Ultimate Japan Layering Guide 2024 - Cover image mt fuji

Ultimate Japan Layering Guide 2024 | Decathlon Sports Advice

The only guide you need to staying warm on your year-end holiday to Japan. Find out our top picks and recommendations in our layering guide to Japan!

It's finally approaching the year-end travel season! Roaming the streets of Tokyo & Osaka or going on a road-trip in Hokkaido, flying off for a getaway in Japan is definitely a popular pick.

Ensuring you have the right items of clothing to stay comfy and warm might be confusing. Fret not, we're here to give you everything you need to know (and more) about what to wear in Japan this year-end!

Ultimate Japan Layering Guide 2024 - Seasons

Seasons & Temperatures in Japan

Japan experiences all 4 seasons throughout the year. Spring (March - May), Summer (June - August), Autumn (September - November) and Winter (December - February). If you're going to Japan for a getaway for a year-end holiday, you're most likely going to experience the Autumn to Winter seasons in Japan. Here's what you can expect in terms of Temperature!

October: With Highs in the mid 20s to Lows at around 15ºC. Temperatures here are still pretty mild as Japan is in the middle of Autumn.

November: At the tail end of Autumn it starts to cool down a little. Expect Highs just shy of 20ºC and Lows below 5 - 10ºC.

December: Here's when the seasons shift to Winter. The temperatures really starts to dip so expect highs of only 13ºC to Lows approaching 0ºC and even into the negatives.

Ultimate Japan Layering Guide 2024 - 3 layer system

Layering guide 101

As you can tell, even in a short span of 3 months, the weather can be pretty different depending on when your trip to Japan is going to be. To be absolutely prepared for any weather you can possibly face, just keep in mind the 3-layer system.

Layers! it might get warmer indoors and inside trains so you can take your second and outer layers off. Getting cold when you step outdoors? It's very simple to put on your extra layers. We always recommend having multiple layers allows you the flexibility to adapt to whatever temperatures you will face.

Here's what we recommend to wear/bring on your travels to Japan this Winter holiday!

If you're travelling there in October/November, you should do just fine with your normal clothes as your first layer. Pack a sweater or fleece as your second layer and a lightweight down jacket should suffice as your outermost layer if you get cold on those chilly autumn nights.

If you're travelling there in chilly December, you might want to consider a thermal wear as a first layer. This can be worn underneath your regular clothes! A lightweight down or fleece jacket as your second layer will help insulate your body temperature, and a waterproof outermost layer will protect you from elements like rain or snow.

Our Picks & Recommendations

Still unsure of what items of clothing to get? Let us make it easier for you. These are our top picks for staying warm and cozy in winter in Japan!

Lightweight Down Jacket

This down jacket folds neatly into its own pocket so it can stay extremely compact when you're not using it. Lightweight and versatile, this will be a perfect travel companion.

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Base layers

Especially useful in Japanese winters, Having a base layer on would help to keep you nice and warm underneath your regular clothes.

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3 in 1 Down Jackets

The most versatile option is to consider these 3-in-1 jackets! Comprising of a down and waterproof layers, pick and choose to wear them by themselves or as one jacket! Convenience, versatility and comfort all in one.

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Japan Travel Essentials

Apart from articles of clothing, here are some travel essentials we feel would add to your travelling experience in Japan.

Compact Foldable Backpack

Compact backpacks like these are a true god sent for those shopping days.When you're not using it, it hardly takes up any space in your daypack. Bought too many gifts and souvenirs? Whip this out and carry your shopping haul in this with ease.

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Packing Cubes

Speaking from personal experience here. Packing your luggage with packing cubes like these not only makes it a more organised experience, you'll realise how much more space you save! p.s. this means more shopping space when you're coming back too :)

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That's pretty much it! Remember these tips and you're sure to have a great (and cozy) holiday in Japan. Here's to wishing you a fun and safe trip to the land of the rising sun!