Kyoto Outfit Inspo: What to Wear in Kyoto During Summer
EST. READING TIME: 8 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Puff Sleeves
Modest Maxis
Floral Fabrics
Maiden Skirts
Simple Black Slip
Stylish Sneakers
Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital, is a portal through which you can time travel back to the era of samurais and shoguns. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by picturesque mountains, ancient Kyoto is home to an array of traditional temples, shrines, and gardens that ensure the otherworldly beauty of yesterday is not lost. Each season graces a unique charm upon the city—but visiting during the cherry blossom spring or crisp warm-toned fall offers a particularly spectacular experience. As you stroll through the dense bamboo forests of the Arashiyama neighborhood or the tranquil oasis of the Philosopher’s Walk, the right attire can ensure you’re prepared to experience the enchanting magic of authentic Kyoto as you revel in this bygone era.
When planning your wardrobe for Kyoto, it’s essential to consider not just the weather, but also the cultural norms and nature of the activities—like relaxing upon tatami mats inside a ryokan or sipping matcha inside a wooden tea house—you plan to engage in. Kyoto's climate can be quite varied, with hot and humid summers, chilly winters, and an eye-catching yet often unpredictable spring and autumn. Culturally, dressing modestly is valued, particularly when visiting sacred spiritual sites like religious temples and shrines. The city's historic architecture including traditional aesthetics of homes protected by wooden trellises and curved bamboo barriers also offers plenty of opportunities to experiment with different local looks. Whether you’re wandering through the geisha district of Gion, enjoying the seasonal hanamachi blooms in Maruyama Park, or savoring traditional kaiseki cuisine at a local ryokan, dressing appropriately can greatly enhance your overall experience. Fortunately for you, this comprehensive style guide will help you navigate what to pack for your summer trip to Kyoto, covering everything from climate considerations to specific outfit recommendations, ensuring you’re well-dressed for both the weather and the cultural context.
Summer Climate in Kyoto
May is a particularly picturesque time to visit Kyoto, as the city’s landscape is in full bloom with lush greenery and seasonal flowers creating a stunning backdrop for your travels, yet the cherry blossom crowds have largely subsided. The moderate weather during this month is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor recreational activities, as average daytime temperatures range from 59-77°F (15-25°C), with cooler mornings and evenings. Rain is relatively infrequent—however, my visit towards the tail end of May and very beginning of June in 2024 marked the arrival of the first typhoon of the season, Ewiniar. This was notably the fifth-latest starting Pacific typhoon season on record, which brought a few days of heavy rainfall and meant the purchase of an umbrella was absolutely critical, so any trips to Japan during the latter half of the month are subject to storm interference. For Kyoto in particular, this is an important callout since the narrow, winding alleys become quite difficult to navigate when filled with umbrellas forming multiple layers of canopies—almost like rainforest treetops—that you must weave your own covering through while attempting to stay dry amidst droplets cascading off all the umbrellas around you!
Humidity levels starting to rise as the increasingly warm month progresses, hinting at the approaching summer. It’s advisable to dress in layers to accommodate the varying temperatures throughout the day, particularly in the cooler early morning hours and the fading evening light. Breathable fabrics which allow air to circulate around your body freely are your best bet for staying comfortable during your ancient explorations. When planning your outfits, consider the activities you’ll be engaging in and the cultural sites you’ll visit. Modest yet functional attire is ideal, allowing you to transition seamlessly from temple visits to leisurely strolls along the Kamo River. With this in mind, let’s delve into customizable outfit elements that will ensure you look and feel fabulous while exploring Kyoto!
What to Wear in Kyoto in May?
Puff Sleeves
Lean into your demure side with puffy balloon sleeves that radiate romantic princess charm.
The dainty trim details of these whimsical blouses are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your outfit while keeping the top casual enough for a day of sightseeing.
Pair them with flares jeans or a flowy skirt to balance out the exaggerated volume of the sleeves.
The soft, billowy fabric of puff sleeve tops not only adds a feminine touch to your overall ensemble but also allows for ample movement and breathability, making them ideal for Kyoto’s mild May weather.
Modest Maxis
Preserve the sanctity of the spiritual shrines you’ll be visiting with modest maxis that still allow for a girly moment. Long maxi dresses are a fantastic choice for Kyoto, providing full coverage and protection from the sun while still being light and comfortable due to their loose fit.
Opt for dresses with subtle natural patterns or solid colors to maintain a respectful appearance at religious sites—now’s not the time to get too avant-garde.
The loose, flowing silhouette of a maxi dress adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, perfect for transitioning from day to evening activities while staying cool.
Floral Fabrics
Exude kawaii cuteness in floral prints reminiscent of blooming cherry blossom trees. Floral prints are a distinctive cultural feature of Japanese fashion, symbolizing the beauty and transience of nature just as blossoming flowers momentarily appear throughout the annual cycle of seasons. Incorporate floral fabrics into your wardrobe with botanic dresses, skirts, or tops to embrace the local aesthetic.
Light, breathable materials like cotton or linen will keep you cool and comfortable during hot summer days, while floral patterns add a pretty representation of the outdoors to your outfit. Like the myriad of flower varieties, seek out a personalized print from the endless array of options which aligns with your particular tastes!
Maiden Skirts
Long tiered skirts add to a carefree countryside aesthetic that will make you look like a character straight out of Miyazaki’s “The Wind Rises”.
These swishy skirts are perfect for creating a romantic, nostalgic look which seamlessly complements Kyoto’s old-world historic backdrop.
Pair them with a simple blouse or a fitted top to balance the bulkiness of the skirt while shaping a flattering silhouette. The layered design of maiden skirts adds movement and dimension to your outfit, making them both dynamic and practical for a day of wandering through Mt. Kurama.
Simple Black Slip
Neutral colors reign supreme here, and you can’t go wrong with a simple black dress on a summer day.
A black slip dress is versatile and timeless, perfect for any and every occasion.
Dress it up with an abundance of accessories and sandals for an evening out, or keep it casual with a colorful bandana tied around your hair and sneakers on your feet during daytime activities—like exploring the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari!
The simplicity of a black slip dress allows you to accessorize freely and adapt your look to different settings effortlessly.
Stylish Sneakers
A sneaker moment in Japan is always a yes since their street-style is unmatched—and you’ll be doing lots of walking as it is!
Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring Kyoto and stylish sneakers offer the perfect blend of fashion and function. Opt for a pair with good arch support and cushioning from springy soles to prevent your feet from getting tired after long walks.
White sneakers are particularly popular in Japan, complementing a wide range of outfits and adding a clean, modern touch to your look. Whereas I’d go with a more striking colorway and structure in Tokyo, for a pair of Kyoto kicks you’re better off with a classic shape shaded in a simple palette.
How I Styled Kyoto Outfits
Packing four outfits for my late May trip to Japan, I looked to align my Kyoto outfits with the traditional aesthetics of this awe-inspiring city, packing a multitude of modest dresses and skirts for Kyoto in summer. Unlike the urban attire I hit the streets in during my time Tokyo, I deferred to my more feminine side in Kyoto, seeking out loose fitting gowns I could glide through the Gion district in like a demure geiko adorned in a kimono.
Our first day rushing from the bullet train to a walking tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple was regrettably rainy—it literally poured the entire day thanks to Typhoon Ewiniar—so I was quite glad to be covered from head to toe under the chilly circumstances, wearing:
Night Bloom Green Floral Print Long Sleeve Maxi Dress ($119.95) from Billabong. This maxi dress made from lightweight woven fabric features a white floral print reminiscent of blooming cherry blossoms. The deep V-neckline is perfectly versatile as it comes with a modesty clasp to adjust the amount of coverage, a fitted bodice, and billowing long balloon sleeves with elastic at the cuffs. A set-in waist tops a full maxi skirt with smocking at the back which creates a fabulously womanly figure while still being appropriate to wear to temples and tea houses!
Women's 574 Core Nimbus Cloud with White Sneakers ($89.99) from New Balance. I knew this day would entail a substantial amount of walking, making these comfy lifestyle sneakers the ideal choice for a more stylish and refined pair then basic running shoes, yet I also didn’t have to worry about them getting too wet!
My final accessory was a nude Small Woven Crossbody bag ($120) from Ligne Blanche made of a lightweight neoprene material which was large enough to fit all my loose items—since we couldn’t check into our hotel room until after the tour—and water-resistant as an added benefit!
My second day was spent visiting three—yes, three—more temples around the Arashiyama neighborhood, calling for yet another modest and girly maxi ensemble:
Gathered Detail Long Sleeve Midi Dress ($25.49) from NA-KD. I truly don’t think I’ve ever laid eyes on a more appropriate clothing item while shopping for an upcoming trip. From the puffy balloon sleeves to the dainty floral pattern to the self-tie collar as an ode to traditional Japanese clothing aesthetics, I knew I had to wear this dress in Kyoto the moment I saw it. The gathered, adjustable detail on the chest, long flowy silhouette, and open back design were beautiful additions that made me fall in love with this girly piece as soon as I put it on, and I would humbly say the resulting photos taken at Kinkaku-ji speak for themselves.
Landon Women's Flats & Oxfords in Denim Fab ($99.95) from Steven Madden. Adding another interesting visual element which matched the medium blue shade of my dress’s floral pattern, the denim fabric of these girlish school-girl shoes is a fun twist on traditional black loafers. The bow tie detailing incorporates a hint of whimsy and for a final touch of cuteness I wore white Ruffle Ankle Socks ($6) from Brandy Melville.
Polished Gold Frame Jack Sunglasses ($180) from Ray-Ban. On this thankfully sunny day I accessorized with my classic gold-rimmed sunglasses which flatter most face shapes given their nearly circular shape with squared off edges on the top of the frame.
Beginning our third day bright and early with a morning hike through Mt. Kurama, I aimed to continue with my traditional aesthetic rather than defaulting to the standard athleisure sets I’d grab back home for the same activity, pulling together:
Linen Balloon Sleeve Tie Detail Blouse ($35.99) from Chloe Rose x NA-KD. Featuring a relaxed fit made of non-stretchy yet airy linen material and a round neckline, this top ensured I could continue to rock a cute, girly ensemble even while scaling a hillside. The self tie closures down the front and short, puffy balloon sleeves are further whimsical elements which elevate this top beyond a simple white tee.
Mya Maxi Skirt White ($64) from Princess Polly. Continuing on with my all-white countryside look, this partially-lined long tiered maiden skirt with a relaxed fit complimented my puff sleeve top perfectly. The swishing movement of the skirt cooled my legs as we walked, while creating the illusion that these two disparate pieces were intended to be a matching set.
Given we were gearing up for a hike, I wore my New Balance sneakers again and walked with my nude crossbody bag to ensure we could easily carry all the water and snacks needed for fuel.
My fourth day in Kyoto was primarily intended to be a day in Osaka—but we fell in love with Kyoto to such an extent we decided to extend our last morning in the city—and thus I opted for a simple Japan summer style look with a red accent to match the endless torii gates of Fushimi Inari:
Onyx Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress ($80) from SKIMS. I have never received more compliments on a single article of clothing in my life than I’ve been graced with wearing this dress. The contouring nature of the signature modal rib fabric brings out curves you didn’t even know you had with its body-hugging fit, yet the addictively soft, full-length silhouette has a slinky feel that makes this dress comfortable enough to serve as a nightgown on the side. With a flattering straight neck and adjustable spaghetti straps, this is the perfect versatile black dress which can seamlessly transition from a day of sightseeing to a formal kaiseki dinner at night.
Tropical Coral Organic Cotton Bandana ($15) from Madewell. Adding a statement accessory to make my outfit pop, I tied this bandana around my hair with the intent of matching the red tunnels of torii gates we’d soon be walking under, and of course wore my New Balance sneakers once more.
By carefully selecting your outfits and considering both the climate and cultural context of summer style in Japan, you can ensure a comfortable and stylish visit to Kyoto while wearing appropriate garments.
Whether you're exploring ancient temples, enjoying the natural beauty of the city, or immersing yourself in local traditions, the right attire will enhance your overall experience and help you blend seamlessly with the enchanting atmosphere of this historic city.
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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