What to Wear in Japan: Packing List + What NOT to Wear!

If you’re wondering what to wear in Japan, this is the guide you need! We’re going over what to wear in each season and how to create a perfect capsule wardrobe. We’re also divulging some items you should not wear in Japan.

Trying to decide what clothes to pack for your trip to Japan can be overwhelming. We’ve traveled to Japan several times so I get it.

You don’t want to overpack, but you want to be prepared for all occasions and weather you might encounter.

You want to be comfortable for long travel days, but you also want to look cute in photos.

And you don’t want to wear clothing that is considered inappropriate or attracts unwanted attention.

It’s a lot to think about!

But don’t worry, if you’re wondering what to wear in Japan, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’re breaking it down by season, since the weather and temperatures vary quite a bit throughout the year. 

And perhaps even more importantly, we’re sharing what not to wear in Japan, because there are some cultural taboos that you’ll definitely want to be aware of as you’re packing.

For more details on what to pack for Japan, not only clothes, check out our entire Japan packing list, which is filled with all the essentials you’ll need when traveling there.

What to Wear in Japan Guide

• What to wear in Japan
• Seasonal packing lists
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter
• What NOT to wear in Japan

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What to wear in Japan

In this section, we’re going to discuss specific items that will work well in Japan in most seasons.

But before we dive into the pieces you’ll want to pack, let’s first go over some guidelines to think about as you choose each item of clothing.

Top 4 rules for what to wear in Japan

This is what I’d consider the top guidelines when it comes to thinking about what to wear in Japan:

1. Think of your clothing as a capsule wardrobe. Pack items that work well with each other so you can create multiple outfits from fewer individual pieces. You want to be prepared with layers, but you don’t want to overpack. Trust me.
2. Avoid revealing clothing. Low necklines and tight clothes can be considered inappropriate in Japan. This is especially true when visiting shrines and temples. Jump down to see what not to wear in Japan.
3. Strike a balance between comfort and class. Japanese people tend to look put together when they go out in public. You’ll want to be comfortable in whatever you’re wearing because you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. But you also want to look nice. Not like you just rolled out of bed and grabbed your coziest sweats.
4. Pack only enough clothes for 2 weeks. Even if your trip is longer, aim to only pack 2 weeks worth of clothes and plan to do laundry while you’re on your trip. More than 2 weeks worth of clothes will be too much.

Now that you have those “rules” in mind, let’s dive into specific items:

Women’s shirts 

You’ll want to pack a variety of types of shirts for your time in Japan – both casual and dressier, and short sleeve as well as long sleeves.

In general, you’ll want to choose shirts that don’t have a revealing neckline. You also won’t want to show your stomach. So unless you’re pairing it with a high-waisted skirt or pants, leave your crop tops at home.

Short sleeve shirts

• Any short sleeve shirt you’re comfortable in works great. Choose a variety of “nicer” ones and more casual ones.
• This t-shirt bodysuit is loose-fitting and will stay tucked in, even when you bend over to remove your shoes.
• This button up shirt can be dressed up or down.

Long sleeve shirts

• I paired this black and white striped shirt with both pants and a skirt to create different looks.
• This long sleeve shirt is one of my favorites and goes with everything.
• I love the look of this mock turtleneck shirt.

Men’s shirts 

Choose moisture-wicking fabrics in the summertime and shirts that can be dressed up or down. Button up shirts are a good way to layer and add warmth.

Short sleeve shirts

Any short sleeve shirt you’re comfortable in works great. Choose a variety of “nicer” ones and more casual ones.

• This men’s performance t-shirt will wick away moisture, but doesn’t look like athletic wear.
• This men’s long sleeve is super comfy and looks nice too.

Long sleeve shirts

• Ben loves this shirt because it can transform from athletic activities to a day out exploring.

Button up shirts

• Perfect mens’ short sleeve button up that’s both comfortable and looks really nice
• Men’s long sleeve button up that can be casual or dressed up

Women’s pants

When it comes to pants, opt for comfort and try to stay away from anything that is too tight-fitting. 

Japanese women often wear loose trouser-style pants. Choose breathable fabrics, like linen or cotton in the summer, and thicker styles in the colder months.

My pants recommendations: 

• I brought this pair of cargo joggers to Japan and liked that they were super comfortable but didn’t look too casual. (pictured above)
• These cute trouser style pants are very similar to what you’ll see in Japan.
• This is a really cute pair of wide leg pants.
• If you love jeans, bring a pair! Choose a wide or straight leg style as opposed to skinny jeans. More on jeans in Japan below…

What about wearing jeans in Japan? 

Many forums online claim that Japanese people don’t wear jeans. While I’d say they aren’t as common as in North America, we saw many local people wearing jeans.

I will mention that we felt like we saw more jeans on our most recent trip than we had on previous trips, so perhaps they are gaining popularity.

I personally would recommend packing a pair of jeans if that’s what you’re comfortable in. However, it is a good idea to bring other pants options too.

Can I wear leggings in Japan?

This is a personal decision, but leggings are not commonly worn as pants in Japan (unlike in many Western countries).

Leggings are considered to be revealing (since they are tight), so they may attract some unwanted attention.

Unless you are wearing a very loose fitting shirt that covers your backside, I’d recommend against wearing leggings (even though I practically live in them at home).

Men’s pants

Similar to what we recommended in the women’s section, choose pants that are comfortable for you. I think wearing jeans is fine, but I’d also recommend bringing other options too.

Ben is obsessed with these pants that are super comfy (and good for hiking) but also look really nice and can be dressed up.

He brought 3 pairs of these on our last trip to Japan and they were the only pants he wore! 

Long, flowy skirts

Skirts are very popular amongst Japanese women, and I love that this can be a staple item during just about any season. 

They can be dressed up or down, and you can style one skirt in many ways, making it a perfect piece for a capsule wardrobe.

While short skirts aren’t necessarily uncommon (especially in Tokyo), I would lean toward long, flowy (not tight) skirts as they will be more comfortable on long walking days and when you’re sitting down in public transport.

Additionally, you’ll be bending over often to take on and off your shoes, so a short skirt isn’t ideal (in my opinion).

My skirt recommendations

• I wore this skirt in Japan and loved the mid-calf length. (pictured above)
• I packed this maxi skirt and liked pairing it with a long sleeve shirt for cooler days.
• I own this skirt and think it would be perfect for spring or summer in Japan.
• I wore this mid-length corduroy skirt along with fleece-lined leggings when I was in Japan during the fall.
• This satin skirt almost looks as if it was inspired by a kimono, and could be really pretty in pictures (as long as you don’t mind a high slit).

What about shorter skirts?

Short skirts are totally acceptable in Japan (a lot of younger women wear them).

Personally, I think longer skirts or ones that hit around knee-length are more comfortable when you’ll be traveling and walking a lot. (Not to mention bending over to take your shoes on and off!)

Pairing them with tights gives you a little more coverage, and fleece-lined tights keep you cozy even in the wintertime.

Tips for wearing skirts in Japan

1. I highly recommend wearing a pair of bike shorts underneath your skirt. It will be more comfortable when you’re sitting down on public transportation. Plus, this will prevent chafing, which would be pretty uncomfortable on a long day of walking. These are my all-time (cheap!) favorite bike shorts.
2. Tights can also be really nice to wear underneath skirts for more coverage or warmth. If you will be traveling during a cooler time of the year, I highly recommend a pair of fleece-lined tights, like these. They will keep you so warm! You’ll feel like you’re wearing sweatpants, but you’ll look much more put together.

Casual dress

I personally prefer the idea of bringing a few different skirts so I can style them more ways, making several different outfits. 

But if dresses are more your style, opt for one that hits around or below your knees, is flowy instead of tight, and covers your shoulders and neckline.

My dress recommendation:

• This button-up dress is so cute and checks all the boxes. 

Insider tip: Just like with skirts, I’d highly recommend wearing biker shorts underneath dresses too.

Sweater

Unless you’re traveling during the summer months, bringing a sweater is a good idea as you’ll want a warm layer to throw on.

Women’s sweaters

• This classic sweater could be worn with jeans or thrown on with a skirt. 
• I love the look of this sweater because it is neutral but also has a fun design.
• This striped half-zip sweater is cozy and cute and this one is similar but is a solid color so it could go with many outfits.

Men’s sweaters

• This is Ben’s favorite lightweight quarter-zip lightweight shirt. (pictured above)
• Warm and cozy half button sweater
• This half-zip sweater is made with merino wool and looks really sleek

Jackets

If you are traveling to Japan during any season other than summer, I recommend having a couple of different jacket options for various occasions and purposes. 

a) Fashionable jacket

You may want something light and fashionable, like a leather jacket or a bomber that can be worn to dinner or when it’s not too cold. 

Women:

• I packed this leather jacket for Japan and love how versatile it is. (pictured above)
• This satin bomber jacket is super cute and would fit right in in Japan!

Men:

• Ben bought this suede bomber jacket before our most recent trip to Japan, and he is obsessed with it. (Such high quality!)

b) Trench coat / Raincoat

Trench coats are very common in Japan, so this could be another one to add to the mix, or a waterproof jacket if you’ll be traveling during monsoon season.

Trench-style coats:

• This waterproof trench coat looks sleek and will keep you dry
• Cute waterproof trench coat in a couple of colors

Rain jackets:

• This water-resistant raincoat stuffs up super small making it a great travel option

c) Puffy jacket

During winter, fall, and early spring, you’ll also want a puffer jacket because it’ll keep you warm and they pack down really well. 

Womens: 

• Classic puffer jacket 
• Longer down puffer

Men’s:

• Classic puffer jacket 

Comfortable shoes

In Japan, footwear is a big deal. Sneakers are a big trend – even the “grandpa style” ones.

I’d highly recommend only packing shoes that are comfortable as you’ll be walking a lot.

You will be taking your shoes on and off multiple times per day. And if they are ones that need to be tied or buckled, you are going to get annoyed. Trust me.

Before our most recent trip to Japan, we both splurged on Kizik shoes. (This isn’t sponsored and we paid for them with our own money, FYI.)

They aren’t exactly cheap but oh my goodness, they were game changers: 

• They’re super comfortable: We walked more than 20,000 steps several days on our trip, and these shoes were great!
• We could literally just slip them on and off in an instant. This was the biggest selling point for me.
• They look nice: Japanese people tend to look very “put together” (including their footwear). I loved that these shoes actually look nice and are functional. 

Ben was the most skeptical because he’s a frugal man at heart, but on the second day of our trip (after the 27th time taking them on and off), he leaned over to me and said, 

“Okay, I’m glad you convinced me to get these shoes.”

I didn’t even rub in the fact that I WAS RIGHT because I was just happy that I didn’t have to wait for him to lace up his shoes for the next 3 weeks of our trip!

Women’s shoes

• Here is the pair I have: I love that I could wear it with pants and skirts – it really goes with everything! 

Men’s shoes

• This is the pair Ben has: It is sneaker-level comfort but has an elevated look. 
• I also love this pair of men’s shoes that looks a little “dressier”.

Socks

Since you’ll be taking your shoes on and off often, you want to be sure that you’re not showing off some old, smelly, holey socks.

Sock up on some new ones before your trip. 

• Winter socks: opt for merino wool for warmth (men’s merino socks and women’s merino socks)
• Summer socks: carry ankle socks with you even if you’re wearing sandals so you can put them on when entering temples or hotels

Crossbody bag

You will definitely want to pack a bag that you can wear when you’re out and about during the day. 

It should be large enough to fit your essentials but small enough that it doesn’t get too heavy or get in the way when you’re in crowded areas.

My bag recommendations:

• Sleek leather sling bag
• If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, I highly recommend this diaper bag fanny pack instead of carrying your whole diaper bag
• Affordable crossbody bag
• Small black belt bag

Cozy clothes for lounging

While I’d avoid wearing loungewear in public, you’ll definitely want to pack something cozy for hanging out in your hotel room.

Many hotels will provide yukatas, which are a cotton version of a kimono, for wearing around the property. But we prefer having comfy clothes to wear underneath. 

A soft t-shirt is perfectly paired with a pair of joggers. I personally also like to pack a pair of shorts for sleeping in.

Men’s joggers

• Ben has these joggers and is obsessed!

Women’s joggers

• These are my absolute favorite joggers – I wear them almost daily.
• These are my second favorite joggers!

Yukata

At almost all hotels in Japan, you’ll be provided a yukata, or cotton kimono, that can be worn for lounging in your room (kind of like a robe), and even to dinner in nicer ryokans.

Be sure to try wearing them, as it is an experience you can only have in Japan!

Good to know: If you are traveling during fall or winter, you may also be provided with a haori, or jacket to go over the yukata.

Dressing for the seasons in Japan

Japan has distinctly different weather during each season, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve packed accordingly. 

The lists below are what we personally recommend packing for each season. 

• Spring
• Summer
• Fall 
• Winter

Packing Tip: If you are traveling toward the end of a season, be sure to look at what we’d recommend for the following season and adjust your packing accordingly. For example, if you’re traveling toward the end of spring, you may want to be prepared for the heat and humidity of summer and pack some summer essentials as well.

What to wear in Japan in the spring

With comfortable temperatures but decent chances of rain, you’ll want to pack layers and think about waterproof footwear.

Here’s more information on the weather in Japan during the spring.

Shoes

• Opt for at least one pair of shoes that handles water well

What to wear in Japan in the summer

With extremely hot temperatures and high humidity, you’ll want to focus on lightweight and breathable fabrics.

Here’s more information on the weather in Japan during the summer.

Shoes

• Walking shoes
• Comfortable walking sandals
• Ankle socks to carry with you when wearing sandals (when entering a place where you have to remove shoes)

What to wear in Japan in the fall

Temperatures are usually very comfortable (hotter at the beginning of the season and cooler toward the end). Pack layers and be prepared for chilly temps if you’re traveling in the mountains.

Here’s more information on the weather in Japan during autumn.

Shoes & accessories

• Walking shoes
• Ankle boots
• Wool socks
• Beanie 
• Gloves

What to wear in Japan in the winter

Pack lots of layers and warm accessories, like a hat and gloves.

Winter in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka tends to be quite mild, whereas you’ll need much warmer layers if you’ll be traveling in the mountainous regions of Japan.

Here’s more information on the weather in Japan during the winter.

Shoes

• Walking shoes
• Ankle boots
• Wool socks
• Beanie 
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Wool thermals (optional, depending on your itinerary)
• Snow pants (if you plan to ski)

What NOT to wear in Japan

There’s a lot of talk on forums and Facebook groups about how to dress in Japan so you blend in: 

What should you wear? 

What should you not wear?

Unless you’re of Japanese descent, you’ll likely stand out as a foreigner, or gaijin. So the way you dress isn’t necessarily going to make you look like a local.

However, putting some thought into the clothes you pack can make you stand out less and attract less unwanted attention.

Revealing clothing

I’m all for dressing in a way that makes you feel comfortable. However, I’d personally recommend avoiding low cut tops and tight clothing because it will attract unwanted attention. 

Leggings

This is a tough one for me because I live in leggings. However, in Japan, women don’t usually wear leggings as pants.

They are considered pretty revealing because of how tight they are. Unless you plan to wear them underneath a long tunic (that covers your bum!) I personally would opt for other types of pants while in Japan.

Shoes that aren’t comfortable for walking

I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but you’ll be walking a ton. Put extra thought into the shoes you pack and only bring ones you’ll feel comfortable walking in all day long!

In Tokyo, you’ll notice people wearing (shorter) heels or platform shoes.

However, when it comes to traveling (and not overpacking), I’d personally avoid these bulky shoes because you won’t be able to wear them for long distances.

Socks with holes in them

While in Japan, you’ll be taking your shoes on and off frequently and people will be seeing your socks. Make sure the ones you pack are in good condition and don’t have holes in them.

On this note, you generally won’t want to be barefoot. So if you will be traveling in the summertime, be sure to carry a pair of ankle socks with you for times when you need to remove your sandals.

Swimsuit

When soaking in onsen in Japan, it is generally considered unsanitary to wear a bathing suit, so you must soak naked.

I have seen some undeveloped onsen (like a hot spring) in which bathing suits are allowed, but these are very few and far between.

If you’re staying at a hotel with an actual pool, this is different, but you won’t need a bathing suit for most trips to Japan.

Perfume

It isn’t common for Japanese people to wear fragrances. I’d recommend not wearing perfume or cologne when you know you’ll be in crowded places, like the subway in Tokyo. 

It’s also frowned upon to wear fragrance when you’re dining because it can interfere with your eating experience (as well as those around you). This is especially important in sushi restaurants and higher-end dining in Japan. 

What do locals wear in Japan?

If you want to dress somewhat similar to how Japanese people dress, here are some things to think about when packing your clothes:

• In general, Japanese people don’t often wear athletic clothing outside of hiking. 
• It is said that in Japan, jeans aren’t as common as in Western countries. That said, we noticed more Japanese people wearing (nice) jeans on our most recent trip than in the past. 
• Japanese women don’t often wear leggings unless it’s under a long tunic, as they can be considered revealing.
• Tank tops (especially those with spaghetti straps) aren’t very common among Japanese people. I’ve personally worn tank tops in the humid summer heat, but chose ones with thick straps and a higher neckline.
• There’s not exactly a dress code, but choose more conservative outfits when you will be visiting shrines and temples to show respect.
• Japanese people tend to wear looser clothing instead of tight-fitting silhouettes.
• Japanese women don’t wear revealing shirts (aka exposed midriffs and cleavage); though shorter shorts and skirts aren’t uncommon for younger Japanese women.
• We noticed that for the most part, Japanese people tend to stick to darker colors and neutrals for much of the year. There are certainly areas where loud, bright, quirky fashion prevails (like Harajuku). But overall, the theme seems to be simple and timeless. The most color we noticed was in the summertime.
• I’ve heard that pregnant women in Japan don’t typically wear tight maternity clothing, and instead opt for larger shirts.

At the end of the day, don’t let this stress you out too much. You should dress in the way that you feel most comfortable (while being respectful of the local culture). 

Our personal experience: I have worn jeans in Japan. I have also worn tank tops (during the heat of summer it was too hot not to!). As long as you’re not wearing things that are too revealing, you shouldn’t have too much unwanted attention.

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Are you planning a trip to Japan?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below!

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• Best Japan Travel Apps
• Helpful Japanese Words & Phrases to Know for Traveling in Japan 

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Japan Packing List

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