Clearing off the dining room table today in anticipation of holiday meals, and came across my packing list for Japan.

So without further ado or procrastination, thought I would write up my travel capsule from my 'recent' trip to Japan.

Here's what I packed for 10 sleeps, 11 days in Japan, plus 2 travel days (it is a 13 hour direct flight!) Everything went into a carry on bag.

Leather Jacket, waterproof coat with hood,

5 sweaters, 1 shirt, 1 vest,

3 pairs pants: BF jeans, slouchy trousers, patterned jeans (more like straights on me)

3 bras, bathing suit, googles cap ( I am the merwoman afterall), 7 pairs undies, 5 pairs of socks, 3 camis 1 pr pjs (t shirt and cotton pants)

2 scarves, 2 pairs well broken in oxfords (grey and cognac), 4 belts

Miscellaneous: camera, cell, mobile wifi device (rented in Japan, a MUST) chargers, ereader (not used), mini umbrella, knit gloves, earplugs, small compass (invaluable)

I used a washing machine/dryer and threw in small load of socks and underwear. I bought socks (cheaper than washing, and great quality during the trip) as well as some fantastic undergarments from Uniq-lo.

I made up my travel capsule in the summer. I reviewed the historical weather patterns and followed it throughout the fall - also had the opportunity to test drive my wardrobe choices to ensure they would work. Layers were key. For the coldest days ( about 10-12 Celsius) in Kyoto, I layered both jackets on top of sweater/pants and was comfortably warm without being too bulky. It did cause some raised eyebrows in the change rooms, but the Japanese are far too polite to make you feel awkward.

I did feel underdressed compared to the beautifully dressed women I would see around me - but hey, I was a tourist, spending a good 7-10 hours walking around. Form/style must take a back seat to function.

Pics 1-8 - 'planned capsule' - created in July. Mixing/matching was key. Small grey clutch did not make the cut - pretty bag, but too small to be functional.

Pics 9, 10 - small nylon handbag that I did take and travel bag. Filled to the brim with Christmas prezzies for DS. Filled to the brim on the return trip with prezzies for family.

Pics 11-13 - what I wore for the plane - very comfortable!

Pic 24 and a few others...blue sweater I bought for myself.

Pic 32 - DS and I having a moment in Kamakura

Thanks for looking, and giving me the chance to re-live my Japan trip!