What to Wear Visiting Japan: Tokyo Summer Fashion Guide

LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 26, 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 8 MIN

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IN THIS GUIDE ✺

• Summer Climate in Tokyo

• What to Wear in Tokyo?

  • Teeny Tops

  • Pleated Skirts

  • Cargo Pants

  • Professional Pops

  • Colorful Kicks

  • Braid Ribbons

• How I Styled Tokyo Summer Fashion

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Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolitan city and bustling capital of Japan, effortlessly blends tradition with postmodern culture.

Planning a trip to Tokyo involves more than deciding which attractions to visit; it's about preparing for the unique cultural and climatic factors you'll encounter. One crucial aspect of your trip preparation is knowing what to wear.

As one of the worldwide fashion capitals, Tokyo's fashion scene is legendary, with avant-garde trends that bend the norm and others with ultra-traditional odes to Japan’s dynamic history.

The city's inhabitants have a vested interest in their personal style, often making bold fashion statements with outrageous ensembles which reflect their individuality, even if they aren’t the most practical attire.

As a tourist, blending in while freely expressing your wildest style ideas can enhance your Tokyo experience infinitely, making you a natural fit in the living composition of the city.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the essentials of what to wear in Japan during the warmer seasons, focusing on Tokyo summer fashion in the month of May. This transitional period offers mild weather, making it an ideal time to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods.

Whether you're planning to visit the upscale boutiques of Ginza, the quirky shops of Akihabara, or take a leisurely walk in Ueno Park, you’ll know just what to wear on Tokyo's fashion-forward streets with the help of our detailed style guide.

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Summer Climate in Tokyo

Generally, Tokyo’s weather in May is pleasantly moderate, one of the best warm–but not too hot and humid–months to tour the city.

As spring transitions into summer, Fahrenheit temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s (18-24°C). The days are longer, offering ample daylight for sightseeing. While May is one of the drier months, occasional rain showers are not uncommon.

During my visit towards the tail end of May, the first typhoon of the season brought a few days of heavy rainfall. This was the fifth-latest starting season on record, so any trips during the latter half of the month are subject to potential storm interference. 

May marks the end of cherry blossom season, with the last sakura petals falling from the trees. The fading blossoms are a sign that Tokyo is gearing up for its notably humid summer, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must.

Despite the generally mild weather, Tokyo acts as a concrete jungle with reduced foliage and oftenfeels warmer than the actual recorded temperature, particularly in areas with heavy infrastructure and limited shade. Mornings and evenings can be relatively chilly, so layering with a light cardigan is advisable. During the day, you’ll definitely shed these layers as the temperature quickly rises.

It becomes relatively humid towards the end of May, so avoid absorbent fabrics and seek out moisture-wicking pieces which allow your skin to breathe freely. As with most cities best explored on foot or by public transportation, your choice of footwear should be comfortable and practical for long days of walking.

Lastly, remember that Tokyo, similar to the rest of Japanese society, has an honorable culture of cleanliness and respect for public spaces. This etiquette extends to personal appearance, so dressing presentably is not just a fashion statement but also a way to respect local customs.

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What to Wear in Tokyo?

Teeny Tops

Teeny tops are a staple in Tokyo's fashion scene, especially during the warmer months. These small, often cropped tops are perfect for balancing out baggy bottoms and chunky platform sneakers like those you’ll find sold on Takeshita Street.

Opt for baby tees with bold graphics and vivid patterns to express your personal interests through your outfit, like one featuring your favorite anime character. In Harajuku, you'll see plenty of young locals sporting these itty bitty tops with high-waisted cargo pants or long maxi skirts which compliment the small size of their shirt. Dress them up underneath a spaghetti strap dress or paired with a long silky skirt for a night out.

Pleated Skirts

Pleated skirts are another must-have item for your Tokyo summer fashion wardrobe, drawing inspiration from the traditional school-girl, seifuku style. For a classic look, opt for a knee-length pleated skirt in a neutral color like black, navy, or gray. Pair it with a crisp white blouse for a nod to the traditional school uniform. If you're feeling more adventurous, choose a bold color and pair it with a simple top to let the skirt star as the focal point of your outfit.

For footwear, pair your skirt with Mary Janes, ballet flats, or even casual sneakers. Accessories like knee-high socks, hair ribbons, and academic neckties or sailor collars can further enhance the uniform feel, adding kawaii cuteness to this seifuku style.

Cargo Pants

Cargo pants are perfect for exploring Tokyo's urban forest, injecting street-style into your ensemble. With the added benefit of practicality, the numerous pockets provide ample space for carrying essentials like your phone, wallet, and any trinkets you pick up from gachapon shops on Takeshita Street.

Look for rugged styles that are both comfortable and durable. You can find cargo pants in a variety of fits, from loose and baggy to the more tailored and streamlined slim trouser-style. Pair them with a fitted top to balance out the volume of the pants and create a cohesive look. 

Professional Pops

Blending in with the salarymen is easy with a few professional pops incorporated into your Japan wardrobe.

Tie in business-casual elements like button-down shirts, blazers, and popped collars to achieve a sophisticated smart look. In an additional ode to workplace-appropriate attire, loafers and oxfords typically accompany such outfits.

Wear tailored trousers or a pleated skirt for an extra polished look, or contrast your lower half by incorporating street-style cargos. A common element of modesty you’ll see in Tokyo summer outfits is these tops worn underneath pieces with thin straps.

Colorful Kicks

With a healthy contemporary streetwear subculture, it’s no wonder Tokyo loves its sneakers—a playful pair of colorful kicks is thus the perfect way to make your Harajuku summer outfits pop!

Choose striking hues or unique colorways to showcase your personal style while exploring the trendy Shibuya streets. 

New Balance, Adidas, and local brands like Mizuno offer a wide range of stylish options with padded soles and breathable materials to ensure your feet stay supported. Coordinate your colorful kicks with laid-back ensembles or add an unexpected element to a polished seifuku or business casual look.

Braid Ribbons

Adding braid ribbons to your hairstyle is a small yet significant way to incorporate Tokyo's kawaii culture into your everyday style.

This playful accessory is perfect for keeping your hair off your neck, especially during humid May. Braid ribbons come in various colors and patterns, allowing you to match them with your outfits and add a touch of whimsy to your look.

Start braiding your hair into classic, French, or even pigtail braids. Weave the ribbon through the braid, tying it off at the end with a feminine bow. For added edge, mix and match different ribbons to create a unique asymmetric look.

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How I Styled Tokyo Summer Fashion

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Needing to pack four outfits for my late May trip to Japan, I wanted to go all-in embracing the eclectic styles of Tokyo’s streets, and I did my research in advance on Pinterest. While some of my curations were more or less streetwear I could wear in any urban environment, on my fourth and final day in the city I fully sent a seifuku style that I would never wear at home—but hey, when in Tokyo!

On the first day landing in Haneda Airport late in the afternoon, I really only needed to pull together a single evening look for our night bar hopping in Golden Gai:

• Navy Cargo Pants from Tenshoppe LA, Dupe from Amazon ($32.99, paid link)

  • A darker city vibe that’s nighttime appropriate yet not too formal for the dive bars we’d soon be visiting. Tenshoppe doesn’t have an online store, so you can find a similar pair above.

• Velius Women's Deep V Neck Shiny Bodysuit from Amazon ($23.99, paid link)

  • To ensure my outfit wasn’t overly baggy and formed a flattering figure, I topped it off with an iridescent bodysuit I previously purchased for a rave. The reflective fabric of this statement piece was perfect for the neon-lit streets, making my outfit pop.

• Tan Nubuck Steve Madden Effie Heeled Sandals from Amazon (~$80, paid link)

  • To elevate this look, I opted for heels. The nude coloring was relatively understated so my bodysuit could shine as the sole statement piece, and the square heel was sturdy enough to keep my feet comfortable during a long night out on the town.

For our second day visiting Meiji Jingu before racing across Shibuya Crossing in go-karts, I kept the street style going by pairing the following pieces in my Tokyo summer outfit:

• White All Yours Cropped T-Shirt from Lululemon ($48)

  • While minimal branding hides that this is technically athleisure, the breathable super-soft Vitasea fabric was appreciated as temperatures soared. The relaxed fit also kept this top from sticking to me and was cropped above my waist to create a flattering hourglass figure.

• White YAHUIUL Cargo Pants Women from Amazon ($14.99, paid link)

  • Continuing with another cargo pant look but opting for a monochromatic white ensemble, these casual loose parachute pants come with interesting details like the cinch cord bottoms, fashion fly with button closure, and multiple pockets with folds tailored into the legs.

• Women's 574 Core Nimbus Cloud with White Sneakers from New Balance ($89.99)

  • Finishing off my all-white ensemble were comfy lifestyle sneakers perfect to walk around in yet more stylish and refined than basic running shoes.

• Freshwater Cultured Pearl Chain Necklace from Madewell ($44), John Galt Black & White Shoulder Bag from Brandy Melville ($28), KUGUAOK Retro Sunglasses from Amazon ($6.99, paid link)

  • This thick, chunky gold chain was the ideal statement accessory to pop against my relatively understated outfit as an ode to the gold chains dominant in hip hop-associated streetwear. This was paired with more monochromatic dark accessories aligned with urban style to contrast my white clothes.

Since my third day in Tokyo involved traveling to the sacred Ryogoku Kokugikan to watch the May sumo tournament, I decided to wear a more refined, professional outfit including:

• Belted Fold Detail Top from NA-KD ($29.99)

  • This linen top is what I imagine a pair of pleated pants would look like if they were turned into a shirt, from the self tie belt and subsequent loops to the crisp fold on top and structured peplum pleating. Conveying an aura of business attire while remaining fun and flattering—this top was the perfect choice for my Tokyo wardrobe!

• Black Belted Detail Midi Skirt from NA-KD ($54.99)

  • A sophisticated tailored midi skirt with a belt detail and buckle closure plus a front slit. Opting for a long skirt feels infinitely more sophisticated than simply pulling on a pair of jeans, so this pop of professionalism was perfect for the refined environment.

• Landon Women's Flats & Oxfords in Denim Fab from Steve Madden ($99.95)

  • The denim fabric is a fun twist on traditional black academic loafers and becomes the visual centerpiece adding a pop of color to otherwise all-black attire, while the bow tie incorporates a hint of whimsy on these office-appropriate shoes.  

• Ruffle Ankle Socks from Brandy Melville ($6), PR A09SF butterfly sunglasses from Prada ($531), and Nico Bag Brown Distressed from Steven Madden ($108)

  • Added a touch of school-girl style, plus a pair of sharp black sunglasses for a put together, womanly touch. My purse of choice was an edgier element to pull together this monochromatic dark look.

For my fourth and final day touring the Tokyo Tower, I went all out with my interpretation of the seifuku, school-girl style prominent in Japan:

• Black Fine Knitted Bandeau Top from NA-KD ($13.49)

  • A relatively neutral base, this cropped stretchy bandeau is finely knit into a form fitting shape with a metallic, removable asymmetric brooch to elevate it beyond a basic tube top.

• Grey Pleated Mini Skirt from NA-KD ($39.99)

  • No school-girl ensemble would be complete without a pleated skirt reminiscent of academic uniforms. This mini A-line features a non-stretchy material and pleated design with belt loops—which is about as standard as it gets when it comes to an academic institution’s uniform skirt!

• Ruffle Ankle Socks from Brandy Melville ($6), Silver Studded Black Clogs from By Colette (~$25)

  • Committing to this outlandish look from head to toe, I tied my hair into four ponytail braids complete with dainty ribbons on the end of each. The majority of my silver spoon rings are from Ikaika Studios, which is my long-time favorite place to shop for finger candy. The silver embellishments on my clogs perfectly matched the asymmetrical brooch on my top, and both elements elevated the look into a quirkier ensemble than you’d see on the typical student.

✺ 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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