What to wear to Japan in May? Hot topics and outfit guides across the internet
With the May Day holiday and the end of Japan’s cherry blossom season, May has become a prime time for many tourists to choose to travel to Japan. Among the travel guides that have been hotly discussed on the Internet recently, "Japan weather in May" and "outfit recommendations" have become high-frequency keywords. This article will combine the hot discussions in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed guide to what to wear in Japan in May.
1. Japan’s weather characteristics in May

According to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the climate in various parts of Japan in May varied significantly, and was generally mild and humid:
| area | average temperature | weather characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido | 10-18℃ | Large temperature difference between morning and evening, with occasional showers |
| Tokyo | 15-23℃ | Sunny to cloudy with increasing humidity |
| Osaka | 17-25℃ | Warm and humid, the rainy season enters late in the year |
| Kyushu | 18-26℃ | Rainfall increases and the body feels muggy |
2. Recommendations for popular outfit combinations
Recent trending outfit plans on Xiaohongshu, Weibo and other platforms show that layering and breathable materials are the most popular:
| occasion | Recommended combination | Popular brands |
|---|---|---|
| city sightseeing | Thin knit + shirt + jeans | UNIQLO,GU |
| natural attractions | Windproof jacket + quick-drying T-shirt + sweatpants | The North Face |
| hot spring hotel | Yukata + Feather Jacket | local rental service |
| Nocturnal activities | Thin blazer + dress | Muji |
3. List of essential items
Organized based on the 10 most liked videos under the topic #JapanTravel on Douyin:
| Category | Recommended quantity | Function description |
|---|---|---|
| folding umbrella | 1 handful | Coping with sudden rainfall |
| thin scarf | 2 items | Warmth in the morning and evening/matching |
| Breathable sneakers | 1-2 pairs | Average daily step demand of 20,000 |
| sun hat | 1 top | UV protection rate>90% |
4. Precautions for regional characteristics
1.Hokkaido area: In early May, you may encounter the "Hanariyo" (sakura cold wave), so it is recommended to bring a light down vest. Real-time data shared by Twitter user @TravelJP_2024 showed that Sapporo suddenly dropped by 6℃ on May 6.
2.Kansai area: Major temples in Kyoto require modest dress, and recent Instagram posts specifically remind you to avoid sleeveless tops and shorts.
3.Okinawa area: We have entered summer mode. Popular videos on TikTok show that the local average temperature reaches 26℃, so you need to prepare sun protective clothing and sandals.
5. Shopping hotspot reference
According to Yahoo Japan Shopping Trends, the most popular apparel products in May include:
| Product type | price range | Popular places to buy |
|---|---|---|
| linen shirt | 3,000-8,000 yen | Tokyo Shinjuku LUMINE |
| waterproof windbreaker | 5,000-12,000 yen | Osaka Umeda Hankyu |
| Japanese style jacket | 7,000-15,000 yen | Kyoto Shijo Street |
6. Expert advice
The May special issue of Japanese fashion magazine "LEE" recommends the "onion style dressing method". The thickness of each item should not exceed 0.5cm, and it is recommended to wear it in 3-4 layers. Also note:
1. The air-conditioning in subways and shopping malls is strong, so prepare cardigans
2. Shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting the shrine
3. Prepare machine washable clothes for frequent washing
Based on recent Internet hot spots and practical information, when traveling to Japan in May, you need to consider temperature changes, cultural etiquette, and functional requirements at the same time. I hope this guide will help you cope with the changing weather with ease and enjoy a comfortable trip to Japan!
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