Matsushima, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Matsushima, Japan? If you're planning to go to Matsushima, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Matsushima
- Important essentials for Matsushima
- Activities for Matsushima
- Matsushima in January: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in February: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in March: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in April: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in May: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in June: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in July: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in August: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in September: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in October: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima in November: weather and what to pack
- Matsushima 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 Matsushima, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Matsushima, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Matsushima, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Matsushima, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
-
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
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 Matsushima. 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.
What to wear/what to pack for Matsushima, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Matsushima is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
February
If you go to Matsushima in February, you will notice that it is cold. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
March
If you go to Matsushima in March, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
April
If you visit Matsushima during April, you may see that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 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
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
May
May in Matsushima is cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
June
June in this region is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
July
July in Matsushima is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
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 perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
August
August in Matsushima is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
September
September in Matsushima 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:
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
October
October in this region is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
November
November for Matsushima is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
December
Traveling to Matsushima in December, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these 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 bags remain dry. We suggest:
Activities for Matsushima, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Matsushima.
If you go to a temple, such as Zuigan-ji Temple, wear:
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