Otsu, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Otsu, Japan? If you're planning to go to Otsu, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Otsu
- Important essentials for Otsu
- Activities for Otsu
- Otsu in January: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in February: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in March: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in April: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in May: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in June: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in July: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in August: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in September: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in October: weather and what to pack
- Otsu in November: weather and what to pack
- Otsu 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 Otsu, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Otsu, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Otsu, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Otsu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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).
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Airplane or car necessities
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
For families with young children
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Otsu. 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.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Activities for Otsu, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Otsu.
If you go to a temple, such as Enryakuji Temple, wear:
Dresses that cover your knees
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Trousers
We also recommend these top tours in and around Otsu.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
Gion Corner
Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine)
Nishiki Market
What to wear/what to pack for Otsu, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Otsu can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
February
If you vacation in Otsu during February, you will probably find that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these 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 belongings don't get wet. We like:
March
March in Otsu is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
April
April in Otsu is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
A rain poncho to layer with a 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 great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
May
May in Otsu 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:
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Extra socks
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
June
If you visit Otsu during June, you might see that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
July
July in Otsu can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Bug repellent
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
August
August in Otsu can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Loose-fit shorts
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
September
If you are traveling to Otsu in September, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
Waterproof sandals
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
October
October in Otsu is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
November
November in Otsu is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
December
December in Otsu is brisk. 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:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
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