Are you planning a trip to Japan in summer and not sure what clothes to pack? Here’s a complete list to help you prepare your suitcase, plus the things I personally brought while traveling during this season.
In this post you will find:
Summer in Japan raises a lot of questions for people planning their trip. And honestly, it has both great things and a few things to keep in mind.
On one hand, the days are longer, the streets are full of life, and it’s festival season. But it’s also a time of intense heat, humidity, and rain, especially in certain regions and months. Still, traveling to Japan in summer can be an amazing experience if you pack the right clothes.
Weather in Japan during summer
Japanese summer is mainly characterized by humid heat. The weather can feel quite heavy, especially in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. Depending on when you travel, you may also experience quite a bit of rain.
- June is a rainy month with temperatures around 20–28 °C.
- July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures between 30–38 °C. In large cities it can feel exhausting.
- September is still warm, but typhoon season begins, especially in some parts of the country.
My experience visiting Japan in summer
I traveled to Japan at the beginning of summer and honestly, I thought the weather was ideal. In cities like Tokyo or Osaka it was hot, yes, but nothing extreme. In fact, during the mornings I often needed a light cardigan because it was still pretty cool.
I also spent a few days around Mount Fuji and Hakone, where the weather is more mountainous and noticeably cooler, especially at night.
I think traveling right at the beginning of summer was the perfect balance: long beautiful days without the extreme heat of July and August.
What clothes to pack for Japan in summer
CLOTHING
- T-shirts/tops. Bring several tops or light-colored T-shirts that you can mix and match with different pants or skirts. I packed several sleeveless tops like these. Another thing I love is wearing cropped vests to layer with tops or wear on their own.
- Shorts & skirts. Bring several shorts or skirts to create different outfits every day. I personally love wearing skorts like this or denim skirts. They’re super easy to combine with different tops and comfortable for long walking days. You can also bring a satin skirt for cooler days or dressier outfits.
- Dresses: If you’re visiting beach areas like Okinawa, a light summer dress is essential.
- Pants. Bring 1 or 2 pairs of long pants. A lightweight cargo-style pant and classic jeans are enough. Some nights get cooler, so you’ll definitely use them.
- Rain jacket or trench coat. A light jacket like this one is great to always have on hand in case of rain.
- Blazer or cardigan. If you travel in June when temperatures are still milder, you’ll probably need a blazer or jacket for mornings and evenings. I brought a black blazer that matched everything.
- Socks
- Underwear
SHOES
- Sneakers: One of the most important things for your summer trip to Japan will be the shoes you’ll walk in every day. I recommend bringing comfortable sneakers that you’ve already worn before. I used Adidas Samba sneakers and bought a pair of Onitsuka Tiger while I was there, which have a very similar style. You could also choose something sportier like Salomon sneakers for extra comfort on long walks.
- Sandals: I personally didn’t wear sandals during my summer trip to Japan, but if you’ll be visiting beach destinations, they’re obviously something you should pack.
ACCESORIES
- Caps or hats: Essential for sun protection.
- Sunglasses
- Crossbody bag: A lightweight bag that lets you explore cities hands-free. You can even buy one of the typical Uniqlo bags after arriving.
TOILETRIES & MEDICATIONS
- Toiletries:Remember that carry-on luggage only allows containers up to 100 ml. The easiest option is using refillable silicone travel bottles like these for your products.
- Cosmetics and makeup
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Medication
ELECTRONICS AND OTHER ESSENTIALS
- Portable charger: An absolute essential because you’ll spend the whole day exploring and taking photos.
- Universal adapter: Another must-have for any international trip. There are very cheap universal adapters like this that work in almost every country.
- Phone and headphones
What to pack in your carry-on bag or personal item
In your carry-on bag, whether it’s a backpack or handbag, you should bring everything you’ll need during the flight. Some things I always pack are:
- Documents
- Wallet
- Toiletry pouch: moisturizer, toothbrush, hairbrush, lip balm, and sunscreen
- Glasses
- Book
- Refillable water bottle
- Some snacks
- Headphones
- Phone charger
- Camera
Tips for traveling to Japan in summer
- Wear lightweight clothes: Fresh, loose-fitting clothing in light colors works best, especially if you’re traveling in July or August.
- Comfortable sneakers are key: Prioritize comfort because you’ll be walking many kilometers every day.
- Take advantage of the mornings: Start your days early and visit the most touristy places like temples first. In the afternoon, when it gets hotter, you can slow down, grab a coffee, or wander around more casually.
- Pack versatile outfits: Shorts or skirts that match multiple tops will save space in your suitcase.
- Bring a light rain jacket: If you travel in June or September, you’ll probably get some rain.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen
Some summer outfits inspiration:
Need more tips for visiting Japan? Check out these posts:
- Tips for visiting Japan for the first time
- Things to do in Tokyo in 5 days
- Where to stay in Tokyo: best areas and hotels
- Things to do in Osaka in 3 days
- How much does a trip to Japan cost? Budget breakdown
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