Japan travel dress guide

Japan is a country of real seasons, and that is the first thing that decides what to pack. Tokyo's winter nights fall close to freezing, its summers are hot and heavy with humidity, and between them come a short rainy season in June and July and long, mild spells of spring and autumn. Go north to Hokkaido or up into the Alps and winter means deep snow; go south to Okinawa and it barely arrives at all.

The other half of the question is custom rather than climate. Shoes come off at the door of homes, inns, many restaurants and temple halls, onsen are enjoyed without clothes, and tattoos can still keep you out of some baths. Everyday dress is neat and practical, and almost everyone walks a lot.

These guides cover what to wear in each season, the etiquette that changes how you dress, and Japan's traditional clothing, from the kimono to the cotton yukata you will find folded in your hotel room.