Packing List: Best Clothes & Outfits to Wear in Tokyo in Winter
Tokyo in winter can be beautiful and brutal. Some days, you can have crisp blue skies and sunshine, and gray days with icy winds and snow blizzards the next. 🥶
Actually, my second trip to Tokyo (and second time solo) was during mid-winter. And I definitely wasn’t as prepared as I should have been!
But don’t worry—this is why I wanted to write a Tokyo winter packing guide. Figuring out what to wear in Tokyo for winter to stay comfy, warm, and stylish can be like solving a puzzle!
Now, I’ve traveled multiple times in Japan (and in Tokyo) in winter, and it’s honestly one of my favorite seasons to travel here—fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation (except in ski villages), and magical wintertime vibes.
I know what’s actually comfortable for exploring the city, and I’m here to help you plan your perfect winter outfit that is stylish yet smart for the cold.
Packing Guide: What to Wear in Tokyo Winter
I’ll sacrifice style for warmth and comfort, but that wasn’t the case on my first solo winter trip in Tokyo!
I probably wore the worst winter jacket possible—a long organic cotton trench coat. I was so cold that I ended up going to Uniqlo to buy a light puffer.
Here’s what you can expect, weather-wise, during a winter trip to Tokyo.
The average winter temperatures in Tokyo range from 2°C to 10°C (35–50°F). Days are usually dry and sunny, but windy, with a really cold chill in the early mornings and evenings. Some days are just plain gray, cold, and miserable.
Snow is a rarity in Tokyo, but not impossible. If it does snow, it’s more likely to be a flurry. However, I’ll never forget how cold it was in early February when we had a rare 24-hour snow dump!
Tokyo Winter Style: The Basics
In general, as with any winter packing list, you’ll want to think in layers and pack accordingly. Wear warm but breathable materials (not cotton).
Ideally, wear a moisture-wicking polyester base layer, underneath a warm polyester fleece mid-layer, and a water-resistant polyester outer jacket.
- Thermal base layer (long-sleeve)
- Sweater or fleece (warm cardigan or pull-over)
- Warm coat or down jacket (I got my winter jacket from Uniqlo!)
- Comfortable pants or jeans (can wear leggings underneath if it gets really cold)
- Waterproof boots or shoes (I wore my Dr. Martin boots)
- Hats, gloves, scarf
This way, you can bundle up outdoors but remove layers when indoors (and every café or indoor setting will likely have proper heating—except maybe some old inns).
Local Japanese know how to layer perfectly. You’ll see them with long coats, sweaters, and a thinner long-sleeve or even shirt underneath. They always look SO fashionable!
Tip: Even in summer, local women rarely (if ever) expose their shoulders, so keep that in mind if you were planning dresses and tank tops as your base outfits.
I am a big fan of Uniqlo’s minimalist, Japanese-style fashion, so much of what I wore in Tokyo during winter is inspired by this.
Local Fashion Insight: How Tokyoites Dress in Winter
Basically, Tokyo winter fashion = minimalist, layered, and chic. Common colors are nothing that stands out—so, most neutrals: beige, grey, navy, black.
You’ll see so much fashion diversity, even in winter, from Shibuya streetwear to classic Ginza to casual/bohemian vibes in Shimokitazawa.
Japanese locals—men and women both—still dress fashionably even in the cold! Avoid bulky parkas or snow boots, as it’s kind of overkill for the city—save those for the ski slopes in Nagano or Hokkaido!
Base Layers
- Lightweight thermals (Uniqlo HeatTech, Merino wool, etc.)
- Why: Efficient warmth without bulkiness in your bags!
For skiing in Shiga Kogen, I bought a Uniqlo HeatTech base thermal and wore it almost every day.
If you’re not going to be shopping in Tokyo for winter gear, you can get a similar merino wool layer by Merino.tech on Amazon or at an outdoorsy store like REI or Eddie Bauer.
💡 If you can save room in your luggage on your trip there, you could strategically pack 1–2 winter outfits and then go shopping in Tokyo for cheaper winter clothes!
Mid Layers
- Sweaters, hoodies, or fleece, depending on your itinerary!
- Best for sightseeing and early mornings/late nights
I also brought two sweaters to Tokyo to swap out: one turtleneck (which I wore religiously) and another casual pull-over to throw on at night/at my hostel or capsule hotel.
Again, I pack pretty minimally, so you might want to pack a spare (or wait until you get to the thrift stores in Tokyo—they’re amazing!).
Outerwear
- Warm, windproof coats—pack a down jacket or wool coat.
If you want to fit in with the Tokyoites, skip the vividly-colored puffer jackets and go for a long wool coat or a cropped puffer jacket.
In general, in summer and winter, Tokyoites dress in oversized clothes—large jeans, large sweaters, large coats. Somehow, it all works together!
Neutral tones (as you’ll see) are way more popular in Tokyo. In fact, many Japanese wear mostly black or neutral colors; the metro can look pretty monotonous at times!
Bottoms
- Jeans, skirts, or trousers!
I wouldn’t recommend wearing leggings out in Tokyo. I see many North Americans wearing leggings in Tokyo, and it’s not the fashion here.
Trousers, however, as well as pantsuits, leggings, and skirts, are popular with pretty floral fishnet tights! Don’t forget you can wear long dresses with boots, too, as long as you have a cardigan or something to cover your shoulders and chest.
You’ll actually notice many young Japanese women wearing skirts in winter without pantyhose or leggings. I wouldn’t go that far to fit in with the youth, because it looks miserably cold.
I wore black jeans (not blue) to blend in a bit more in the winter scene in Tokyo. Black jeans look nicer and go with more sweaters and jackets. You’ll almost see every photo of me in winter wearing the same outfit!
Footwear
- Warm, waterproof sneakers or ankle boots!
You’ll be walking a lot in Tokyo, even in winter, so you’ll still need a comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots.
My Dr. Marten’s get a bit tight at times in thicker winter socks, but they were great for grip on the slushy streets.
Next time, I’d probably pack a comfy pair of waterproof or water-resistant sneakers like Tropicfeel or Allbirds.
Accessories
- Gloves, hat, scarf
Really, any warm beanie, scarf, and pair of gloves will do! But if you need to pick some up, Uniqlo, GU, or Muji (and second-hand stores) will have just what you need.
What Else to Pack for Tokyo in Winter
Other than clothes and cute outfits, what will you need in Tokyo to survive the winter?
If you are someone who runs cold, you can also pick up hand warmers at 7/11 or Lawson, or extra socks and scarves.
Most of these items you honestly won’t need, but you can always get them when you get there! No need to overpack.
Other than clothing, think about:
- Self-care/travel essentials (e.g., SPF lip balm, hand lotion)
- Tech (e.g., portable charger, camera lens cleaner, dry bag)
- Things you’ll want out and about! (e.g., reusable water bottle)
How to Plan Your Outfits
I love to find outfit ideas on Pinterest or social media. But, before you go down a rabbit hole, try to think about your Tokyo itinerary and what you’ll actually need.
It can help to organize it like this:
- Day sightseeing outfit
- Night/dinner outfit
- Onsen day trip outfit
- Ski day / Mt. Fuji excursion variation
In truth, you only need about 3–4 outfits that you can reuse and rewear for your Tokyo trip. This is why layering is so essential!
Tips for Staying Warm & Comfortable
Even if Tokyo is cold and wet at times in winter, it’s still so worth it!
With warm cafes, spiced seasonal drinks, and winter illuminations and lights, winter in Tokyo actually feels pretty cozy. 🥰
You can also pick up hand warmers and even heat packs (kairo), or wear extra-long socks (Japan has great wool ones!).
And in restaurants, you don’t want to overheat with too-bulky jackets, so make sure to remove them (and your hat) when entering, out of respect, too.
Keep in mind that what you wear in Tokyo in winter matters more for comfort and warmth than for style. With the right layers, you’ll be free to wander during the day between temples and izakayas without freezing your fingertips!
And if you do forget to pack something, you will be in Tokyo, so go bargain-hunting for winter clothes!
