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It will come as zero shock to hear that Marie Kondo, who revolutionized the province of junk drawers and overstuffed closets over a decade ago with her widely popular KonMari method for tidying up, is a careful packer. “First, I check my travel schedule and make a list of what I’ll need,” says Kondo, who in addition to her tidying empire is the mother of three children. “I prepare items by category such as outfits, underwear, sleepwear, cosmetics, and supplements, and pack them separately into packing cubes for each category.”
Kondo is getting out her suitcase now in anticipation of her eighth book, Letter from Japan, in which she explores the Japanese cultural traditions, like tea ceremonies and bathing in hot springs, that she feels have guided her own approach to tidying (and life). Ahead, she discusses some of her favorite trips across Japan, shares the cosmetics she stashes in her carry-on, and advises what snacks to bring along to keep young ones from getting hangry.
What’s in her carry-on bag:
In addition to essentials like my phone and wallet, I carry a book, a small notebook and pen, a little balm or nail oil to prevent dryness of my hands, nails, or lips, a handkerchief, and honey throat lozenges. I also sometimes bring a shawl or leg warmers to keep warm.
The best vacation she’s ever taken:
One of my most memorable trips was with my husband to Yakushima, an island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, before our children were born. Yakushima is often called a “spiritual island” in Japan, a place where you can truly feel the power and mystery of nature just by being there. What moved me the most was the trail to see the Yakusugi, a giant cedar tree that is over a thousand years old. The 10-hour round-trip hike was certainly challenging, but I enjoyed the journey itself, and when we finally reached the Yakusugi, I was deeply moved. I felt a sense of sacredness and natural wonder I had never experienced before. It was an incredibly special holiday for us.
Her advice for traveling with children:
I try to plan trips where the children can have fun while the parents can also feel relaxed. For that, the key is not to overdo it. I make sure to allow plenty of time so there’s no need to rush. I also carry small, healthy snacks like dried fruit or rice crackers for when the kids get hungry. Before traveling, we learn a bit about the destination in advance to spark their interest. Sometimes we watch anime, read manga, or picture books that feature the place together, which makes the trip even more enjoyable.
A city she could travel to a million times and never tire of it:
I know this is a very typical answer, but I would have to say Kyoto. In terms of experiencing traditional Japanese scenery, Kyoto is the place that makes me think, “How wonderful,” no matter how many times I visit. There are so many shrines, far too many to ever see them all.
When it comes to shops, there are countless charming, independently run places rather than chains—small tea rooms, restaurants, and curated tableware shops that you could never get through in one trip.
Every time I go, I feel Kyoto’s unique stance as a city: It has such a wide range of both new and traditional, yet it never loses the essence of Japan’s classic landscape. Of course, there are areas that can get very crowded, but I try to visit on weekdays or during quieter seasons whenever possible.
The more underrated region of Japan that she advises tourists to consider:
The Kumano area, which stretches across Wakayama and Mie prefectures. The UNESCO World Heritage [-designated] Kumano Kodo is a spiritual pilgrimage route, and walking through its deep forests and stone paths is truly a journey of the heart. With few people around and surrounded by the sounds of nature, the time spent walking there offers a rare opportunity for detox in today’s busy world.
A place she’s experienced on past book tours that delighted her:
Every place I’ve visited so far has been wonderful, but I especially love London. The interior style I’ve always been drawn to is British antiques. I’ve loved their design and atmosphere since I was young, and I have many antique pieces in my own room. So just walking through streets where I can feel that aesthetic fills me with joy. I also really love the charm of English gardens—their elegance and the prettiness of the flowers.
The hotel amenity she cares deeply about:
I’m particular about whether or not a hotel has a bathtub. Of course, I understand that in some countries bathtubs are quite rare, but if I have the option, I always try to choose a hotel or a room with one. The reason is simply that I love taking baths. For me, soaking in hot water is an essential way to relax and unwind after a long day, so the comfort of the bathroom is very important.
In Japan, there are many ryokan and hotels that feature hot springs, where bathing itself can be the main purpose of the trip. Each place often puts great care into the view from the bath as well. Taking a bath while enjoying a beautiful view is truly the ultimate experience.
Where she’d like to go next:
I’d love to visit places in the United Kingdom outside of London. I’ve had many opportunities to go to London for work, but I’ve always been so busy that I haven’t had the chance to explore other cities. I’d be delighted if I could visit beautiful towns and cities like the Cotswolds someday.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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