What to Wear in Kyoto in 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, serves as 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 the nature of the activities–like relaxing upon the 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 and traditional aesthetics of homes protected by wooden trellises and curved bamboo barriers also offer 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 trip to Kyoto, covering everything from climate considerations to specific outfit recommendations, to ensure 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 overcrowding from cherry blossom season tourism has 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 as multiple layers of canopies end up forming–almost like a rainforest of layered 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 that 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?
Puff Sleeves
Lean into your demure side with puffy balloon sleeves that radiate romantic princess charm. The trim of these whimsical blouses are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your outfit while keeping it casual enough for a day of sightseeing. Pair them with high-waisted jeans or a flowy skirt to balance out the volume of the sleeves. The soft, billowy fabric of puff sleeve tops not only adds a feminine touch 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 patterns or solid colors to maintain a respectful appearance at religious sites. 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. Incorporate floral fabrics into your wardrobe with 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 the floral patterns add a playful and charming element to your outfit.
Maiden Skirts
Long tiered skirts add to the countryside aesthetic that will make you look straight out of Miyazaki’s “The Wind Rises”. These skirts are perfect for creating a romantic, nostalgic look that seamlessly complement Kyoto’s old-world historic backdrop. Pair them with a simple blouse or a fitted top to balance the bulkiness of the skit 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. 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.
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. Unlike the urban attire I packed for days of hitting the streets in Tokyo, in Kyoto I deferred to my more feminine side, seeking out loose fitting gowns that would allow me to glide through the Gion district like a demure geiko adorned in a kimono.
Our first day rushing from the bullet train to a walking tour of the 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 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 a smocking at back for fit, creating a fabulously womanly figure while still feeling 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 pair of shoes that is more stylish and refined 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 weren’t able to 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 the Kinkaku-ji Temple speak for themselves.
Landon Women's Flats & Oxfords in Denim Fab ($99.95) from Steven Madden. Adding another interesting visual element which matched with the medium blue shade of the floral pattern on my dress, 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 these shoes with 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 that are quite flattering on most face shapes given their almost completely circular shape with squared off edges on the top of the frame.
Beginning our third day with a bright and early morning hiking through Mt. Kurama, I aimed to continued with my traditional aesthetic rather than pulling out the standard athleisure sets I’d pull out for the same activity back home, 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 and further whimsical elements that 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.
On my fourth day in Kyoto which was primarily intended to be a day spent in Osaka–but we fell in love with Kyoto to such an extent we decided to extend our last morning in the city–I opted for a simple 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 that 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, 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 historical city.
