Tohoku, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Tohoku, Japan? If you're planning to go to Tohoku, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Tohoku
- Important essentials for Tohoku
- Activities for Tohoku
- Tohoku in January: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in February: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in March: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in April: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in May: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in June: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in July: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in August: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in September: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in October: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku in November: weather and what to pack
- Tohoku 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 Tohoku, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Tohoku, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Tohoku, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Tohoku, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
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).
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb 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
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 Tohoku. 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.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most countries, but check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
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
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Tohoku, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be extremely cold, extremely snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
Warm pants or jeans
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
Gloves
Heavy socks
Such as:
Sweaters
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Tohoku, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Tohoku has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
If you are traveling to Tohoku in February, you will notice that it is frigid, very snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly and snow most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
Our pick: this
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Heavy socks
Such as:
Heavy jacket
Warm pants or jeans
Sweaters
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Tohoku, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Tohoku has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
If you go to Tohoku in March, you will notice that it is brisk, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sweaters
Warm pants or jeans
Gloves
Heavy socks
Such as:
Lip balm
Our pick: here
Heavy jacket
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Tohoku, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Tohoku has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in Tohoku is chilly and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential 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:
May
May in Tohoku is mild and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
June
June in Tohoku is warm and very rainy. 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:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Light skirts
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you vacation in Tohoku during July, you are likely to see that it is pretty consistently hot and very rainy. 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). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Extra socks
Sandals
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
August
If you are traveling to Tohoku in August, you will notice that it is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
September
September is warm and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
October
In October, Tohoku is relatively cool and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Tohoku, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
November
November in Tohoku can be very chilly and extremely rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain most days. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
December
If you are traveling to Tohoku in December, you will notice that it is brisk, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Expect it to rain most days and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Tohoku, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Tohoku has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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