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.
