What to Wear in Japan? Here's What to Pack for Every Season! | LIVE JAPAN travel guide (2024)

FAQs

What Americans should wear in Japan? ›

In the spring and fall, lightweight layers like a sweater or cardigan over a long-sleeved shirt will keep you warm during the cooler days and evenings. In the winter, a coat or insulated jacket is a must, while a light raincoat or umbrella is always a good idea, as Japan is known for its sudden rain showers.

Trousers are fine, jeans are fine, skirts are fine. Many Japanese young women are covered up A LOT on the top half but have very short shirts and that seems to be fine, for some reason. If you do this, just keep in mind that you will be bending down to take shoes on and off, more often than normal.

There's no definitive answer to this question since fashion trends vary greatly in Japan. However, leggings are generally considered to be acceptable attire in most social settings. So if you're planning on visiting Japan and want to pack light, feel free to bring along a pair or two of your favorite leggings!

The kimono is the traditional dress of Japan. It's got long sleeves and reaches from the shoulders all the way down to one's heels. Different types of kimono are worn depending on the occasion; kimonos for everyday wear are a lot simpler than those for formal occasions.

One of the first things you'll notice during your Japan travel trip is how incredibly welcoming Japanese are towards foreigners (thank you Japan!). They are well known for their politeness and deep rooted traditions, so they definitely don't expect travellers to know all the social faux pas right off the bat.

Men usually wear a shirt and casual blazer or a jacket, and trousers. Ties are not required. Choose subdued colours such as black, white, navy or beige, or if you wear patterns, make sure they are subtle, such as stripes or dots. Women usually wear a shirt and cardigan or jacket, knee-length skirt or trousers.

The Japanese like to separate what you do inside the four walls of a toilet to the rest of the outside world. That's why you'll be instructed to take off your shoes and wear slippers inside many, but not all, Japanese toilets (e.g., toilets inside ryokans, some restaurants, and all homes).

If you plan to go to Japan during this time, it is important to keep an eye on weather forecasts and always have an umbrella with you, just in case. Wearing short sleeves is fine during the day, but mornings and evenings tend to be much cooler, so bring a thin jacket.

Don't bring sweat pants or jump suits, unless you plan to only wear it in your hotel room. Japanese people only wear them to the gym and you'll be very underdressed.

Slipper etiquette

Slippers can generally be worn anywhere except when entering rooms with tatami floor. Remove your slippers before stepping onto tatami and place them neatly outside the tatami room. Furthermore, separate toilet slippers are often provided for use inside washrooms.

Is it OK to wear skinny jeans in Japan? ›

It's true, winter in Japan is dreamy. But it is often harsh and can be unforgiving, so it pays to be prepared. Bottoms. Versatile, warm and always on-trend, skinny jeans can do no wrong.

A common rule of thumb is if the place is culturally traditional, has tatami mats, or is someone's personal space like a residence, then you should take off your shoes. Otherwise, it is likely okay to leave them on.

Kimono were so accepted as the main form of fashion that the name, kimono, literally means “thing to wear.” With its elegance and versatility, it's no wonder the kimono has survived so long. Today, the kimono is still known as the national dress of Japan.

Many Japanese people take a bath more or less every day. In some parts of the world, people may refer to showering as “taking a bath,” but not in Japan. In Japan, simply showering does not count.

The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. Kimonos, which are generally made of silk, have large sleeves and reach from the shoulders all the way down to the heels. They are tied with a wide belt called an obi.

Unlike some Asian countries, relocating to Japan is not difficult as long as you are prepared. This means having all of the right documents together before you even board your flight to the island nation.

Your age, gender and country of origin don't matter, because if you are travelling in Japan, you have to respect the cultural aversion to PDA. Holding hands is okay. In smaller towns, you might get a dirty look if you're walking with an arm around your partner.

Actually, tattoos are fine in Japan. They're not illegal in any way. You may even see some people walking around with fashion tattoos, especially in Tokyo. Although some people in Japan have tattoos, they are usually hidden underneath clothing.

As for crop tops, you'll have to use your own judgment. Women are supposed to be conservative with cleavage in Japan, in that showing even a hint is often not regarded as appropriate. If you have a low-cut crop top or one that could reveal your bra from underneath, it's best to leave it at home.

Uwabaki (上履き) are a type of Japanese slippers worn indoors at home, school or certain companies and public buildings where street shoes are prohibited.

Do you need to wipe with Japanese toilet? ›

If you are using the bidet properly, and if your bidet is of high quality, you should not have to use toilet paper to wipe yourself clean. A high-quality bidet will clean your backside more thoroughly than any amount of wiping. However, you may want to use a small amount of toilet paper to dry yourself.

People in Japan hold cleanliness in high regard, taking great care in keeping an immaculate home. This means that their home should not be soiled by the dirt on your shoes. So it is customary to take off your shoes and usually wear the provided slippers.

Wear slip-on shoes

While flip flops are a big no-no for most occasions (save for a trip to the beach or a midnight run to the conbini), comfy ballet flats, loafers, boat shoes, or even a nice pair of slip-on sneakers are practical options. You might also notice that open-toed shoes and sandals are uncommon.

Crossing your feet in some cultures is considered very rude. In Japan you are expected to sit erect with both feet on the floor and never cross your ankle over your knee. In Singapore, as in many Asia cultures, the foot is thought to be unclean and should not be used to point at someone.

If you're visiting Japan you can basically wear what you like but if you'd like to embrace and respect the culture as much as possible during your visit, it's important to take note of the areas you should be covering and the times where your clothes may be causing unnecessary offence.

Pant suits or skirt suits are acceptable, while skirts are recommended to be around knee length. Blouses should be pale colors as bright clothing pieces are not work appropriate in Japan.

In short: Yes. While red does have a deeper meaning in Japanese history and culture, there's actually no specific stigma around wearing the color in Japan; in fact, it is considered one of the luckiest and happiest colors you can wear and is popular in modern Japanese fashion.

At the end of the 2019 school year, it began allowing girls to wear pants. At the end of 2021, girls were given the option of wearing neckties, no longer limited to bow ties.

Eating while walking outside is frowned upon in Japan. In fact, eating almost anywhere other than a designated eating area is frowned upon. If you've ever taken a stroll outside in Japan, you'll probably notice that nobody is eating anything. It's also very rare for the Japanese to walk outside holding coffees.

Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.

Do you take your shoes off in restaurants in Japan? ›

In Japan, it is customary to take off one's shoes and put on slippers to wear inside a Japanese house, temple, restaurant, ryokan or school. There are two reasons for this. One is psychological: by following this ritual, you will leave the worries and stress of the outside world behind as you enter a quieter place.

Those with a body mass index of less than 18.5 percent are considered underweight by Japanese standards.

Japanese denim has a reputation among denim enthusiasts as being the best in the world, and for a good reason. While it doesn't have as long of a history as American jeans like the Levi's 501, Japanese selvedge denim is known for its premium construction and the skilled, artisanal craft required in the making process.

An obi (帯) is a belt of varying size and shape worn with both traditional Japanese clothing and uniforms for Japanese martial arts styles.

Japanese have developed the custom of eating meals sitting on tatami mats, not on chairs. They also roll out the futon on which they sleep on the tatami floor. Therefore, they take their shoes off when entering the house to avoid getting the floor dirty.

You will not need heavy boots if you are traveling to Japan in the summertime! Instead, pack light (but comfortable) sandals and sneakers. Even if you plan on hiking, you can likely do so in running shoes, which will keep you much cooler than thick, heavy hiking boots!

It's customary in many cultures to take your shoes off before entering a home. While this tradition may have started to help prevent visitors from tracking mud or dirt onto floors and rugs, there's also plenty of scientific research to support the practice in order to keep invisible germs away, too.

Bijin (美人) is a Japanese term which literally means "a beautiful person" and is synonymous with bijo (美女, "beautiful woman").

Otokonoko (男の娘, "male daughter" or "male girl", also pronounced as otoko no musume) is a Japanese term for men who have a culturally feminine gender expression. This includes amongst others males with feminine appearances, or those cross-dressing.

Most people in Japan think of the bathtub as washing away not only their sweat and dirt from the day but their fatigue, too. so it is typically custom to take baths every night.

Do Japanese bathe in morning or evening? ›

Most people in Japan tend to bathe at night. A morning bath is a rare thing and is usually done when vacationing at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) or an onsen hot springs resort.

It is common for people to sit down while showering before entering the public bath or hot spring, so the chairs are free to use. The most important part here is an obvious one: keeping everything clean and tidy.

Casual clothing is common in Japan outside of Tokyo's business district. Shorts, jeans, and camisoles are perfectly fine to wear as long as you don't plan on attending religious sites.

There's no definitive answer to this question since fashion trends vary greatly in Japan. However, leggings are generally considered to be acceptable attire in most social settings. So if you're planning on visiting Japan and want to pack light, feel free to bring along a pair or two of your favorite leggings!

While Japan is a relatively conservative society, wearing ripped jeans is generally acceptable, especially in casual settings like on weekends or in urban areas.

Don't bring sweat pants or jump suits, unless you plan to only wear it in your hotel room. Japanese people only wear them to the gym and you'll be very underdressed.

The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. Kimonos, which are generally made of silk, have large sleeves and reach from the shoulders all the way down to the heels. They are tied with a wide belt called an obi.

We recommend you wear shirt sleeves, skirts, shorts and dresses. There are many fireworks events in Tokyo at this time of the year, so you will often see people wearing the Japanese casual kimono known as yukata. If you have the chance, you should give it a try!

There isn't a strict dress code for visiting shrines and temples in Japan, but 'smart casual' is best.

Ear piercings are against Japanese school dress code, along with any other forms of jewelry and even painted nails. In fact, piercings of any kind are very uncommon in Japan, even for older people. Usually the people who get ear piercings in Japan are rule-breakers, or people who are trying to look tough.

What is the best month to go to Japan? ›

The best time to visit Japan is between March and May and between September and November as it's both warm and dry between these periods. However, the joys of springtime and the iconic blooming of the cherry blossoms in Japan are no secret, which means you'll be sharing the space with plenty of other travellers.

Rules are very important in Japan, and as there is a no tattoo rule in nearly all pools, onsens and gyms, a foreigner walking up to the desk with tattoos showing is bound to cause concern. Just cover up and keep those tattoos covered and that is acceptable. If you can't cover up, don't go to those environments.