Spring is the most popular time to visit Japan as it is cherry blossom season and runs between March to May, with temperatures from 13 – 18 degrees.
When visiting Japan, taking into consideration the vast amount of walking and the weather isn’t the only thing you should do. There is also always a high chance of rain, so it isn’t unusual to take a raincoat or umbrella everywhere you go.
The Japanese dress modestly, and while there are limited restrictions on dress code in Japan, I’d always recommend following basic modesty guidelines when visiting a new country with a different culture to your own. Finally, on a side note of clothes shopping in Japan.
There are some incredible Japanese clothing brands and clothing items you may choose to buy during your trip to Japan either to wear during your visit or when back home.
However, the Japanese are a completely different size and shape to the US and Europe, and the clothing lines reflect this running significantly on the smaller size. So, be sure to try on everything before purchasing to avoid disappointment.
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Tips For What To Wear In Japan In Spring
- Layer Up – don’t be afraid to wear layers as the weather conditions change dramatically
- Choose Comfort – If like us you plan to be out exploring all day comfort is key.
- Be Practical – I regretted taking some of the clothes I did, plan your outfits ahead and make sure everything fits together.
- Plan for all weather – The weather can change from city to city so be prepared for the different climates.
- Plan for an evening out – We didn’t spend much time in the nightlife but it is well worth a night out for karaoke and more.
T-shirts & Shirts & Blouses For Women
Spring in Japan can range significantly in temperature; therefore, adding layers to an outfit is a great way to ensure you’re always going to be as cool or warm as you like throughout the day.
We do this by wearing t-shirts, long-sleeved t-shirts or blouses with added jackets and coats – as discussed in more detail below.
T-shirts made from pure cotton are the best styles and thin materials such a georgette, chiffon and cotton voile. You may feel more comfortable with a cap sleeve, short sleeve or long sleeve.
Trousers & Jeans For Women
I don’t think trousers need to change all that much as you travel. The bulk of your layers are on the top half of the body.
Instead, I’d look at what you wear at home during similar temperatures and wear that. Jogging pants, jeans, chinos etc., are all fantastic options.
Buy Here: Women’s Nike Pro Leggings
Remember that Japan can experience sudden rain during the springtime. This could compromise your day if you wear jeans as they take so much longer to dry, etc.
Find what you are comfortable in first and then choose your trousers on that basis. Quick-drying fabrics are great if you plan to wash on the go.
Skirts & Dresses For Women
Women in Japan generally wear long length trousers and skirts in Japan. It is a choice of modesty over anything. They are also significantly more practical for the weather conditions.
I advise wearing skirts that are generally knee-length and longer. You can also add tights or leggings underneath as an added layer for the cooler days.
Buy Here: Roxy Women’s Dream Knit Dress
Buy Here: Women’s Loose Fit Jersey Jumpsuit
You can also team up a dress or skirt with a light knit jumper for the cooler days with a shirt underneath if you get warm.
Also, don’t be afraid to wear a jumpsuit as these are easy to wear and can look stylish or just simple. They also save you packing several different tops and bottoms in your suitcase.
Jacket & Coats For Women
I always choose to wear (or pack in our day bag) a rain-style jacket/coat, just as the weather can get a little rainy in Japan.
Temperatures in Japan during springtime are lower, and therefore at the very least, I’d recommend packing (or wearing) a jacket. We opt for jackets that can easily fit inside our day bag or are easy to carry around (just in case you get too warm).
Both men and women might find wearing something like a light jacket, hoodie or light knit sweater better for the climates. These are great layering options as you can wear a t-shirt in case you get warm.
Buy Here: Columbia Windbreaks Waterproof Jacket
Buy Here: Women’s Adidas Hoodie Jumper
While we didn’t experience much rain during our trip to Japan, we still took a raincoat and packed it into our bags most days. If you don’t want to bring a raincoat, consider an umbrella as an alternative (you will also see many women using umbrellas as shade on sunny days).
Footwear For Women
Trainers, pumps or walking shoes are great options for when you are doing plenty of walking. They give your feet the best support they need and comfort for long days.
We always wear trainers unless we’re doing a specific activity that requires a different type of shoe. Aim for a comfortable shoe that you’ve already worn-in (new shoes can cause blisters).
We also look for either a black or a white shoe as these colours can go with any outfit. As a result, you won’t need to bring a different pair of shoes for every outfit.
Buy Here: Converse Unisex Trainers
Buy Here: Salomon Women’s Walking Shoes
Buy Here: New Balance Women’s Trainers
Sandals are also a viable option, but I would wear sports sandals such as brands like Merrell and Birkenstocks.
These shoe brands are well known for making high-quality shoes with quality fabrics that provide your feet with support and breathability while also being designed to stand the test of time.
I speak from experience when I say that quality shoes will make walking and standing for long periods comfortable and minimise any strain on your feet and legs.
Buy Here: Birkenstock Unisex Sandals
Buy Here: Merrel Sandals For Women
Sandals are a popular choice when visiting Japan, especially if you’re looking to visit any temples or religious sites, as they are quick and easy to take off and put back on.
Backpack Or Bag For Women
Having a bag or backpack to carry around some essentials during your day of exploration in Japan is a fantastic idea. We always like taking a backpack as it’s easy to carry and suitable for all the items we want to take on our days out (camera, phones, maps, jackets etc.)
Top Tip: The Japanese are very trusting people and so will watch over your items while you go to the bathroom etc. I would still recommend taking the best protection and zipped pockets on bags and coats as you can never be too careful.
Buy Here: XD Bobby Small Anti Theft Backpack
Buy Here: Eastpak Bumbag
T-shirts & Shirts For Men
The weather and temperatures in Japan can range quite quickly, so it is good to prepare with a good base layer.
We often use pure cotton t-shirts as our base layers as they are a thin, breathable material and are readily available in various styles.
Men may also find hiking and sports clothing more comfortable due to the breathable technologies built into the fabric. These make for great base layers, especially in warm sticky temperatures.
Jackets & Coats For Men
Taking a coat or jacket out with you is a good idea as the weather can be a little unpredictable during the springtime.
There is a high chance of occasional showers, and so it is always best to be prepared. I would advise taking a waterproof rain jacket as the rain can come at a moment’s notice leaving you to find cover.
Buy Here: Columbia Men’s Padded Gilet
Buy Here: Men’s Dickies Jacket
While the jacket doesn’t have to be waterproof, it’s certainly more helpful if it’s both light and comfortable as thicker fabrics are heavier to carry around in a backpack (if not required) and take longer to dry if you’re caught in the rain.
If you plan to wear long sleeve t-shirts, you can easily layer over a gilet or body warmer to add a warmer layer.
Trousers & Jeans For Men
Trousers such as chinos, khakis and cotton-based are the best for the weather conditions.
If you find jeans or chinos too restrictive or uncomfortable, consider hiking trousers or sports trousers instead.
Buy Here: Amazon Essentials Flat Front Chinos
Buy Here: Adidas Men’s Sport Trousers
Jeans are a straightforward option as they are easy to wear, sturdy and breathable for warmer weather. The only downside to jeans is if they get wet, they will take a long time to dry.
Footwear For Men
There are a variety of different styles of footwear that are suitable for what to wear in Japan in Spring.
Sandals are also a viable option, but I would wear sports sandals such as brands like Merrell and Birkenstocks as these brands use high-quality materials that will help support your feet and legs.
Buy Here: Birkenstock Unisex Sandals
Buy Here: Merrel Sandals For Men
If sandals aren’t suitable, then consider trainers instead. Both sports trainers or leisure trainers are fine as long as they are comfortable.
We both wore trainers as we found them the most comfortable and versatile. Brands such as Converse or Toms are great as they are light, easy to wear and work with various outfits.
Buy Here: Keds Men’s Trainers
Buy Here: Converse Unisex Pump Trainers
Buy Here: New Balance Men’s Trainers
Backpack & Bag For Men
Depending on who you are travelling with and what type of bag you like to use back home will determine what style you use in Japan.
We always recommend backpacks as they give you the most freedom to move around, have your hands free for exploring and taking pictures, and are often very secure.
Buy Here: North Face Unisex Jester Backpack
Buy Here: Trespass Waterproof Backpack Cover
We recently bought new bags and love them; they are super secure and great for keeping our laptops and cameras safe.
If you plan to take a camera out with you when exploring Japan, consider picking up a camera bag. This will make the camera easy to carry and protect it from any potential damage. You can get camera bags that fit inside day bags or individual camera bags that work as a bag of their very own.