like a tailored Tokyo packing list spring family version broken down per child, Packfast can generate separate lists for a 5‑year‑old, 9‑year‑old, and two adults based on your exact dates and the forecast.
Optional Baby & Toddler Packing List (For April in Tokyo)
If you’re packing for Tokyo with toddlers in April, you’ll need fewer “fashion” pieces and more backups for spills and accidents.
Clothing
- 6–8 onesies or tops
- 4–6 pants/leggings
- 2–3 cozy layers (sweater/hoodie)
- 1 light jacket (ideally with a hood)
- 1 warmer layer (fleece or thicker cardigan) for cooler evenings
- 2 sets pajamas/sleepsuits
- Extra socks (they get lost constantly)
- Seasonal hat (soft beanie or sunhat, depending on your child)
Diapering & Feeding
- Diapers for the first couple of days (buy more locally; convenience stores and drugstores stock them)
- Travel changing mat
- Wipes (you’ll want plenty for sticky hands)
- A few zip‑top bags for dirty clothes/diapers in a pinch
- Bibs (ideally wipeable)
- Sippy cup/water bottle your child knows how to use
- Favorite snacks for planes and trains
Gear
- Travel stroller (lightweight, easy to fold; essential for long days and naps on the go)
- Baby carrier for crowded trains and stairs in stations
- Lightweight blanket or muslin (for naps, chilly evenings, or picnic ground cover)
- Small toy/comfort item for transitions and downtime
Tokyo is stroller‑friendly in most areas, but train stations have stairs. Having both a compact stroller and a carrier makes life easier with little ones.
Toiletries & Health: Family Essentials
Basic Toiletries
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste
- Hairbrush/comb, simple hair ties
- Travel-size shampoo/conditioner/body wash (or rely on hotel amenities)
- Deodorant
- Minimal makeup & skincare if you use it daily
- Razor (if needed)
Family Health Kit
- Any regular medications (in original packaging)
- Basic pain/fever relief for adults and kids
- Plasters/bandages for blisters
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues (very handy at parks and some public toilets)
- Saline spray or allergy meds if anyone is sensitive to pollen (spring can be heavy for hay fever)
Japanese pharmacies are excellent, but labels are often in Japanese. Bring any must‑have medicines from home, especially for kids.
Documents, Money & Getting Around
- Passports (+ photocopies or digital scans)
- Any necessary visas or entry documents
- Travel insurance details
- Wallet with cards that work internationally
- Some yen cash for small food stands, shrines, and local shops
- Transit cards (Suica/PASMO, or equivalent—can be set up digitally on many phones)
- Printed or digital hotel confirmations and major bookings
Keep passports, cards, and cash in a small crossbody bag or money belt that stays on an adult, especially in crowded cherry blossom spots.
Tech & Connectivity for Families
- Phones + chargers
- Universal travel adapter (Japan uses Type A/B, 100V)
- Small power strip if you have lots of devices
- Power bank (you’ll be using maps and photos all day)
- Noise‑limiting headphones for kids
- Tablet or e‑reader with offline shows/books for flights and downtime
- Optional: Compact camera if you care about cherry blossom photos beyond your phone
Download key apps offline: maps of Tokyo, translation app, and offline entertainment for kids for trains and restaurant waits.
Extras That Make a Family Trip Smoother
- Packing cubes labeled by person
- Lightweight daypack for outings (water, snacks, spare layer, wipes)
- Collapsible shopping bag (for groceries, souvenirs, or park snacks)
- Compact picnic mat or lightweight blanket for hanami (cherry blossom picnics)
- A couple of Ziplock bags and trash bags for wet clothes and random messes
- Small laundry kit:
- Travel detergent or a few detergent sheets
- A few clothes pegs or a travel clothesline
Coin laundries are common in Tokyo and many hotels have laundry rooms. One quick wash saves several kilos of luggage for a family.
How Packfast Can Help You Fine-Tune This List
This guide gives you a strong base for a Tokyo cherry blossom season packing list. But every family is different:
- Maybe you’re staying 10 days with a toddler and a baby.
- Maybe you only have carry‑ons.
- Maybe your kids are doing theme parks + city sightseeing + a day trip.
You can plug your dates, “Tokyo,” trip length, kids’ ages, and planned activities into Packfast, and it will generate a weather‑aware, age‑specific checklist for each family member. It automatically checks the forecast, suggests quantities, and helps you trim duplicates so you don’t take three hoodies per child “just in case.”
FAQ: Packing for a Family Trip to Tokyo in April
1. Do we need heavy coats for Tokyo in April?
No. A light to medium jacket plus a sweater is usually enough. It’s rarely winter‑cold, but mornings/evenings can feel chilly, especially if it’s windy or rainy.
2. Is April rainy enough to need full rain gear for kids?
You don’t usually need full rain suits. A packable rain jacket or compact umbrella plus quick-dry sneakers is plenty for most families. If your toddlers love puddles, consider cheap rain pants or buy rain gear locally.
3. Can we do laundry easily in Tokyo with kids?
Yes. Many business hotels and apartment hotels have coin laundry, and standalone laundromats are common. Plan one laundry night instead of bringing an outfit for every single day.
4. What should kids wear to temples and shrines?
Normal, modest clothing is fine:
- Covered shoulders
- Longer shorts/skirts or pants
- Comfortable shoes (you may be walking up stairs or on gravel)
Avoid loud, offensive prints; otherwise casual is totally OK.
5. Is it cold during cherry blossom viewing (hanami)?
It can be. Sitting under trees, often near water, can feel cooler than the forecast—especially in late afternoon and evening. Bring:
- A light jacket
- Scarf for adults
- A small blanket or picnic mat for the ground
Tokyo in April with Kids Checklist (At a Glance)
Clothing – Adults
- 4–5 T‑shirts (mix of long/short sleeve)
- 2–3 light sweaters/cardigans
- 1 lightweight jacket (windbreaker/trench/packable puffer)
- 3–4 pants/jeans/chinos
- 1–2 leggings/joggers
- 1 casual dress or nicer outfit (optional)
- 7–8 underwear
- 5–7 socks
- 1 light scarf
- Sleepwear
Clothing – Kids (School-Age)
- 5–6 T‑shirts (at least 3 long-sleeve)
- 2 light sweaters/hoodies
- 1 light jacket
- 3–4 pants/jeans/leggings
- 1–2 joggers/sweatpants
- 7–8 underwear
- 5–7 socks
- 1 hat/cap
- 1 nicer outfit (optional)
- Sleepwear
Clothing – Baby/Toddler (Optional)
- 6–8 tops/onesies
- 4–6 pants/leggings
- 2–3 sweaters/hoodies
- 1 light jacket with hood
- 1 warmer layer (fleece/cardigan)
- 2 pajamas/sleepsuits
- Extra socks
- Seasonal hat
- Lightweight blanket/muslin
Shoes
- Adult walking sneakers
- Adult slip‑on shoes/sandals (optional)
- Kids’ sturdy sneakers
- Kids’ slip‑ons (optional)
Outerwear & Rain
- Packable rain jacket or compact umbrella (per adult)
- Shared family umbrella (optional)
- Light fleece (optional if you run cold)
Toiletries
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste
- Hairbrush/comb & hair ties
- Travel shampoo/conditioner/body wash (if needed)
- Deodorant
- Basic skincare/makeup
- Razor
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
Health
- Regular medications (adults + kids)
- Pain/fever relief (adult + child versions)
- Bandages/plasters
- Allergy meds/hay fever relief (optional)
- Saline spray (optional)
Baby/Toddler Care
- Diapers (first couple of days)
- Wipes
- Travel changing mat
- Bibs
- Zip‑top bags for soiled items
- Sippy cup/water bottle
- Favorite snacks
- Small toy/comfort item
Documents & Money
- Passports
- Visas/entry docs (if required)
- Travel insurance details
- Debit/credit cards
- Yen cash
- Transit cards or app setup
- Hotel and ticket confirmations
Tech & Connectivity
- Phones + chargers
- Universal travel adapter
- Power strip (optional)
- Power bank
- Headphones (including kids’)
- Tablet/e‑reader
- Camera + charger (optional)
Day-to-Day Out & About
- Lightweight family daypack
- Reusable water bottles
- Snacks for kids
- Compact picnic mat or blanket
- Collapsible shopping bag
- Sunglasses
- Small laundry kit (detergent, a few pegs)
- Packing cubes (for suitcase organization)
Tokyo in April is one of the easiest times to visit Japan as a family—comfortable weather, beautiful parks, and long days outside. With a smart, lean packing list you’ll spend more time enjoying cherry blossoms and less time wrestling overstuffed suitcases.
If you’d like to turn this guide into a tailored, per‑person list, you can feed your exact dates, kids’ ages, and planned activities into Packfast and get a custom, weather‑aware checklist for each traveler in seconds.