Travelling to Japan – Outfit Ideas

Are you heading to Japan this time of the year for a short (or slightly long) vacation? It’s spring there and while many websites say the weather forecast varies from 10 to 21 degree Celsius, it will get a bit chilly during night time. What we recommend are layers, layers, layers! Unless you’re going to hiking, an overcoat isn’t something you’re going to need. Check out our outfit ideas and some examples on what to bring to your trip to Japan.

Start with the essentials – jeans, short sleeved tops, a lightweight jacket or cardigan. You could also bring a cap, a nice hat, beanie and scarf. Also, one time in Japan, it happened to snow. So you might want to bring some mittens just in case and a pair of socks.

Japanese are conservative people but young ones are daring. Don’t be shocked to see some crazy outfits in Tokyo.

Comfortable shoes are important because you’re going to be out and about all day, sight-seeing, visiting religious places and traditional restaurants. For summer, bring a pair of sandals (not flip-flops) and a pair of closed shoes and for spring, a pair of boots and a pair of closed toe shoe is okay.

Jeans are not really popular to people on Japanese people beyond their twenties so if you’re a jean lover, opt for dark jeans like a black pair instead of blue denim. You’d want to fit in.

Remember, holes in socks are not acceptable. It’s only because you will be spending most of the time without shoes on when you visit temples, traditional restaurants and shrines.

If you’re going to wear warmers, get something from Giordano, Mark and Spencer and Uniqlo. They have heattech warmers that could actually help when it gets a little chilly.

Japanese women favor high heels but you don’t need that at all, except maybe when you’re going out for the evening rather than a day of sightseeing.

If you’re not comfortable with dresses and skirts, you’re not going to need them.

If you’re going to Japan because of business or something formal, then wear conservative trousers or a nice dress and a blazer, even a knee-length skirt suit. Avoid an all-black outfit if possible because it’s somehow associated with funerals and never wear anything too revealing, as well as sleeveless blouses.

When it’s summer in Japan, the weather could get really hot and humid so wear lightweight and natural fabrics, wear sunscreen and a sun hat or even and an umbrella. Don’t forget to rehydrate because it’s what you’re totally going to need when you go sightseeing.