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Spring in Kyoto is nothing short of magical, with cherry blossoms to enjoy and the amazing sights. Find out what to pack for Japan in spring!
What to Pack for a Trip to Japan in Spring
Table Of Contents
Spring in Kyoto means fairly sunny skies, bustling streets, and, of course, Japan’s beloved “Sakura” (cherry blossoms). Drawing visitors from all around the world, cherry blossom season in Kyoto is truly breathtaking.
Aside from Kyoto, there are so many other gorgeous cities you can visit to see cherry blossoms! Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, and Tottori are particularly popular destinations to witness Japan’s magical cherry blossoms.
If you’re looking for packing help for Tokyo, read our entire year round guide here. Now find out what to pack for a Japan trip during cherry blossom season in Kyoto!
Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:
- How to Pack for Trips with Mixed Weather
- How to Layer a Summer Dress for Spring
- Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall
Japan Travel Packing List for Kyoto
All Saints Ridley Cowl Neck Wool Sweater | Sizes XS-L
Tops
Most cities in Japan have warmer afternoons and cold evenings, so layers are key. For tops, readers suggest layering with sweaters and long-sleeve t-shirts.
While I was in Japan in March, I saw many locals wearing beige and black. According to readers, you could add a few colored accents to your Kyoto capsule wardrobe, such as in the neutral color family, like green, red, or blue.
Also, relaxed and oversized silhouettes are very popular in Japan, so embrace the trend with a cute, slouchy sweater. This All Saints wool cowl neck sweater is great for exploring Kyoto. It’s cozy yet elevated and looks really cute layered under jackets. I bought it last year and wear it on repeat!
L.L. Pima Cotton Long Sleeve Tee
Sizes: XS-XL Regular, Petite, & Tall | 1X-3X Plus
Long-sleeve tees are perfect for warmer spring days. My L.L. Bean long-sleeve tee was perfect on my trip to Tokyo in March. It’s one of the most reader-recommended long-sleeve tops for travel! It can be layered under sweaters, added as a layer on the flight, or just worn alone with jeans.
Thermals are also highly recommended for chillier evenings or if you’ll be there in early spring when the temperatures are a bit lower.
If you’re figuring out what to pack for Japan in May, many readers who traveled there in late spring shared that they mainly wore t-shirts, so add a few tees to your packing list!
Anthropologie The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants: Sizes 23-34 | 16W-26W
Bottoms
In Japan, you’ll likely want to dress a bit more elevated, but you still need to be comfortable and mobile, as you’ll be walking a lot. So, when discussing what to wear in Kyoto, readers suggest comfortable travel pants that are made from quality fabric but are versatile. I saw wide leg pants everywhere, and they’re great because they have a more polished look.
If I were only going to pack one pair of pants on a trip to Japan in the spring, it would be these Anthropologie wide leg pants! They’re super comfy and wearable.
We’ve found the best travel pants for women, and our readers agree! Check it out!
KUT from the Kloth Meg Wide Leg Jeans | Sizes 00-18
Comfortable jeans are a great go-to for Kyoto, and many readers have reported only wearing jeans during their trips to Japan in the spring. They always look great and work for so many different activities and occasions, too.
These Kut From the Kloth wide leg jeans have a sleek but wide look that’s on trend, and they’re also super comfortable–a perfect springtime option for Kyoto. They’re flattering and evoke an effortlessly cool vibe and would go with chunky boots really well!
Quince Cashmere Midi Sweater Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Dresses
Midi dresses are perfect for wearing under a jacket on warmer days. Opt for a dress that’s breathable and still keeps you feeling fresh. And you can add tights beneath if you’re feeling chilly.
This midi sweater dress from Quince is made of fine-gauge Mongolian cashmere to envelop you in luxe softness without the added bulkiness. It has a flattering silhouette and looks great with long boots or chunky mid calf boots.
If you prefer a long skirt to a dress, this cashmere midi skirt from the same brand is a good option!
Eddie Bauer Girl On The Go Trench Coat
Sizes: XS-XXL Regular | XS-XL Petite | S-XL Tall | 1X-3X Plus
Jacket
While spring isn’t the rainy season in Japan, you still might see a bit of rain here and there when in Kyoto, so you’ll want to have a waterproof jacket packed.
Trench coats are a staple among Japanese locals, so they’re a great option for spring in Kyoto. Plus, they’re stylish and functional on non-rainy days. However, be sure to pack sweaters and thermals in case the temperatures do drop, and they can!
But if you want a robust, waterproof jacket, a great trench coat is the Eddie Bauer Girl On the Go jacket. elevated. It’s also lightweight and comfortable, whether worn over a t-shirt or a chunky sweater.
See our readers’ picks for the best packable down jacket for travel so you can stay warm on your next trip!
Columbia Carson Pass Ii Jacket | Sizes XS-3X
While the days can be mild and even warm, mornings and evenings in the spring are typically quite brisk and chilly. And if you’ll be out and about from morning to night, you’ll need to dress accordingly for the mixed weather. A winter jacket is still wise, and you can always change it to something lighter, like a faux leather jacket.
My go-to for cold weather is the Columbia Carson Pass 2 because it’s really warm, not too bulky, and cute. Overall, a good waterproof jacket is a must in spring. I was going to bring a lighter jacket to Japan but went against recommendations that said a thinner jacket would do, and I was right, as it was “colder than expected.”
Shoes
Traveling to Kyoto during cherry blossom season means you’ll be spending most of the day on your feet as you walk around and admire the beautiful Sakura. That means when it comes to shoes, comfort is the priority.
Locals in Japan keep their footwear comfortable and sensible yet still elevated and fashionable. Rather than athletic shoes, you may want to go for fashionable sneakers or neutral tennis shoes.
Some of the best cherry blossom sightings are on temple grounds, so if you also plan on visiting various temples and shrines, slip on shoes will be the most convenient, as you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering.
The most popular shoes in Japan seemed to be the Adidas Gazelle (pictured above) and the Adidas Samba. Basically, bold and even chunky sneakers are seen on the streets. Whatever you choose, ensure it has tons of cushioning and support for your feet!
These are our tried and tested reader recommendations for the world’s best travel shoes!
Shop Sorel Joan Now Boots: Amazon | Nordstrom
Elevated yet practical, leather boots are another great option for chilly spring weather. If rain is in the forecast for your trip or you want to be fully prepared for any unexpected showers, pack a pair of waterproof boots. Either way, make sure they’re not too heavy and will give your feet plenty of support. During my time in Japan, I saw a lot of chunky soled and combat boots.
These funky Sorel Joan Now boots are super supportive and will take you from a long day of sightseeing to a fun night out. They’re also waterproof, resilient, and easy to care for — all very important factors!
Monos Water Resistant Carry-On Pro
Best Luggage for Kyoto
I traveled carryon only with the Monos Carry-On Pro and it worked out great for Japan. It’s lightweight at 7 lbs. Its 22” size means it’ll fit in the overhead bins of all major airlines (including international flights), and its sleek, streamlined design gives it a stylish look.
Just remember to always prioritize packing lightweight clothing and shoes and avoiding any items (including beauty products) that are heavy to keep your baggage as light as possible.
If you want a softside option, the ultimate reader favorite brand is Travelpro. Their Platinum Elite soft luggage 20” has spinner wheels, organizational pockets on the front, has a USB port, can even hold a laptop, and is expandable. Read these tips on how to pick a suitcase and consider one of these top brands.
To help you avoid overweight baggage fees, we’ve rounded up the best lightweight luggage!
WANDF 18″ Foldable Travel Duffle Bag
A travel tip for souvenir shopping is to bring a packable duffle bag to store all your goodies. Readers swear by the Wandf packable duffle and say it’s so easy to transport and is useful for other things like hauling laundry, not just gifts or souvenirs.
Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes
Depending on how many days or weeks you’re traveling, you may want to use luggage organizers such as packing cubes, which allow optimum use of the space in your luggage, keeping everything organized and in place during your travels, and making the task of unpacking and repacking simple and stress-free. Check out this video on how to organize using packing cubes, it’s incredibly easy!
If you want more resources on what type of suitcase to choose, start here:
- Best Hardside Luggage
- Best Softside Luggage
- Find the Best Carry On Suitcase to Suit Your Trip
- Best International Carry On Luggage
- Best Expandable Luggage That’s Lightweight
Rebecca Minkoff Classic Julian Backpack
If you’ll be exploring the city for the whole day and want to bring a jacket or other travel essentials with you, definitely bring a compact backpack to stay comfy and hands-free. Many TFG readers have shared that backpacks are their day bag of choice in Japan and are handy for souvenir shopping, too!
I brought the Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack as my personal item and purse on a recent trip to Japan, and it was perfect! This backpack is cute, comfortable, and holds a lot.
Shop Bandolier Emma Phone Case: Bandolier | Amazon
From vibrant food markets to cherry blossom trees to historic architecture, there is SO much beauty to capture in Kyoto! You’ll no doubt want to be snapping photos all day long, so rather than having to dig out your phone each time you spot a great photo op, bring a crossbody phone case! You’ll be able to grab your phone in an instant to get a photo, plus you won’t have to worry about dropping it or losing it.
The stylish Bandolier Emma phone case is incredibly popular with readers. It’s cute, high quality, and even has a built-in card slot.
We’ve rounded up the best anti theft travel bags for women, and our readers have voted for their favorite styles!
Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet
Safety in Kyoto
While safety is not a big concern in Japan, it’s sitll wise to take a few safety precautions so you feel less stressed during your travels.
Be cautious about where you stash your cash. Make your clothing theft-proof and choose items with strong zippers. Jeans are handy for this reason: you can put important items, like your wallet and phone, in your front pockets, where it’s very difficult for a wandering hand to snatch it. Add items like the Secret Bra Pocket and Underwear with Pockets to your packing list. You could also buy clothing with hidden pockets to hide valuables even deeper!
Wear your purse strap across your body and the zipper towards the front. For extra security, check out the “theft-proof” bags featured in this post about crossbody purses.
What are the essentials on your Kyoto packing list? Please comment below!
For more Asia packing lists, please read:
- Packing List for Japan: Tokyo
- Southeast Asia Backpacking Packing List
- 10 Step Packing Guide for Southeast Asia
Suggested Travel Resources:
- Lonely Planet North East Asia on a shoestring
- Lonely Planet Japan (Country Guide)
- Lonely Planet Kyoto (Travel Guide)
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which type of rain wear do you recommend for a 2 week trip in November? Trench coat? Thigh length
rain jacket? thank you
Hi Carol, to get the best advice about packing for Japan at that time of year, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/
It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share all their amazing travel advice and recommendations.
Have a brilliant time on your travels.
Thank you very much for the information. I’m planning a trip to Japan this October. this information is very useful. Thank you once again
I love Japan!!!
Such an amazing place!
Thanks so much for this! I’m headed to japan for 3 weeks in August and was wondering what to pack! I’m excited to create my japan capsule wardrobe!
That’s great to hear! Have a wonderful trip 🙂
Hi! I truly enjoyed the blog post but would like to ask if short skirts and dresses are fine for Japan (Tokyo & Osaka) in mid may? Im not too sure if those are sufficient for the Spring weather in mid May and would like to have some comments! (: Looking forward to hearing from you and thanks a lot in advance!
Hi Tracy, I’d suggest always checking the weather before you go and making a decision based on that. If mixed weather is expected, follow these tips: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl
I’ll also post your question on TFG’s facebook page to get more feedback so stay tuned for that!
Great article! Also, in the summer remember to pack your jellies! They’re way less cumbersome than rain boots, and you don’t have to worry about a sudden down pour.
Check out my tips on what to wear in Japan here: http://venturetravelist.wordpress.com/2013/11/17/what-to-wear-japan/
Cheers!
Regan
Great tip! Let me know if you’d like to do a guest post on TFG 🙂
Would love to do a guest post! Shoot me an email and we can coordinate 😉
I shall get in touch 🙂
Hi
Is it alright to wear rain boots at the end of April in Tokyo & osaka? Or it’ll be warm by then and wearing flat loafer in fine? Thanks
Hi Farah, I’ll go ahead and post your question on the TFG Facebook page to get reader feedback for you: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl?ref=hl Keep an eye out. Thanks!
Love your lists!! But… my biggest problem with Japan packing is SHOES.
– Lots of walking, from place to place, but also from station to station – the major way to get around in the big cities. So sensible shoes with .. ?? socks – not always a good look ?? shoe-liner/sockettes??
– Shoes often need to taken off and put on QUICKLY – the locals seem to be able to wiggle in and out of lace-ups, but I haven’t learnt to do this yet.
– Slow shoe on/off routine gets you left behind… or, even worse… causes inconvenience to your group!!
So if there are any old Japan-Hands (or should that be Japan-Feets), I would love some advice as my packing starts with and revolves around footware.
Hi there! I posted your question on the TFG Facebook page and got lots of tips, stop by and check them out: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/posts/670907752932896
hi! my friend and i will be visiting japan this september 30 to october 05 just a few days to unwind from work. we don’t know what kind of clothing to bring because we’ve been searching the net and it says it’s autumn in october so during this 1st week of october we thought it’s still hot? because we’re thinking that cool days starts in the middle or last week of october? just wanna ask if low-cut boots is ok to bring? or do we need to bring high- cut boots with thick sweater? thank you so much.
Hi, may I know whether I should bring trenchcoat along for autumn in Japan, specifically October?
Somehow your website really give useful tips to me. I’m going to further my study in Fukuoka, enroll in fall semester. Still figure out what should I bring from Malaysia to feel the autumn season in Japan. Any suggestion? Thank you. 🙂
Glad you found it useful! I’ll post your questions on Facebook to get feedback from other travelers. Keep an eye out for answers. Thanks!
These are the responses for you:
Maharani Dian Permanasari: I am autumn season has just started here, the weather is getting colder nowadays, and raining too.. so it might be better to prepare your comfy boots (preferably leather or waterproof one, or anything that’s comfy), some long sleeves and jackets (no need for the thick one yet), and your favorite pair of jeans -of course! but then again, it depends on how long will you stay here. if you’re going to stay more than 3 months, maybe it’s better to buy boots and coats here
Kaylin E. Stephens: If it’s anything like Korea in fall (fukuoka is only 2-3 hrs by boat from where I used to live in Korea so I imagine it is) it will be beautiful and pleasant weather. Not hot or cold. A little chilly at night (light sweater etc) and t-shirt and jeans in the day.
Planning my second trip to Japan next spring March and April (first one was a summer vacation). wouldn’t dresses be to light for that weather? I was thinking I’ll need jeans, sweaters and jackets, scarves and that kind of stuff. am I wrong? Thank for your advice by the way.
I think this was a brief list but it will be revised and expanded, thanks for commenting!
I am SO happy I found this site. I’m headed to Japan for the first time in August and have been having packing anxiety. Thanks so much for the great tips!
Tara
Hi Tara, I’m glad you found the site and you’ve found it helpful 🙂 Have a great trip!
I’m going to Japan in mid September organised by my school. We are leaving on the 18th and arriving on the 19th. I was wondering, what clothing was appropriate to pack. Btw I’m 14. Thanks 🙂
Hi Kim, thanks for your question! What an exciting school trip! So far, the best advice is the one found on this page. Follow the guidelines as to what type of clothing to pack in the Autumn section. It tells you what clothing is appropriate for the weather. I will have another Japan packing list in about a month so stay tuned 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Nice and chic tips Alex. It would be so helpful for me if I got those at my previous trip at Kyoto.Waiting for the next trip.I am pretty sure that your blog will help me for the next trip.
Thanks.
Thanks! I’m glad you found it and you like it 🙂
Short shorts are perfectly fine in Japan – legs are the cleavage of Japan. What IS seen as unacceptable is showing your shoulders. Try to avoid strappy tops or halterneck tops. If you have things with this kind of top, find a light bolero or lace cardigan to put over it – one with kimono sleeves is perfect for keeping your pits cool at the same time.
Rather than renting yukata, tourists (Japanese and foreign alike) will be going to “geisha experience” days. For about 10,000 yen you can be dressed up like a geisha or maiko (trainee geisha – they wear the brighter and prettier kimono) and have professional photos taken. If you see a geisha on the streets in Kyoto, 9 time out of 10, it won’t be a real geisha but one of these tourists.
For “like”, “suki” (pronounced like ‘ski’) is enough. “sukimasu” is incorrect, if you want to make it formal you should say “suki desu”. With “where”, “doko” (pronounced like ‘doh koh’) is enough. Most people in Kyoto will be able to speak English, though.
As the commenter above said, you’ll be slipping your shoes on and off all day so stay away from sandals and stick to socks and shoes (like ballet flats with pop socks).
Great post though! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for the great tips!
Yes shorts are totally fine in Japan but not shorts that show your butt ‘cleavage’ but then again they’re not really okay anywhere lol 😉
It’s really helpful to have local residents like you and Masae the contributor for the post that can provide people with accurate information for travelers!
Thanks again!
Can you please offer guidance on a formal event in mid-May in Kumamoto that I will be attending including a reception in the castle and a Presidential dinner for a medical conference? Very few foreigners will be attending and I am thinking a spring cocktail dress that is classic and elegant, maybe lace, demure but well tailored with nude heels, with a wrap or bolero. I am a fairly tall, slim platinum blonde and want to look great for my date who is an honored guest but not look too showy.
Many thanks.
Hi Amy, I asked my friend Masae and this is what she had to say:
“I think what she prepared to wear sounds just fine as long as it is not obviously boobs showing outfit or entirely gold, silver coloured or glittering just like a singer on a stage… you know what I mean.
Sounds like she is being very careful how she dresses and people will understand that by her respectful manner : )”
Hope this helps!
Don’t forget to bring plenty of socks (with no holes) and lace-less shoes that are easy to slip on and off when entering temples!
Great tips and pictures. I didn’t wear a yukata in public, but i liked wearing the Japanese pyjamas at hotels and Ryokans, just for fun 🙂
Thanks Claus! Japanese pajamas sound cozy 🙂
Great topic Alex! Kyoto is my favourite city in Japan, don’t forget to pack lots of pretty floral dress in spring time inspired by the cherry blossom season! x Juliet
Thanks Juliet! It sounds like the best time to be in Japan – nature and fashion are in bloom 🙂