Are you trying to figure out what to wear in Japan in Spring?
This is also the most popular time to visit Japan as it is cherry blossom season and runs between the months of 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 prior to purchasing to avoid disappointment.
With all that in mind, let’s discuss what to wear in Japan in Spring!
Table of Contents
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, for that reason 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 personally 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 your top half of the body.
Depending on what you generally wear at home in similar temperatures, I would suggest wearing that. Joggers, jeans, khaki style trousers or chinos, all these are great if you wear the right layers with them.
Remember about the sudden rain, this can compromise your day if you wear jeans 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.
Buy Here: Women’s Nike Pro Leggings
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 much more highly practical for the weather conditions.
Japanese women are known for being well dressed and so it can be easy to follow the style and add a little extra flair to your own wardrobe while you are there.
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.
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 a number of different tops and bottoms in your suitcase.
Buy Here: Women’s Dream Knit Dress
Buy Here: Women’s Loose Fit Jersey Jumpsuit
Jacket & Coats For Women
Personally I would always choose to wear a rain-style jacket/coat, just as the weather can get a little rainy in Japan.
The weather is cooler and would require some kind of jacket. I would advise wearing something that can be packed away smaller or easy to carry around.
It is good to have an added layer to put on when the weather turns a little cold.
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 incase you get warm.
We still took a raincoat even though we were hot and sweaty all the time. As the weather can suddenly change you want to have a raincoat or umbrella as a safety net to make sure you don’t spend all day soaked.
I would suggest taking a pack a mac, or small rolled up raincoat. This way it takes up little space in your bag but you have it just in case.
You can find a number of styles and versions of raincoats you can find on the market which will be more than suitable for the weather.
You will also see many women using umbrellas as shade on sunny days.
Buy Here: Columbia Windbreaks Waterproof Jacket
Buy Here: Women’s Adidas Hoodie Jumper
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.
Trainers are always my go-to shoe for travelling and long days of exploring. Find a pair that you generally like the fit of and get in a fairly simple colour. White or black seems to be most popular as you can wear them with a variety of outfits.
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 brands are well made and built to last. They are tried and tested with people all over the world. The sandals are also made of leather or high-end fabric which gives your feet support but also breathability.
Buy Here: Birkenstock Unisex Sandals
Buy Here: Merrel Sandals For Women
Meaning walking around all day in these style sandals your feet won’t incur any damage and will be more than likely well supported.
This style of shoe is very popular especially when you plan to visit temples and religious sites. Many of these places require you to take off your shoes when entering the main area of prayer and worship.
Shoes are left outdoors or placed in bags so having a pair that easily slip on and off are key for these kinds of places.
Shoes such as converse are good if you are well worn in espadrilles and pumps. These are the most convenient and sturdy shoes to be wearing in Japan in Spring.
Buy Here: Women’s Sketchers Go Walk Slip On Shoes
Backpack Or Bag For Women
Having a bag or backpack to carry around some essentials is key. We always like taking a backpack as its easier to carry around and better for our backs.
This can be in the style of a backpack, small purse or messenger bag. Any of the styles you like to use are well worth taking.
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.
Though anything you can use that you are comfortable with and fits in what you need is great. There are a number of styles that are simple and easy to use, though you may feel more comfortable with a couple of options for different looks.
I personally like to take one bag and make it work with what I have.
Buy Here: Eastpak Bumbag
Buy Here: XD Bobby Small Anti Theft Backpack
T-shirts & Shirts For Men
The weather and temperatures in Japan can range quite quickly so it is good to be prepared. The best way to make sure you are neither too warm nor too cold is to wear layers.
Creating a base layer such as a short sleeve t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt or shirt is a great way to create a nice base layer. You can even wear a t-shirt with a loose unbottoned shirt over the top to add another layer to your outfit.
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.
Guys, you 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, some of the days you won’t need it at all as the weather can be really nice and warm.
There is high chances of occasional showers and so it is always best to be prepared. Personally I would advise to take a waterproof rain jacket as the rain can come at a moments notice leaving you to find cover.
Other jackets that are good to have are light and easy to wear, nothing too thick as the warm weather is lovely and soesn;t require anything too thick.
If you plan to wear long sleeve t-shirts you can easily layer over a gilet or body warmer to add a warmer layer.
Buy Here: Columbia Men’s Padded Gilet
Buy Here: Men’s Dickies Jacket
Trousers & Jeans For Men
Troursers such as chinos, khakis and cotton based are the best for the weather conditions.
If you find these styles fo trousers restrictive or uncomfortable look at wearing hiking trousers or sports trousers that are much more flexible, easier to wear and are comfortable.
Jeans are a really easy option to choose as they are easy to wear, sturdy and will be breathable for warmer weather. The only downside to jeans is if they get completely wet they will take a long time to dry. This can be overcome by wearing a raincoat or using an umbrella.
Buy Here: Amazon Essentials Flat Front Chinos
Buy Here: Adidas Men’s Sport Trousers
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.
Buy Here: Birkenstock Unisex Sandals
Buy Here: Merrel Sandals For Men
The most common is trainers, whether they be a sports trainer for running or a more flat trainer.
We both wore trainers as they are the most comfortable to walk around it and are better when spending long days on your feet. These we find are the most comfortable for long days exploring.
Styles such as Converse or Toms pumps are great as they are light and easy to wear and suit many different styles of outfits.
Find a pair that you generally like the fit of and get in a fairly simple colour. White or black seems to be most popular as you can wear them with a variety of outfits.
Buy Here: Keds Men’s Trainers
Buy Here: Superga Unisex Pump Trainers
Buy Here: New Balance Men’s Trainers
Buy Here: Converse Unisex Pump 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.
There is no shame in carrying a bag, the Japanese are very stylish and I don’t just mean the women. There are so many bags and styles that are so tempting to buy so don’t be afraid to do a little shopping.
We always recommend backpacks as they give you the most freedom to move around, have your hands free for exploring and taking pictures and they are often very secure.
We recently bought new bags and love them, they are super secure and great for keeping our laptops and camera safe.
If like us you plan to take a camera with you while you are out exploring you can look at buying a special camera bag if you don’t already have one or a bag with security and padding as we use.
Buy Here: XD Design Bobby Hero Small Anti-Theft Backpack
Buy Here: North Face Unisex Jester Backpack
Buy Here: Trespass Waterproof Backpack
That is everything for what to wear in Japan in Spring. I hope you have found this helpful. If you have visited Japan before and have any handy tips I would love to know.