When not working, the Japanese dress fairly casually, but for business and formal occasions, they dress very smartly. Visitors to Japan should attire themselves similarly: dress comfortably for leisure activities and more formally for business settings or special occasions.
For tourists, comfort should be a top priority. You will likely do a lot of walking, stair climbing, and transitioning between indoors and outdoors. Comfortable shoes are a must, followed by a jacket that is easy to put on and take off. The climate control in buildings can greatly contrast with the temperatures outside.
If you are visiting for business, men should dress neatly, preferably in a dark blue suit. Avoid black suits and black ties, as these are often associated with funerals. Women should dress equally smartly, with a jacket, long-sleeve blouse, and conservative shoes. It’s also a good idea to wear good socks, as you may encounter places where shoes must be removed, and holes in socks are unacceptable.
Summer in Tokyo can be quite hot and humid, with June typically seeing a lot of rain. The biggest challenge in summer is the nights, which often remain warm and humid. Towards the end of summer, in late August and early September, it can be stormy as Japan enters its typhoon season. The Japanese dress neatly at all times, whether casual or formal. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable, but avoid looking like you are headed to the beach.
Spring and autumn are the best times to travel, as the weather is pleasant. Autumn usually brings more rain, so a spray jacket might be a handy option.
Winter can get quite cold in Tokyo, with February being the coldest month. While there is usually some snow, there is often more slush, so good warm clothes and weatherproof shoes are essential.
There is no need to overpack if you are going to Tokyo. As one of the world’s great cities, it has plenty of places to buy clothes if you need them. While some of the fashion may not be to everyone’s taste, there are many choices, and most big brands are easily found.
