What to wear in Autumn in Japan
Thinking about what to wear in Japan for autumn photos that will pop? Autumn is one of the best times to visit Japan due to the spectacular momiji leaves (maple leaves). Momijigari (紅葉狩り), leaf viewing, is a seasonal activity that the whole country gets really into. There are plenty of events all over Japan to enjoy viewing the autumnal leaves (my favourites are the Tohoku region and Tokyo). This is the perfect time to whip out your mustard sweaters, burgundy dresses, fire red accessories and channel your dark-academia-Taylor-Swift dreams.
What you will find here: what to wear in Japan for autumn PHOTOS
If you’re visiting and hoping to take some fabulous photos but wondering what to wear – I’ve got you. I lived in Japan for seven years and have travelled throughout the country during autumn so I consider myself an expert in dressing for the season!
What To Wear In Autumn in tokyo
If you’re travelling around Tokyo during autumn (usually November – I have a whole guide for where to take photos in Tokyo during autumn), it’s important to note things here are a little different than the countryside. Tokyoites are known for their exceptional fashion and Tokyo isn’t a city where wearing Lululemon leggings is considered normal behaviour. Obviously, you can make your own decision about what to wear in Japan for autumn photos. But here are my recommendations:
HAT, SCARVES & GLOVES:
Cute accessories like hats, scarves, and gloves are encouraged but not necessary. Tokyoites like to be slightly ahead of the season so even though it might not seem cool enough for this, you’ll probably see lots of people wearing trendy winter fashion as soon as a cooler day appears. These are also great as it will keep you a little warmer in the evenings and to use as a pop of colour in photos.
Examples are berets, fluffy scarves, and designer gloves.
JACKETS & COATS:
There are two types of outfits that you will see everywhere in Tokyo. If it is warmer, every single human will be in a tan trench coat. If it is cooler, everyone will be in a mini skirt and puffer/fluffy jacket/chunky sweater. I don’t make the rules!
Examples are a mini skirt with a puffer jacket, trenchcoats with baggy pleat pants, or an oversized denim jacket for a casual look.
TOPS, Dresses, skirts & PANTS:
As the weather isn’t too cold most days and you’ll probably be popping in and out of stores, restaurants, and trains, I recommend wearing something lighter like a light sweater or even a blouse under a light jacket. Japan loves to turn the aircon inside onto max as soon as September 1st comes along so you want to be able to take your coat off and get cool once you get inside.
Examples are figure-hugging long-sleeve jersey knits, sleeveless knits, and long sleeve blouses with a mini skirt or maxi skirt. You could also opt for a long sleeve mini dress.
SHOES & BOOTS:
If you’re visiting the parks around Tokyo to enjoy the leaves, you won’t need hiking shoes or even trainers. Most parks are very well taken care of with paved paths and plenty of places to sit and relax. Parks have great accessibility to trains and buses too. You will be completely fine wearing stylish boots or heels.
Examples are ballet flats, loafers, boots with chunky heels, and knee-high boots.
What To Wear In Autumn In Tokyo: My Recommendations
NOTE: I TRY TO STICK TO SUSTAINABLE AND VEGAN MATERIALS BUT PLEASE READ EACH ITEM’S MATERIAL DESCRIPTION BEFORE DECIDING FOR YOURSELF IF IT SUITS YOU.
What To Wear In Autumn When Travelling Around Japan
When you’re travelling around Japan during the autumn season (usually October), it is important to note that a lot of the most beautiful places are a little off the beaten path and may require a car and/or a hike. Because of this, you’ll probably want to dress the part. I recommend making sure you have some good walking shoes and layers. The temperature usually sits just under 10 degrees celsius in the morning and gets just under 20 degrees at the peak.
HAT, SCARVES & GLOVES:
I recommend wearing a hat but it usually isn’t cold enough for scarves and gloves unless you’re going to be up and about very early in the morning.
Examples are thin scarves, cute fabric mittens for the morning, and a newsboy cap, beanie, or baseball cap.
JACKETS & COATS:
A light jacket is a great option with layers underneath as it works well as it gets hotter throughout the day so you can remove them as needed. I like to wear my sleeveless coat or a vest as I don’t overheat when walking around but still stay warm when I’m sitting down or standing around in between.
Examples are puffer vests, sleeveless coats, or shearling jackets.
TOPS, Dresses, Skirts & PANTS:
Layers, layers, layers! If you’re someone like me who hates being cold, a light layer of Uniqlo heat tech or merino as your base with a loose woven jumper over the top works well. When I was road-tripping around Tohoku I didn’t bring any dresses as on a single day we might be enjoying a short hike to see the autumn foliage by a river to sitting on a tatami to eat at a traditional countryside restaurant. Even in the evenings, we would be spending the nights at the onsen or watching tv and eating random Japanese snacks after a loooong day exploring so I didn’t need anything too dressy to wear out to a fancy dinner.
Examples are Uniqlo’s heat tech, loose knit sweaters for layering, and either jeans or casual trousers.
SHOES & BOOTS:
I usually wear either something super comfy and warm like Ugg style booties, casual boots, or a light and nimble hiking shoe (not a heavy boot). Keep in mind if you’re going to be heading out to sightsee and will be going to lots of restaurants or buildings you will need to remove your shoes if they have tatami.
Examples are Ugg style boots, chelsea boots, a lace-up boot like combat boots, or a light hiking shoe.
What To Wear In Autumn in Japan: My Recommendations
NOTE: I TRY TO STICK TO SUSTAINABLE AND VEGAN MATERIALS BUT PLEASE READ EACH ITEM’S MATERIAL DESCRIPTION BEFORE DECIDING FOR YOURSELF IF IT SUITS YOU.
Best places to book your trip
Did you love this post? By booking through these links, you can support me at no additional cost for you. Your support helps me write honest guides and helpful posts!
🖤 Book a hotel with Booking.com (this is my favourite website to book hotels)
🖤 Get an e-sim for your trip with Airalo
🖤 Book experiences with Viator.com
🖤 Book experiences with GetYourGuide.com
🖤 Book a car with Rentalcars.com
🖤 Book lounge access for your airport with Priority Pass (I’m an airport lounge girlie)
VERDICT
Is Autumn the best season in Japan for photos?
Autumn in Japan is one of the best times to be out and about in your cutest outfits. When deciding what to wear in Japan for autumn photos you have so many options as the weather is mild and the leaves are plentiful. You won’t have to walk far to find a beautiful spot to take photos which means its a chance to get your cutest heels out.
One thing to remember is that while Harajuku might be a hub for fashionistas, the majority of Japanese people dress quite modestly. Bare shoulders and cleavage are usually no-gos, as are leisurewear. However, this doesn’t apply to legs – you can wear a short skirt without a single stare. I don’t make the rules, OK? However I do encourage you to wear safety shorts as its quite common for men to try and sneak a photo of a woman walking up stairs – especially at train stations.
Thanks for reading!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on what to wear in Japan for autumn photos. If you’re on Instagram, you can find me over here: @apicturesquelife and I’d be happy to connect!
xoxo,
WANT TO SAY THANK YOU?
I strive to keep all of my guides accessible to all. If my free content has helped you in any way and you would like to say ‘thank you’, I would hugely appreciate any donation towards my work and the running costs of this blog. Any contribution is greatly appreciated!