What to Wear in Osaka in Summer
EST. READING TIME: 7 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Graphic Tees
Sporty Symbols
Layered Looks
Maxi Skirts
Statement Satchel
Striped Sneakers
Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and the old imperial capital, is a captivating blend of neon lights and sizzling street food offering a feast for the senses. Known as Japan’s foodie paradise, Osaka is sure to delight your taste buds and excite your senses with a lively, vibrant atmosphere that makes this entire city twinkle. Whether you are admiring the life-sized animatronics beckoning you into the restaurants lining Dotonbori, returning to the era of the shogun while exploring Osaka Castle, or indulging in retail therapy on Shinsaibashi-suji, there's always something exceptional to see and do. But before you can fully enjoy all that Osaka has to offer, you need to make sure you're properly prepared by packing a wardrobe fit for its particular climate and cultural nuances to ensure a comfortable style during your visit.
Whereas Tokyo transports you to the future and Kyoto is rooted in historic aesthetics, Osaka’s eclectic fashion scene is a distinct blend of contemporary trends and traditional elements. Native residents can be identified by their particular style, which often includes bold patterns, vibrant colors, and creative layering.
As a visitor, embracing this fashion-forward mindset and incorporating elements of the dynamic local look can enhance your experience and help you blend into the bustling streets. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate what to wear in Osaka, illustrating how each outfit element fits into the broader context of the city’s style, to ensure you look great and mesh with the environment around you no matter the season.
Summer Climate in Osaka
May in Osaka marks the moderate transition from spring to early summer, making it one of the best times to visit the city. The weather is typically mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 59°F (15°C) in the early morning to about 77°F (25°C ) in the afternoon. This makes the month of May a perfect time for sightseeing without the oppressive heat of summer or the chill of winter. Rain is relatively infrequent in May, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for sudden showers, which are common in Japan. The tail end of the first typhoon of the season, Ewiniar, occurred during the first two days of June 2024 I spent in Osaka, bringing gloomy skies and a light drizzle. This was notably the fifth-latest starting season on record, so any trips to Japan during the latter half of May are subject to storm interference. The humidity in Osaka during May is moderate, making it comfortable for outdoor activities, however, it's still wise to pack light, breathable clothing to ensure you stay cool. Layers are your best friend for this month, as temperatures can vary throughout the day with cooler mornings and evenings without sun rays heating up the atmosphere. While a light jacket or a cardigan can come in handy then, during the day you can shed this layer as the temperature warms up.
Osaka doesn’t typically experience extreme weather events in May, making it a reliable time for travel. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, creating beautiful scenic landscapes for you to gaze upon. The cherry blossom season may be coming to a close, but you can still enjoy a variety of other flowers and lush greenery without the crush of tourists that descend upon the island during the peak seasonal rush in April.
What to Wear in Osaka?
Graphic Tees
Graphic tees are a staple in any Osaka wardrobe, capturing the playful and eclectic spirit of the city. These tees often feature bold designs, including exaggerated characters, quirky slogans, and vibrant artwork, much like the eye-catching displays you'll see on Dotonbori. As an added benefit, graphic tees adorned with elements of Japanese culture can serve as a conversation starter with local enthusiasts of the same media who will likely recognize and appreciate the design. When choosing graphic tees for your trip, opt for ones that reflect your personal interests and add a compelling element of individuality to your outfit. Whether you're a fan of anime, Japanese pop culture, or abstract art, there's a graphic tee out there for you. Pair them with jeans or shorts for a casual, laid-back look that’s perfect for exploring the city's many attractions, as the breathable fabric of a good-quality tee will keep you comfortable wandering through bustling markets or relaxing in a public greenspace.
Sporty Symbols
Sporty symbols and athletic wear are integral to Osaka’s street style, embodying the city’s dynamic and energetic atmosphere. These elements often include tracksuits, joggers, and jerseys, all adorned with team logos and stripes that add a sporty flair to your ensemble. Channel the spirit of the Glico Man, Osaka's iconic running man, by incorporating athletic pieces into your travel wardrobe. Look for pieces that combine fashion with functionality; a lightweight warmup jacket can serve as a versatile layering piece, perfect for Osaka's varying temperatures in May. Joggers and athletic leggings are another comfortable choice for long days of sightseeing that still give a nod to Osaka's love for active, street-savvy fashion.
Layered Looks
Layering is a form of art in Osaka, where the weather and local fashion sensibilities often demand an unexpected mix of garments. The key to mastering layered looks is to combine textures, patterns, and colors in a cohesive way, even if the underlying pieces don’t necessarily match outright. Start with a basic layer like a fitted T-shirt or tank top, then add a dress or tunic worn over jeans. This common style you’ll see on the streets and Japanese fashion mood boards not only keeps you warm during cooler mornings and evenings but also allows for easy adjustments as temperatures rise throughout the day. Culturally, they align with the desire for modesty and to avoid tanning when outside in the sun.
Maxi Skirts
Maxi skirts are another outfit staple to consider visiting Osaka, as they can be easily paired with both graphic tees and sporty tops to provide a contrasting feminine element to your ensemble, These skirts come in a variety of colors, textures, and fabrics, making them a versatile addition to your travel wardrobe; when packing maxi skirts, consider the activities you'll be doing. A lightweight, flowy maxi skirt can serve to create a natural breeze as you stroll during warmer afternoons, while a more structured skirt with embellishments can add a touch of sophistication to your evening attire.
Statement Satchel
A statement satchel is a practical, stylish handbag to use during your travels, as this accessory not only carries your essentials like a camera, map, or souvenirs, but also adds a pop of color and individualism to your outfit. Look for satchels that stand out with bold designs, vibrant colors, or unique details that reflect your personal style–similar to the line of thinking used when selecting an avant-garde graphic tee. A crossbody design can provide added security and convenience as you navigate crowded streets and public transportation. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or something more eclectic, a statement satchel can elevate your look and make a fashion statement by adding personal flair to your outfit.
Striped Sneakers
Striped sneakers are a nod to the classic Onitsuka Tiger design, a beloved home-grown brand in Japan and a staple of Osaka street style. These sneakers combine comfort with a sporty aesthetic, making them ideal for exploring the city on foot and aligning with the other sporty symbols included in your ensemble. The stripe style adds a touch of flair, setting them apart from your standard Adidas Sambas and making them a fashionable choice during your urban exploration. If you don’t end up selecting this particular brand of shoe, ensure you look for pairs that offer good support and durability nonetheless.
How I Styled Osaka Outfits
Only spending a single full day in Osaka at the tail-end of my late May into June trip to Japan, I was a bit worn down at this point and looked to prioritize comfort over style. Nonetheless, I stilled looked to incorporate aspects of the city’s style into my one ensemble, piecing together the following items:
Orange Divine Intervention Baby Tee ($35) from Lonely Ghost. While this style is no longer available on their website, you can still find a wide range of cute graphic tees for a relatively cheap price on their site! I always make it a point to wear Lonely Ghost merchandise while traveling, as Indy Blue’s travel vlogs are the content that inspired me to see the world in the first place! As such, their graphics align perfectly with my personal interests and it always warms my heart when other fans of the brand and their creator come up to start a conversation when they see my shirt.
Aura Overalls White ($85) from Princess Polly. Evidently this post is just becoming an Indy Blue schill, but her Switzerland photos from years ago featured her frolicking in the Alps wearing a pair of white overalls, thus influencing me to purchase a pair of my own with a relaxed fit and adjustable shoulder straps. For this particular day I knew we’d be venturing out to feed the sacred bowing deer of Nara, so I knew I wanted a bit of a sportier ensemble with my legs covered since we’d be interacting with wild animals.
Contender Countryside Kajuen Sportstyle Sneaker in Peach Bloom Greenlake ($140) from Mizuno. Knowing Japan had a rich history of both legendary running and lifestyle sneaker brands originating from this country’s fashion scene, I set out on my trip with the goal of purchasing a pair of sick kicks. I found these peach-themed sneakers in Tokyo and immediately fell in love—so much so that I couldn’t wait to get home to wear them! Rocking a new pair of shoes on the poop-covered sidewalks of the Nara Deer Park may not have been the brightest move, but they did keep my feet comfortable and matched exactly with the orange shade of my graphic tee! This particular style of sneakers were influenced by the ideas of sustainability, growing a better future, respect for farmers and nature, a deeper love of animals and vegan lifestyles, as well as the aesthetic of the countryside—which felt like the perfect energy to bring into a park full of sacred deer.
Polished Gold Frame Jack Sunglasses ($180) from Ray-Ban. On this 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. To carry all my belongings—including the crackers we used to feed the hungry deer—I wore my nude Small Woven Crossbody bag ($120) from Ligne Blanche made of a lightweight neoprene material.
By incorporating these key pieces into your Osaka wardrobe, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared for both the moderate May climate and the vibrant street fashion scene. Each denoted element combines practicality with elements of the local style, helping you to make the most of your travel experience in Japan’s kitchen.
