What to Wear in Japan During Cherry Blossom Season

Heading to Japan during cherry blossom season? Don’t make these packing mistakes!

During cherry blossom season, Japan is absolutely beautiful. Little pink sakura flowers blanket cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. During this special time of year, travelers fly in from all over the world just to witness Japan’s cherry blossoms.

But visiting Japan in the spring can catch many travelers by surprise. Spring weather can vary greatly throughout the day. From cold mornings to windy evenings and spring showers – dressing for cherry blossom season can be tricky.

Knowing what to wear in Japan during cherry blossom season will ensure you stay comfortable. Plus look good in all your instagram-worthy sakura photos.

In this complete guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about what to wear to Japan in cherry blossom season. This includes weather, outfit ideas, packing tips, and even what Japanese people wear during this time of year.

Weather During Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season

Depending on where you visit in Japan, cherry blossom season typically occurs from late March to early April.

Southern areas like Fukuoka or Hiroshima will bloom earlier while northern Japan will bloom later (around late April to May).

Temperatures during Japan’s cherry blossom season are mild but can vary greatly throughout the day.

Expect average daytime temperatures to be around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).

Temperatures will feel cooler in the mornings and evenings.

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, you should plan to wear layers.

Rain showers during the spring are also common. Japan is known for what locals call “spring drizzle”. This is when random rain showers pop up throughout the day.

Lightweight Jacket Is Key

A lightweight jacket is perhaps the most important item to pack when visiting Japan during cherry blossom season.

March and April temperatures in Japan rarely call for anything heavier than a light spring jacket.

You will be fine walking around without a jacket during the daytime. But temperatures do get chilly during evenings when visiting parks or along rivers at night.

Here are some jacket options that are popular in Japan during cherry blossom season:

• Trench coats
• Lightweight wool coat
• Denim jacket
• Bomber jacket
• Utility jacket

A lightweight trench coat is incredibly popular in Japan during spring. I don’t know about you, but I love spotting locals wearing cute and stylish trench coats when walking around Japan.

If you’re into a more casual look, denim jackets and bomber jackets are perfect for exploring cities and flower parks like Tokyo and Osaka.

Remember that comfort is key! Cherry blossom season in Japan is all about walking around and enjoying the outdoors.

Pack Comfortable Shoes

Cherry blossom activities will have you walking.

Especially if you plan on cherry blossom sightseeing in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Visitors spend most of their time walking around parks like Ueno Park or Maruyama Park.

And let’s not forget about all that walking you’ll be doing between train stations, temples, and scenic spots.

Trust me, comfortable shoes are necessary.

The best footwear for cherry blossom season includes:

• Stylish sneakers
• Casual walking shoes
• Lightweight trainers

You might be thinking… “but I have a lot of cute shoes I want to wear!” Trust me, resist the urge.

Walking all day in cute high heels or shoes without proper support will make you miserable. Japan is one of the most walkable cities I’ve been to. You’ll be on your feet ALL DAY long.

I recommend packing a pair of white sneakers for your Japan trip. White goes with any outfit and they always look great in cherry blossom photos!

Layer With Sweaters and Cardigans

Similar to what the locals wear, you will want to pack layers such as sweaters and cardigans.

Morning temperatures will be cool, but once you get into the afternoon it may start to feel warm while walking around in the sun.

Evenings will cool down quickly once the sun goes down.

To stay prepared for temperature changes, bring a few options that you can wear on top of other layers.

Good options include:

• Knit sweater
• Cardigan
• Lightweight hoodie
• Long sleeve shirt

You can easily take these layers off and put on your jacket during cooler temperatures.

Colors such as cream, beige, pastel pink, and light gray look great during cherry blossom season too.

Dresses and Skirts for Photos Under Cherry Blossoms

If you’re looking to take photos under the sakura trees, then skirts and dresses are a popular outfit choice.

Flowy spring dresses look amazing amongst pastel sakura trees.

Many travelers like to pack:

• Floral Dresses
• Midi skirts with a sweater
• Long skirts + trench coat
• Pastel dresses

Soft colors like light pink, lavender, white, and beige also photograph amazingly with cherry blossoms.

Not only will dresses and skirts allow you to move freely around parks. But they’ll also keep you nice and comfortable all day long.

Casual Clothes to Wear in Japan

Not a fan of dresses? No problem. Here are some chic outfits that you can wear during cherry blossom season.

Outfit #1

• Light sweater
• Straight-leg jeans
• White sneakers
• Trench coat

Outfit #2

• Long sleeve shirt
• Pleated skirt
• Cardigan
• Sneakers

Outfit #3

• Turtleneck sweater
• Wide-leg pants
• Denim jacket
• Ankle boots

This are just a few cute outfit ideas you can wear. Try mixing and matching items to create your own custom outfits!

These outfits are great for walking around cities, but also won’t make you look out of place if you’re taking photos.

If you’ve traveled to Japan before, you’ll notice that Japanese street fashion is very neat and simple.

Stick to neutral colors and your outfits will fit right in!

Accessories for Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

To top off your outfits here are some accessories that will come in handy during cherry blossom season.

Compact Umbrella

Spring rain showers happen often in Japan.

If you don’t want to get soaked, a small travel umbrella is highly recommended.

It’s very likely you’ll experience those dreaded spring showers during your visit. But don’t worry, you can find umbrellas at most convenience stores in Japan if you forget yours.

Light Scarf

Scarf’s can be a great option to keep you warm during cooler evenings.

Scarf’s are also great to bring if you plan on staying outdoors for hanami picnics under the cherry blossom trees.

Crossbody Bag or Daypack

We mentioned earlier that you’ll be doing a lot of walking. You’ll want to bring a bag to store things like your camera, snacks, portable charger, and travel documents.

I recommend bringing a small crossbody bag or lightweight daypack. This way your hands will be free while walking through crowded areas.

Sunglasses

Since most cherry blossom viewing takes place outside. You may want to bring a pair of sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes.

Avoid Bringing Winter Clothes to Japan

Here is the number one mistake I see travelers make when coming to Japan in the spring.

They pack way too many thick winter jackets, sweaters, and boots.

By the time cherry blossom season starts in March, Japan has mostly transitioned into spring weather.

Thin jackets and light layers will do you just fine.

Look Presentable (Like the Japanese Do)

If you’ve ever walked around Japan, you’ll notice that locals dress nicely.

Of course there’s no strict dress code for tourists. But wearing some minimal outfits will help you blend in with the locals.

Simple ways you can dress like a Japanese local:

• Dress neatly (no wrinkled clothes)
• Avoid overly sexy outfits
• Match your outfit colors
• Wear comfortable clothing

Staying comfortable and looking put together is key here in Japan.

Similar to their chic outfits, Japanese fashion usually consists of minimal colors and soft pastels.

Not to mention, photographs of Japanese street fashion look great amongst cherry blossoms too!

What Japanese People Wear in Spring

Here’s what you can expect to see Japanese locals wearing:

• Trench coats
• Midi skirts
• Pleated trousers
• Cardigans
• Stylish sneakers

Soft pastel colors like cream, beige, light gray, and other pastel colors are very popular.

Another chic look you’ll see are Japanese women wearing light layers with scarves.

The beauty of this look is you can easily take layers on and off as the temperatures change throughout the day.

Cherry Blossom Packing List

Here is a simple packing list for cherry blossom season.

• Lightweight jacket
• 2-3 sweaters/cardigans
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Casual sneakers
• Jeans/trousers
• Spring dress or skirt
• Light scarf
• Compact umbrella
• Crossbody bag/daypack
• Sunglasses

You’re now ready to take on Japan during cherry blossom season. Remember to wear layers, stay comfortable, and dress chic like the locals do.

Final Thoughts

There is no better time to visit Japan than during cherry blossom season.

Japan transforms into a pastel wonderland. Parks are filled with piknics, cherry blossom lanterns light up the night, and sakura petals fill the air.

Knowing what to wear to Japan in spring will have you prepared for all types of weather.

Stick to lightweight jackets, comfortable walking shoes, and smart casual outfits. And most importantly, dress in soft pastel colors and you’ll fit right in under Japan’s cherry blossom trees.