Japan, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Japan, Japan? If you're planning to go to Japan, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Japan
- Important essentials for Japan
- Activities for Japan
- Japan in January: weather and what to pack
- Japan in February: weather and what to pack
- Japan in March: weather and what to pack
- Japan in April: weather and what to pack
- Japan in May: weather and what to pack
- Japan in June: weather and what to pack
- Japan in July: weather and what to pack
- Japan in August: weather and what to pack
- Japan in September: weather and what to pack
- Japan in October: weather and what to pack
- Japan in November: weather and what to pack
- Japan 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 Japan, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Japan, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Japan, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Japan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Japan. 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.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Japan, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Japan is brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
February
If you are traveling to Japan in February, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
March
March in Japan is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
April
If you vacation in Japan during April, you are likely to find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s 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 about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
May
May in Japan is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
June
In June, Japan is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Japan, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
July
July in Japan can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
August
Traveling to Japan in August, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
September
September in Japan can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
October
October in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
November
November is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
December
December in Japan can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
Activities for Japan, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Japan.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Eastern Arizona, Arizona, United States of America, Western Cuba, Cuba, Cavendish and Rustico Harbour, Prince Edward Island, Canada, City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, United States of America, Palolem, India, Kildare Village, Ireland, Proserpine, Queensland, Australia, Bhopal, India, South Guangxi, China, Corrientes, Argentina, and Rohtak, India.