Are you traveling to Japan soon and wondering what to pack? Figuring out what to wear in Japan can be tricky, but I’m here to help!
In this blog post, I’ll share 31 cute and practical outfit ideas for women on what to wear during your trip. From kawaii styles to streetwear essentials, these looks are both fashionable and functional.
Whether you’re exploring historic sites in Kyoto, shopping in Harajuku, or just want a go-to travel uniform, these Japan outfit ideas have got you covered.
Keep reading for outfit inspiration, packing tips, and advice on dressing appropriately as a tourist.
Japan Weather: What to Expect Each Season
Before we dive into the outfit ideas, let’s quickly cover what kind of weather you can expect in Japan throughout the year:
- Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, 50-70°F (10-21°C). Cherry blossom season!
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, 70-90°F (21-32°C). Rainy season in June.
- Fall (September-November): Cool and crisp, 50-70°F (10-21°C). Beautiful autumn foliage.
- Winter (December-February): Cold, especially in the north, 30-50°F (-1 to 10°C). Snow in mountainous areas.
What Not to Wear in Japan
To avoid any fashion faux pas, here are some quick tips on what to avoid wearing in Japan:
- Revealing clothing: Avoid tops that reveal shoulders, cleavage, or midriffs, especially in formal settings or at temples and shrines.
- Leggings as pants: Leggings are considered undergarments in Japan and should be worn with a long top that covers the backside.
- Shabby or wrinkled clothes: Clothes should be neat and not wrinkled or dirty; this reflects respect for local customs.
- Ripped jeans: It’s generally not recommended to wear ripped jeans, as they may be seen as sloppy or inappropriate in many settings.
- No plastic sandals: Footwear should be stylish and appropriate; plastic sandals are not acceptable in most settings
- Strong fragrances: Avoid heavy perfumes in public spaces.
- Overly casual or safari-style clothing: These can draw unwanted attention.
- Dirty or holey socks: Since you’ll often remove shoes in homes and restaurants, ensure your socks are hole-free and presentable.
What to Wear in Japan
1. Beige Oversized Coat and Ankle Boots
Our first Japan outfit idea features neutral tones that are easy to pair together. An oversized beige coat makes a chic top layer, while a simple black top and knee-high socks keep things casual underneath.
Finish the look with ankle boots for walking around cities like Tokyo and Osaka. This outfit balances fashion and function perfectly.
2. Ruffled Blouse and Black Maxi Skirt
For sightseeing at temples and shrines, this white ruffled blouse and long black skirt outfit is both stylish and modest.
The blouse offers a feminine touch, while the maxi skirt provides ample coverage. White sneakers finish this look off for all-day comfort.
3. Navy Top, Floral Skirt, and Sun Hat
If you’ll be exploring outdoor areas like parks and gardens, this outfit includes excellent sun protection.
A navy long-sleeved top, floral maxi skirt, sneakers, and a wide-brim sun hat will keep you cool, comfortable and chic. The floral print skirt prevents this look from being boring.
4. Black Oversized Shirt, Mini Skirt, and Platform Boots
For going out at night in trendy areas like Shibuya and Roppongi, this edgy outfit has you covered.
An oversized black graphic tee contrasts an ultra-short black mini skirt, while black knee-high socks transition smoothly into chunky platform boots.
5. Black Cardigan, Navy Pants, and White Sneakers
This smart casual outfit works perfectly for cafes, shopping, and relaxed sightseeing.
A black cardigan provides warmth and coverage, while navy wide-leg pants offer a bit of visual interest. White sneakers finish this look off for all-day wearability.
6. White Sleeveless Turtleneck Top and Sheer Tights
As another cute daytime outfit, this sleeveless white turtleneck crop top and black mini skirt combo is both stylish and modest.
Pair it with sheer black tights for extra coverage at traditional sites like temples.
7. Camel Coat, Black Outfit, and Newsboy Cap
This winter outfit idea includes excellent cold weather gear that is still fashionable.
A cozy camel coat, black turtleneck sweater, leggings and boots will keep you nice and warm. Top it off with a newsboy cap for added style points.
8. Red Gingham Dress and White Loafers
For a playful, girly vibe, this red gingham dress hits all the marks. Paired with a cream jacket and white loafers, it’s youthful and fun without being over-the-top. This outfit works great for neighborhood strolling.
9. Plaid Crop Top, Denim Shorts, and Oxfords
This casual tomboy-inspired outfit combines a plaid crop top with distressed light wash denim shorts. White socks and brown oxford shoes finish this look off. It’s perfect for relaxed sightseeing days.
10. Beige Mini Skirt and Blue Crop Top
If you want to showcase your personal style without clashing with cultural norms, this outfit is a safe bet. A light blue crop top and beige mini skirt flatter the figure while providing ample coverage for sightseeing various neighborhoods.
11. White Sneakers and Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
For ultimate comfort and convenience on long travel days, you can’t go wrong with this outfit formula. Simply pair a long-sleeved top with a wide-leg jumpsuit and white sneakers. Effortless, cozy and cute!
12. Brown Leather Jacket, White T-Shirt, and Blue Jeans
This classic combo of a brown leather jacket, white tee, and light wash jeans makes an excellent travel uniform. It’s stylish yet inconspicuous, blending into both urban and rural areas.
13. White Maxi Dress and Sheer Shrug
A white long-sleeved maxi dress keeps things simple yet elegant. Add a tie-front sheer white shrug for a touch of coverage at bustling tourist sites. This outfit travels well and goes with any shoes.
14. Dark Velvet Tracksuit and White Sneakers
Elevate your travel athleisure game with this dark-hued velvet tracksuit. Pair it with a light-colored camisole top and white chunky sneakers for a luxe sporty look. It’s perfect for long transit days or casual nights out.
15. Black Coat, Blue Jeans, and Baseball Cap
If you’ll be tackling a lot of walking outside, this outfit prioritizes function. A cozy black knee-length overcoat, blue jeans, gray scarf, and baseball cap provide ample warmth and coverage from the elements.
16. Floral Camisole Top, Blue Jeans, and Sandals
As a cute spring outfit, this floral print camisole top, blue jeans, and striped flat sandals combo is breezy yet pulled-together. It works well for outdoor sightseeing when the weather is nice.
17. Striped Button-Up, Black Shorts, and Sneakers
For exploring urban areas, you can’t go wrong with this relaxed streetwear-inspired outfit. A blue striped button-up shirt worn open over a gray tee and black shorts keeps things casual. Finish it off with white sneakers.
18. Denim Corset Top, Wide-Leg Pants, and Sneakers
If you want an outfit that’s stylish yet comfy for all-day wear, try this denim corset top and wide-leg pants combo. A corset top is dressier than a basic tee, while wide-leg pants provide a breathable alternative to jeans.
19. Black Leather Jacket, Black Top, and Light Wash Jeans
As far as effortless street style outfits go, it doesn’t get much cooler than a black leather moto jacket paired with a simple black top and light wash jeans. This edgy look works perfectly for nights out.
20. Pink Striped Shorts and White Sneakers
Stay cute and breezy during warmer weather with this outfit combo of a white sleeveless top, pink striped shorts and white sneakers. It’s sporty yet feminine.
21. White Cropped T-Shirt and Black Drawstring Pants
If you want a fashionable athleisure outfit that’s still appropriate for shrines and temples, try this white cropped tee and black drawstring pants look. The silhouette is relaxed yet flattering.
22. White Fleece Jacket, Black Outfit, and Platform Boots
This monochromatic outfit features a cozy white fleece jacket, black hoodie, black skinny jeans, and white platform boots for exploring cities in cold weather. The boots add height and style.
23. Light Blue Crop Top and White Pleated Skirt
Show off your personal style without clashing with cultural norms in this cute outfit. A light blue crop top and white pleated mini skirt combo is flirty and feminine.
24. Lavender Sweatshirt, Black Mini Skirt, and Loafers
For running errands and exploring neighborhoods in transitional weather, this lavender oversized sweatshirt, black mini skirt and black patent loafers outfit balances comfort and polish.
25. Black Strapless Top and Lace Maxi Skirt
If you’ll be out at night, this black strapless top and lace maxi skirt duo makes an alluring outfit choice. The lace skirt provides coverage while still feeling special. Finish with heels.
26. White Denim Jacket, Black Crop Top, and Sneakers
As a contemporary take on Japanese street style, try this white cropped denim jacket, black crop top, white maxi skirt and white sneakers outfit. The denim jacket adds an edgy touch.
27. Cream Coat, Black Turtleneck, White Skirt, and Sneakers
Stay warm and stylish during colder months with this outfit formula. Simply pair a cream long coat with a black turtleneck, white pleated midi skirt and white sneakers. It’s a foolproof combination that always looks chic.
28. Fur Coat, White Ruffled Blouse, and Leather Shorts
If you don’t mind making a statement, channel Japanese gyaru subculture with this outfit. A fur coat, white ruffled blouse and black leather shorts make a provocative pairing. Finish with heels.
29. Black Cardigan, White Ribbed Top, and Gray Skirt
For casual sightseeing days, you can’t go wrong with this relaxed outfit combo. A versatile black cardigan, white ribbed tank top and gray pleated mini skirt work together seamlessly. Sneakers finish this look.
30. Off-Shoulder Ribbed Top, Wide-Leg Pants, and Sandals
Stay breezy and beautiful during warmer weather with this outfit formula. Pair an off-shoulder ribbed top with wide-leg pants in a dark neutral hue. Finish with chunky platform sandals.
31. White Track Pants, Black Bodysuit, and Baseball Cap
Give your athleisure look a touch of downtown edge with this outfit combo. A black sleeveless bodysuit and white track pants make the ultimate sporty pairing. Style with a backwards baseball cap.
Key Takeaways – What to Wear in Japan
And there you have it – 31 cute, comfy, and practical outfit ideas for your upcoming trip to Japan!
As you put together your travel wardrobe, keep these key tips in mind:
- Opt for modest outfits when visiting temples, shrines, and traditional sites. Mini skirts and crop tops are best suited for nights out.
- Pack clothing you can easily layer, as weather varies greatly across seasons.
- Include proper outerwear for colder months like coats, scarves and gloves.
- Make sure shoes are comfortable for all-day wear. Sneakers and loafers work well for lots of walking.
- Don’t be afraid to incorporate elements of Japanese street style like thigh-high socks, pastels, plaid patterns, and oversized graphic tees.
With the right mix of staples and statement pieces, you’ll be fully equipped to explore Japan in style. Enjoy your trip!