Japan is roughly divided into four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), plus a rainy season. The temperature, humidity, and difference in temperature between day and night change drastically in each season.
This article covers what to wear for each season and what to pack when traveling to Tokyo. The farther north you go, such as Hokkaido, the colder it gets, and the farther south you go, such as Okinawa, the hotter it gets.
*In recent years, the occurrence of abnormal weather has been increasing. Please check the weather forecast to make your final decision.
*The seasonal divisions in this article are used to make it easier to understand how to dress according to the temperature. Please note that this is not the same as the general division of the seasons.
Early Spring
(Mid-March to early April / Highest temperature: around 15°C, lowest temperature: around 5-10°C)
Even though it’s spring, the early spring is still cold. Especially in March, you may still need a heavy coat. From April, a light coat will be enough on most days. Even on warm days during the day, it is a good idea to have a light coat or something that you can put on after sunset.
What to wear:
- Jacket: heavy or light coat, depending on the weather
- Tops: long sleeves (sweaters, sweatshirts, etc.)
- Bottoms: full-length pants, maxi-length skirts
- Shoes: sneakers, pumps, short boots
Example:
Late Spring
(Mid-April to May / Highest temperature: around 20°C, lowest temperature: around 10-15°C)
The weather is getting warmer day by day. Basically, you won’t need a jacket. But since the temperature can easily change from day to day and weather to weather, you should wear clothes that you can easily take off and put on, such as zip-up hoodies, depending on the temperature.
What to wear:
- Jacket: not necessary, but a windbreaker or light jacket is useful on chilly days
- Tops: light, long-sleeved, or short-sleeved top with something you can take off and put on
- Bottoms: anything will do, as long as you don’t feel cold
- Shoes: sneakers, pumps
Example:
Rainy Season “Tsuyu”
(Mid-June to July / Highest temperature: around 25-30 °C, lowest temperature: around 18-22 °C)
By mid-June, it rarely gets chilly. There is almost no need to carry an extra layer of clothing for the night.
However, most days during this season are rainy. When you come on a trip, it is a good idea to have rain gear ready. (Raincoats, rain boots, backpack covers, and other waterproof items) It is best to pack extra shirts and underwear because it is very humid and you will sweat a lot.
What to wear:
- Jacket: raincoat, if necessary
- Tops: short-sleeved or sleeveless
- Bottoms: cropped pants, half pants, and skirts that are not maxi length
- Shoes: sneakers, pumps, sandals, rain shoes
Example:
Summer
(August to mid-September / Highest temperature: around 30 °C, lowest temperature: around 23 °C)
This is the hottest season in Japan. Some days, the temperature can exceed 35°C. Especially in Tokyo, it is extremely hot regardless of the temperature due to the urban heat island effect. It is not practical to be outside all day. It’s best to wear cool clothes and a hat as well.
What to wear:
- Jacket: not necessary
- Tops: short-sleeved or sleeveless
- Bottoms: skirts, lightweight and airy pants (skinny jeans are hot, uncomfortable, and a bad idea)
- Shoes: sneakers, pumps, sandals
Example:
Early Autumn
(Late September to October / Highest temperature: around 20-25°C, Lowest temperature: around 15-20°C)
This is the time of year when people start wearing long sleeves. Even if you wear short sleeves during the day, the temperature often drops suddenly in the evening, so it’s a good idea to bring a light long-sleeved shirt or a light coat with you. The clothing is similar to that of the early spring.
Although not as bad as the rainy season in June, long rains can occur from the end of August to October. In that case, please refer to the clothing for the rainy season “Tsuyu”.
What to wear:
- Jacket: light coat for cold days
- Tops: lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, or if wearing short sleeves, bring something for the night
- Bottoms: anything will do, as long as you don’t feel cold
- Shoes: sneakers, pumps
Example:
Late Autumn
(November / Highest temperature: around 16 °C, lowest temperature: around 8 °C)
It’s cold. In November, people start wearing heavy coats and sweaters. Most people start wearing winter clothes.
What to wear
- Jacket: Heavy coats and scarves
- Tops: Thick sweaters and sweatshirts
- Bottoms: full-length pants, maxi-length skirts
- Shoes: sneakers, pumps, boots
Example:
Early Winter
(December / Highest temperature: around 12°C, lowest temperature: around 4°C)
It’s quite cold for people from warmer countries. In December, it’s a good idea to have warm gear such as gloves and caps. Between December and February, there is little rain, and the air is dry, so it’s a good idea to have moisturizing products such as hand cream and lip balm, too. The air in Tokyo is particularly dry, and the wind can be very cold.
*A crowded train can be very hot if you are wearing heavy clothes. If the train is crowded, it is a good idea to take off your jacket or coat before boarding.
What to wear:
- Jacket: heavy coats, down jackets, and other warm gear
- Tops: thick sweaters, sweatshirts, or layer your clothing
- Bottoms: full-length pants, maxi-length skirts
- Shoes: sneakers, pumps, boots
Example:
Late Winter
(January to early March / Highest temperature: around 10°C, lowest temperature: around 2°C)
This is the coldest time of winter in Japan. If you are going to spend a lot of time outside, it is important to be fully protected from the cold; using thermal undershirts like UNIQLO’s HEATTECH is recommended. Also, a lightweight down vest that can be worn underneath your coat is a good idea.
It will also get cold when you sleep at night, so if your room is cold, use the heater (the air will be dry, so if you stay at hotels, leave the bathroom door open and go to bed) or get an extra futon (blankets).
*A crowded train can be very hot if you are wearing heavy clothes. If the train is crowded, it is a good idea to take off your jacket or coat before boarding.
What to wear:
- Jacket: heavy coats, down jackets, plus lightweight down vests
- Tops: thick sweaters, sweatshirts, or layer your clothing
- Bottoms: full-length pants, maxi-length skirts
- Shoes: sneakers, pumps, boots
Example:
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