What to Wear In Japan In Autumn/Fall (September, October & November)

If you’ve got a trip to Japan planned in the fall, it’s important to know what to expect weather-wise so that you pack the right things.

Packing for an autumnal trip to Japan isn’t hard.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know so that you pack appropriately.

Table of Contents

What is fall like in Japan?

From September through November, Japan is in the fall.

The whole country is awash with reds, yellows and oranges and it’s such a beautiful time of year to visit.

After the hot summer months of June, July and August, Japanese people often welcome the cooler days that fall brings.

Here is what to expect:

Temperature-wise, September mornings and evenings are around 64 °F (23 °C) while the afternoon temperatures hit a pleasant 73 °F (23 °C).

In October, your morning and evening temperatures sit around 57 °F (14 °C) and the afternoon gets to around 66 °F (19 °C).

Finally, in November, the morning and evening temperatures are noticeably cooler at 45 °F (7 °C). In the afternoon, you’ll see the mercury at around 57 °F (14 °C).

As you can see, the temperatures vary considerably in the fall and so you’ll be best taking lots of layers with you – as well as a raincoat.

Let’s look at each month.

September in Japan

After the hot summer months, September’s temperatures are much more bearable while still being pleasant.

Tips wear September Japan trip — What to wear September Japan

However, September is also the time when typhoons hit. The month of September is the second-most rainy in the year.

As such, always take an umbrella and raincoat for September Japan trips!

When It’s Not Raining – You’ll likely be fine to wear short sleeves during the daytime. You’ll need a light jacket for the evenings, however.

Packing List for Women

Depending on how long you’re staying, women should take a thin long-sleeved shirt, a short-sleeved shirt, a cardigan, a thin dress, and a long skirt.

In terms of accessories, both an umbrella and sunscreen are a must. A nice pair of flats and some sneakers are a good idea too.

Packing List for Men

Men packing for September would be best taking a short-sleeve t-shirt, a regular shirt, a light coat, and a pair of jeans.

You’ll also need an umbrella and sunscreen as well as a pair of sneakers and a nice pair of shoes.

Best Small Travel Accessories for your trip to Japan.

October in Japan – what to wear in Japan in October

October is a stunning time of year in Japan.

The temperature is comfortable and there’s not so much rain.

wear October Japan trips advice — What to wear October Japan

This means this month is a great time to go exploring the Japanese great outdoors.

Take plenty of comfortable outdoor and active clothes for all of your adventures.

Packing List for Women

If you’re wondering what to wear in Japan in October, you’ll need:

a shirt
a pair of jeans
a cardigan
a thick dress
a denim jacket
and a windbreaker

As for shoes, sneakers are a must for all of the possible outdoor explorations you can do.

You’ll also need to take a nice pair of shoes for other activities and evenings.

Packing List for Men

Men will need similar attire to women in October in Japan.

A light jacket and a windbreaker will help keep the chill off, but you might be able to get away with a thin sweater on nice days.

Be sure to take sneakers and smart shoes too.

November In Japan

November certainly feels a lot more wintery than the earlier autumn months.

wear in November Japan trip tips — What to wear November Japan

Temperatures drop quite a bit, and you’ll need a thick jacket or coat.

Even on the warmest of November days, it can get chilly quite suddenly so you should be prepared.

Packing List for Women

November means getting out your woollies!

You’ll need a thick sweater or cardigan, jeans, a coat, or a down jacket.

Footwear-wise – Boots as well as sneakers are advised. Don’t forget a hat and gloves too for the chillier days and nights.

Packing List for Men

Men will need nice warm boots, a knitted shirt, jeans, a thick coat or jacket and gloves and a hat.

How much should you pack for a trip to Japan fall/autumn?

This depends entirely on the length of your trip.

Most people go for at least a week to two weeks.

Packing clothes for a trip to Japan autumn — Packing for a trip to Japan fall

Here are some tips on what to pack for a two-week trip to Japan:

A pair of warm boots – these are essential if you’re going in November but optional in September and October.
1-2 pairs of flat shoes – one could be a smarter, evening pair and the other could be a pair of sneakers.
4-5 pairs of socks.
6-10 pairs of underwear (depending on if you intend to wash while you’re there!).
A pair of gloves.
A beanie or woolly hat.
2x cardigans.
1 x coat or jacket – if you’re going closer to summer, a jacket will do. If you’re going in November, you’ll need a coat.
4-7 tops – take a mixture of things for day wear and evening wear. Japanese women are more conservative, so you’ll look a little out of place showing too much belly flesh!
2-3 dresses (for women).
3-5 bottoms – if you’re going in September, a pair of shorts might be ok, otherwise long pants and dresses with stockings are more appropriate.
Leggings – if you’re planning on hiking or walking.

Other things you should know about visiting Japan in the autumn/fall

Japanese people tend to take their own holidays in late September.

Don’t be surprised if tourist places and parks etc. seem really busy at this time of year.

Fall is a spectacular time for visiting some of Japan’s sites. The Rikugien Garden in Tokyo comes alive with striking fall colors.

visiting Japan in Fall clothes — Tips for visiting Japan in Fall

There is also a lot going on in fall too.

The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival takes place at the beginning of October and is a festival that celebrates the autumn harvest.

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You’ll see processions of floats, dragon dances influenced by the Chinese, and rituals inspired by the Dutch.

In Late October – There’s the Jidai Matsuri festival in Kyoto, which began to commemorate the Heian Jingu Shrine founding. There’s also a lantern festival called the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival in Fukushima at this time of year too.

If you’re into fitness, the Kobe Marathon is held each year in mid-November.

It runs from the city hall all the way to the harbor and attracts around 20,000 runners.