What to Wear in Japan in June: My Summer Packing List and Tips

If you’re planning a trip to Japan in June, you’re probably wondering what to pack just like I was!

I visited Japan from late May through mid-June. Most days were warm and humid, with a few days of steady rain.

To help you feel prepared for your own trip, I put together this detailed guide covering what to wear in Japan in June, what to pack, and a simple checklist of things to do before you board your flight.

Overview of My Top Recommendations for What to Wear in Japan in June

UPF shirts – Perfect way to protect your skin from the sun without getting too hot
Linen pants – I wore linen pants almost everyday while in Japan. My favorite pair are from Athleta. Amazon has good options as well like these ones here! If you don’t like linen, I would try these Baleaf ones from Amazon.
Shorts – I recommend bringing a good pair of shorts like these activewear shorts.
Rain Jacket – I used this one from Amazon that folds into its own small bag which easily fit into my suitcase.
Comfortable walking shoes– I wore my Hokas every day, and they were perfect. I got no blisters, and it was the only shoe I wore during my 2.5 weeks in Japan.
Compression Socks – These are a must for long flights! I wore these on the long travel days to and from Japan. They were not itchy and comfortable. I wore them for 20+ hours with no issues.
Hard-shell suitcase – My favorite carry-on suitcase!
Travel backpack – I have the XL size backpack and it’s always fit under the airplane seat while holding so much stuff.
Portable Charger – This is important to bring! My phone battery drained fast because of using Google Maps and taking photos. I love this one from Amazon, and when fully charged, it lasted for about two days.
Toiletry Bag – This toiletry bag was the perfect way to store all my toiletries and keep them organized.

Weather in Japan in June

June is the start of Japan’s rainy season, so expect warm, humid days and occasional rain showers.

On my trip, we had about three days where it rained nearly nonstop. Thankfully, all the hotels we stayed at had umbrellas you could borrow for free, which was really convenient.

Most of the time, we were still able to walk around and explore, but when the rain got too heavy, we would go into a coffee shop to have a drink and relax.

The average temperatures in June are between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C), depending on where you are.

We spent time in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and the weather felt about the same in each city.

We also visited Koyasan, which is higher up in the mountains and about 5–8 degrees cooler, it was a nice break from the humidity! We stayed at Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, and I highly recommend it!

For the most part, the weather was comfortable but warm.

A lightweight rain jacket and an umbrella were must-haves on the days where the forecast predicted rain showers.

Some days were hot and sticky, so breathable clothes made a big difference in feeling comfortable in the humidity.

I didn’t really notice cooler mornings or evenings since the humidity kept it warm around the clock, so you won’t need to pack extra layers.

I definitely noticed a shift in temperature from late May to early June.

Late May was cooler and less humid, while early June felt more humid but still not as hot as Japan can get in July or August.

If you can plan your trip in early June instead of mid-summer, you’ll enjoy much more pleasant weather.

The brightly colored orange torii gate marking the entrance to the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine hike in Kyoto in June surrounded by large crowds. — **Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto**

➡️ If you’re visiting Kyoto, make sure to read my 4-Day Kyoto Itinerary where I discuss everything we did while we were there and our favorite eats!

What to Wear in Japan in June

When it comes to what to wear in Japan in June, comfortable and lightweight clothing is key.

You’ll be walking a lot, often in humid or rainy weather, so bring clothing that is breathable and lightweight.

Here’s what I recommend wearing in Japan in June:

Tops: Bring lightweight short-sleeve shirts. UPF shirts are a great way to protect your skin from the sun without getting too hot. I avoided tank tops so I didn’t have to worry about sunburn and because it’s respectful to cover your shoulders when visiting temples and shrines.
Bottoms: Comfortable shorts, flowy skirts, or linen pants. I wore linen pants almost every day since they’re breathable, easy to dress up or down, and great for humid weather. My favorite linen pants are from Athleta! Amazon has good options as well like these ones here! I would skip denim since it’s heavy and not comfortable if it gets wet from the rain and humidity.
Dresses: If you like dresses, pack one or two lightweight, flowy ones. They’re easy to throw on and perfect for hot days.
Rain Jacket: A packable rain jacket is essential. I used this one from Amazon that folds into its own little bag which made it easy to fit into my suitcase.
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must. I wore my Hokas every day, and they were perfect for long days of walking. If you have space, pack a second pair of tennis so you can alternate and let one pair dry out if they get wet. I skipped sandals since we did so much walking and most hotels provide slippers for inside the room anyway.
Hat: A sun hat or cap is smart for sunny days. I didn’t bring one since I don’t like wearing hats, but it’s good protection if you do.
Umbrella: Bring a small, foldable umbrella if you have room. A UPF umbrella is even better for sun and rain. This one on Amazon is made to withstand the rain and the sun! We didn’t pack one but borrowed them from our hotels when needed, and you can always buy one at a 7-Eleven for cheap.
Sunglasses: Oddly enough, I didn’t see many people wearing them, but I was glad to have mine on bright days.

People walking on the paths running along the Kamo River in Kyoto at sunset with the glow of the sun emitting orange colors in the sky. — **Kamo River in Kyoto**

Looking for a Hotel?

Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!

Go to Booking.com

Need a Rental Car?

For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!

Go to Expedia

Guided Tours/Activities

When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!

Go to Get Your Guide

My Complete Japan Summer Packing List

Here’s exactly what I packed for my 18-day trip to Japan from May 26th – June 12th, 2025.

This all fit in a carry-on suitcase and a travel backpack as my personal item.

I highly recommend this hard-shell suitcase and this travel backpack. I have the XL size backpack and it’s always fit under the airplane seat while holding so much stuff.

We did laundry once during our trip at a local laundromat. It was super clean, easy to use (I recommend using Google Translate for the instructions), and many are open 24 hours. Ours even accepted credit cards, which was really convenient.

Most of the hotels we stayed at also had coin laundry machines, but they didn’t feel as clean and were often already in use.

Clothing

3 Short-Sleeve Shirts – I would go for cotton or linen material. It is best to wear something lightweight and breathable. If you can find something with UPF protection like these on Amazon, that is a plus!
1 Long Sleeve Shirt – Button up linen shirts are a great choice or UPF long sleeve shirts to protect you from the sun.
3 Pairs of Pants – I love these linen pants from Athleta! They are pricey but very good quality. Another good option for pants are these Baleaf ones from Amazon. They are lightweight and breathable which is key for the summer months in Japan.
3 Pairs of Shorts – I like these linen shorts from Athleta! For activewear shorts, I like Lululemon, specifically their Pace Rival High-Rise Short 3″ and Dance Studio High-Rise Short 3.5″. For a cheaper option, these activewear shorts are similar.
1–2 Casual Dresses – I didn’t bring any but would recommend if you like wearing them.
1 Light jacket or sweatshirt – Good to have on hand if your hotel room is chilly and for layering on the plane.
Rain Jacket – This is a must have when visiting Japan in June since it is the start of their rainy season. I love this rain jacket from Amazon since it folds down into a bag, making it easier to pack.
1 Pair of Comfortable Walking Shoes – I wore these Hoka Clifton 9s while in Japan, and they were great for our long days of walking.
1 Hat – Great for sun protection if you like wearing them!
Travel Umbrella – I recommend just borrowing one from your hotel (most have them) or buying one at 7/11. But, if you want to pack one, this travel umbrella on Amazon protects against the rain and offers sun protection.
1 Pair of Pajamas – I just packed one pair of pajamas since they stay clean if you shower at night.
Undergarments & Socks – I always bring extra! To save space, you can stuff them in your tennis shoes in your suitcase.
Compression Socks – A must for long flights! I wore these on the long travel days to and from Japan, and they made a big difference. These compression socks were comfortable and not itchy. I highly recommend them!

Tech & Electronics

Phone Charger – Most outlets in Japan are two-prong, so my U.S. chargers worked fine. But, if you have any chargers with three prongs, those would not work without an adapter.
Portable Charger – This is essential! My phone battery drained fast because of using Google Maps and taking photos. I love this one from Amazon, and when fully charged, it lasted for about two days.
Universal Adapter – This is not really needed if you’re from North America and your plugs are two-prong. But, if you have any three-prong chargers, then an adapter would be needed. I recommend getting this one from Amazon that would work in almost any country.
Camera & Charger – If you use one! I just like taking photos on my iPhone.
Headphones or Earbuds – Great for the long flight or on the train.
Kindle – I love my Kindle. It’s slim, easy to pack, and saves space compared to carrying physical books. I used it on the plane, trains, and in my hotel. Kindle Unlimited is great if you read a lot, or use the Libby app to borrow e-books from your local library.

Toiletries

Toiletry Bag – I love using this toiletry bag to store all my toiletries and keep them organized. Since our goal was to pack light, I was able to fit both my toiletries and my husband’s in this bag.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Most of the hotels we stayed at provided these, but I still preferred bringing my own.
Hairbrush or Comb — Most of the hotels we stayed at actually had disposable hairbrushes, which I thought was really cool! The hotels in Japan were definitely next level when it came to free toiletries. Still, I recommend bringing your own just in case.
Skincare Items – Your usual skin care items like face wash and moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend bringing your own products than relying on the hotel’s toiletries.
Sunscreen – Sunscreen is a must when you’re out walking in the sun all day. I like the Neutrogena facial sunscreen because it’s lightweight, not greasy, and doesn’t have a strong smell.
Chapstick – I recommend packing a chapstick with SPF in it so your lips don’t get burnt. I like the Blistex ones!
Deodorant – With the humidity, you’ll definitely sweat more while walking around, so deodorant is a must.
Makeup – If you wear makeup, I recommend keeping it simple to save space. I brought this L’oreal Lumi Glowtion and waterproof Cover Girl Mascara!
Medications/Vitamins – Double-check what’s allowed in Japan before you go here. I brought travel-size Advil, Dramamine, and my daily multivitamins.
Small Hand Towel & Wet Wipes – Many public bathrooms don’t have paper towels or hand dryers so I recommend bringing a small hand towel or wet wipes to clean your hands.
Blister Band-Aids – With all the walking, blisters can happen. I didn’t get any thanks to my Hoka Clifton 9s, but I still packed some band-aids just in case.
Hand Sanitizer – I kept this in my bag to sanitize my hands before eating!

Other Essentials

Daypack or Crossbody Bag – Great to wear during the day to store all your essentials! I loved my Uniqlo crossbody bag since it holds a lot and is comfortable to wear. I bought it from an Uniqlo store in Tokyo on one of our first days there. This one on Amazon is pretty similar!
Reusable Water Bottle – Tap water in Japan is safe to drink, or you can buy bottled water at 7-Eleven or other convenience stores! The Pocari Sweat drinks are a great option from 7-Eleven since they have added electrolytes.
Packing Cubes – Great for staying organized, especially if you’re packing carry-on only. I also feel like I can pack more when I use these packing cubes vs. when I don’t!
Laundry Bag – This travel laundry bag was great to have to keep our dirty laundry separate from our clean clothes. It was also nice to just carry this bag to the laundromat instead of having to bring our entire suitcase.
Travel Pillow – Optional, but this travel pillow was really nice to have for the long flight to feel more comfortable. 12 hours in Economy is not for the weak! I got this one on Amazon which also comes with a sleep mask and ear plugs.

The iconic bright colored Glico Running Man sign surrounded by other neon signs near the canal in Dotonbori in Osaka. — **Glico Running Man Sign in Osaka**

Dotonbori Canal in Osaka in June at dusk, lined with bright neon signs, bustling crowds, and reflections of colorful billboards in the water. — **Dotonbori Canal in Osaka**

➡️ If you’re planning to explore Osaka, make sure to check out my 3-Day Osaka Itinerary where I discuss all the things we did in Osaka and our favorite eats!

What Not to Pack for Japan in June

You don’t need to overpack for Japan. It’s easy to buy things there if needed at an affordable price.

Here’s what you can skip packing for Japan:

Coats or Sweaters – Not needed since it’s warm and humid.
Extra Shoes – One to two good pairs of walking shoes is usually enough. I only packed one pair of shoes (Hoka Clifton 9s) and was fine! The hotels we stayed in all provided slippers to wear when you’re in your room.
Hair Dryer – All the hotels we stayed at provided a hair dryer so no need to pack your own.
Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash – Hotels will almost always have them!
Too Much Cash – Japan is mostly card-friendly now, but it’s still smart to carry some yen for small shops and food stalls. We spent most of our cash at food markets and one small ramen shop, but everywhere else accepted credit cards. For our 18-day trip, we used about 20,000 yen in total. I recommend waiting until you land in Japan to withdraw cash. You can use an ATM at a nearby 7-Eleven, which usually has the best exchange rates. When the ATM asks if you want to be charged in yen or USD, always choose yen since your bank will give you a better exchange rate than the machine.

The iconic red floating Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Japan, standing in shallow water with misty green mountains in the background. — **Floating Torii Gate on Miyajima Island**

The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, Japan in June, with surrounding modern buildings and trees reflecting in the Motoyasu River on a cloudy day — **Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima**

➡️Make sure to read my blog posts about the Best Things to Do on Miyajima Island and my 2-Day Hiroshima Itinerary if you’re visiting this area!

Things to Do Before Traveling to Japan

Here’s a quick checklist of things to do before you leave for Japan:

Japan Immigration QR Code – It’s helpful to fill this out online a few days before your flight so you can just scan the QR code when you land and move through immigration faster. It’s not required, but it does save time. You can also complete it on the plane (flight attendants will hand out the paper form, so bring a pen) or fill it out at the airport after you arrive.
International Phone Plan – Depending on your carrier, you can either set up an international plan through them or use an eSIM. I have Verizon and paid $100 for their one-time international monthly plan, which covered my 18 days in Japan. An eSIM is much cheaper but usually doesn’t include regular texting or calls (though you can get around that with WhatsApp). I didn’t want the extra hassle, so I just paid a bit more to stick with my carrier’s plan. Airalo is a popular option for eSIMs!
Travel Insurance – I highly recommend getting travel insurance for any international trip, especially for medical coverage. I purchased the Basic plan with Allianz, which covered two people for 18 days and cost $163. It’s best to buy travel insurance as soon as you start booking things like flights, since you need to have it in place before something happens that might require you to cancel your trip for a covered reason.
Notify Your Bank – This is becoming a bit outdated since many banks, like Chase, no longer require you to notify them when you travel. When we called Chase, they said it wasn’t needed. Still, it’s worth double-checking with your bank to make sure your card won’t get flagged or frozen while you’re using it in Japan.
Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees – Make sure your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees so you avoid extra costs. I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred and highly recommend it. It’s a great way to earn points on everyday spending that you can redeem for travel, like flights and hotels. We transferred our Chase points to our Hyatt account and were able to book 12 of our 18 nights in Japan at Hyatt hotels all paid with credit card points, so no out-of-pocket costs for those stays!
Check Your Passport Expiration Date – Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
Check if the JR Pass Is Worth It – If you plan to take many trains across Japan, it’s worth checking whether a JR Pass would save you money compared to buying individual tickets. However, since the JR Pass price has increased significantly, it’s rarely the best option anymore. For popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, it’s usually cheaper to buy tickets as you go. You can use this online calculator to see what makes the most sense for your trip.
Download Essential Apps – Google Maps and Google Translate are must-haves for Japan. Google Maps offers more detailed and accurate public transit info than Apple Maps. Google Translate is great for conversations and lets you take photos of signs or menus to translate them instantly. You can even add Google Translate as a widget on your phone’s home screen for quick access. If you have an iPhone, the calculator app has a handy currency converter—just hold down the button on the bottom left, turn on the convert feature, and you can easily switch between yen and your local currency.
Make Copies of Important Documents – Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, travel insurance, and hotel confirmations just in case.
Book Activities in Advance – For popular activities like go-karting, TeamLab Planets, or Shibuya Sky, it’s best to book tickets ahead of time. If you plan to eat at popular restaurants, make reservations through Tabelog when possible. Also, if you want to do go-karting, remember you’ll need an International Driving Permit, which you can get at a AAA office or online before your trip.
Hold Your Mail – If you’ll be away for a while, I recommend requesting a mail hold from the post office so they pause mail delivery until you return. It’s free and helps keep your mail safe while you’re gone.
Learn Basic Japanese Phrases – Simple greetings like “konnichiwa” (hello) and “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) go a long way in showing respect and courtesy.