If there’s one thing I’ve mastered after all my recent travels, it’s the art of the whirlwind trip. Case in point? My first-ever (and way-too-short) 24 hours in Tokyo—a city that somehow managed to steal my heart in less time than it takes to recover from jet lag.

Between the neon-lit streets, the unreal food, and the kindest locals (who patiently endured my terrible attempts at Japanese), I’m already plotting my return. But here’s the real victory: I did it all with just a carry-on. (And yes, that included outfit changes.)

If you’ve ever wondered how to pack for a single day in a city that deserves a month, here’s your game plan.

The Mindset: Pack Like You’re Coming Back Tomorrow

Tokyo is a sensory playground, which means you’ll want to spend your time exploring—not lugging a suitcase up subway stairs. My golden rules:
✔ Wear your bulkiest items on the plane (goodbye, jacket taking up half my bag).
✔ Stick to a color scheme (everything should mix and match).
✔ Assume you’ll buy something (leave room for souvenirs).

What Actually Made the Cut

The Outfits

1. Travel Uniform

• Oversized blazer (doubles as a blanket on the flight)
• Stretchy black bodysuit
• High-waisted jeans
• Slip-on sneakers (for sprinting through Narita Airport)

1. Dinner Ensemble

• Silk slip dress (wrinkle-proof and tiny when rolled)
• Block-heel ankle boots (walkable but chic)
• Statement earrings (because even a 24-hour trip deserves glam)

The Extras

• Mini crossbody bag (for hands-free exploring)
• Portable charger (Google Maps drains batteries fast)
• Japancakes sheet masks (hydration boost mid-flight)
• Disposable camera (because Tokyo at night is next-level)

The Reality Check

Did I need three lipsticks? No.
Did I wear them all anyway? Obviously.

But the real test came when I:
✔ Navigated the world’s most efficient subway system (without tripping over a roller bag).
✔ Spontaneously bought a vintage kimono (bless that extra tote I packed).
✔ Changed in a Starbucks bathroom before dinner (multitasking at its finest).

Tokyo in a Day: The Highlights Reel

Morning:

• Tsukiji Outer Market (ate sushi at 7 AM like it was normal)
• Senso-ji Temple (incense clouds + fortune slips)

Afternoon:

• Shibuya Crossing (people-watching olympics)
• Omotesando coffee crawl (matcha lattes > sleep)

Night:

• Golden Gai izakaya hopping (tiny bars, big personality)
• Last-minute karaoke (because when in Tokyo…)

The Takeaway

Packing light forces you to focus on experiences over stuff—and in a city like Tokyo, that’s exactly how it should be. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here trying to convince my calendar that a 48-hour layover is totally reasonable next time…

Your Turn!

What’s your record for shortest international trip? And more importantly—what couldn’t you leave behind? (For me: dry shampoo. Always.)

(P.S. Shop my Tokyo carry-on essentials [here]—that blazer is still my ride-or-die.) ✈️