Honshu, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Honshu, Japan? If you're planning to go to Honshu, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Honshu
- Important essentials for Honshu
- Activities for Honshu
- Honshu in January: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in February: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in March: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in April: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in May: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in June: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in July: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in August: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in September: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in October: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in November: weather and what to pack
- Honshu in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Honshu, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Honshu, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Honshu, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Honshu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Honshu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Honshu, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Honshu in January, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
February
February here is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
March
March in Honshu is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
April
April in Honshu can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
May
If you visit Honshu during May, you might notice that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
June
June in Honshu is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
July
July in this region is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
August
If you visit Honshu during August, you will probably notice that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
September
Traveling to Honshu in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
October
October in Honshu is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
November
November in Honshu is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
December
December in Honshu is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
Activities for Honshu, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Honshu.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Neufchâtel-Hardelot, France, Freshford, Ireland, Rüsselsheim, Germany, Seremban, Malaysia, Tolima, Colombia, Westerwald, Germany, Jeongeup, South Korea, Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil, Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia, Burlington County, New Jersey, United States of America, and Paducah, Kentucky, United States of America.