After a long period of cold temperatures, wonderfully warm days greet you in spring as April starts. The cherry trees are adorned with small buds, and people excitedly wait for the first flowers.

There are still cooler days, and especially mornings and evenings can be somewhat chilling, so bringing warmer clothes such as clothes or a jacket with a detachable inner layer.

Tokyo experiences its biggest difference in temperature between March and May, with the monthly average sitting at 15℃/59℉.

In general, spring in Tokyo is pleasant and a great time for day trips to explore surrounding areas!

At the beginning of spring, the average highest temperature is about 13℃/56℉. However, mornings and evenings are still chilly, so expect certain days to be below 10℃/50℉ as well. Mind the rather big difference between night and day! Dressing in layers is key.

The average temperature in April is around 15℃/58℉ and at the beginning of the month, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

There are more hours of sunshine, so day trips around Tokyo are especially recommended during this month! However, there’s still quite a large temperature difference between daytime and mornings and evenings, so pack an extra jacket to not catch a cold.

The past year also experienced a lot of rain during April, making an umbrella an indispensable item.

The beginning of April is still comparatively cold, so we recommend similar clothes to what you’d wear in March. Depending on the day, it can get quite chilly, so transformable or multipurpose clothes are a good idea. Layers also always work, such as a thicker jacket over a regular sweater. Flexibility in your wardrobe is essential!

May in Japan is a time of intense temperature change. The maximum temperature can be over 20℃/68℉, while it’s rarely over 10℃/50℉ at night.

May also has the most hours of sunshine during spring, so it’s a nice time for day trips and outdoor activities. If you plan on being outside the entire day and in the evening, do bring a light jacket.

In the Kanto area (greater Tokyo), the rainy season generally lasts from early June to the end of July. This time brings both hot and cold days, as well as a good deal of unstable weather.

A lot of people experience headaches and other ailments due to sudden drops in atmospheric pressure, so if you’re affected by such changes, it’s a good idea to carry medicine with you just in case.

Japan’s rainy season starts at the beginning of June. After that, the real summer begins and does not only bring high temperatures but also a lot of humidity. If you’re outside for a long time, you need to pay attention to protecting yourself from a heat stroke. Let’s take a closer look at Japan’s summer months!

Tokyo’s early summer isn’t that hot yet, but the humidity is already on the rise and there’ll be hot, humid days. The rainfall also causes the temperature to drop, however, so bring a light jacket just in case. Also, an umbrella is an absolute must during that time!

July is the middle of summer in Japan, so opt for thin and light outerwear, as well as airy pants or skirts. We do recommend bringing a thin jacket, however, and advise to avoid direct sunlight during the day. The temperature will drop to about 20℃/68℉ at night, so be careful not to catch a cold.

Tokyo’s August is the peak of the hot summer. There’s a phenomenon called urban heat island, especially palpable in areas with a lot of high-rise buildings that absorb the sun and block the wind. Tokyo’s record highest temperature gets an update pretty much every year. Wear something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke.

Every year, approximately 40 typhoons occur, with the majority of them forming between July and September. Typhoons tend to most frequently affect Okinawa and Kyushu, although Tokyo and Osaka also experience their fair share of cyclones when they approach the Japanese mainland.

In the event of a typhoon, the weather forecast extensively covers its path, intensity, and other relevant details. If you happen to be in Japan and encounter a typhoon, it is advisable to refrain from going outdoors.

Typhoons often bring heavy rainfall and strong winds even before they make landfall. Therefore, it's recommended to cancel any outdoor plans such as hiking, beach visits, or any activities near rivers. Additionally, public transportation may experience delays or temporary suspension, and air travel services might be canceled.

Autumn may be the most beautiful of Japan’s four seasons. Tokyo is dyed in vivid colors such as orange, yellow, and green, enchanting even the simplest walk through the park. The temperature difference can be quite massive during this time, so dressing in layers that are easy to take on and off is a good idea.

In September, there’s a rather harsh drop in the average temperature to about 24℃, which is more pleasant than the heat of summer. However, it’s also the month of typhoons, and September has the second-most yearly rainfall right after the rainy season.

If you plan to go to Japan during this time, it is important to keep an eye on weather forecasts and always have an umbrella with you, just in case. Wearing short sleeves is fine during the day, but mornings and evenings tend to be much cooler, so bring a thin jacket.

October is the most pleasant time of the year. The average temperature of 18℃ is comfortable and nice for the human body. Outside of typhoons, there is hardly any rain, so it’s a wonderful time for outdoor activities and trips. Enjoy the comfy outdoor fashion and put on your favorite dress or pair of pants!

Tokyo in November is already preparing for the upcoming winter months, with temperatures dropping to about 10℃/50℉. A coat or thick jacket is indispensable throughout November, and even on slightly warmer days, it may get chilly all of a sudden, so best be prepared.

Winter in Tokyo is terribly dry, as opposed to the humid summer months. It tends to get dark after 5:00 p.m., so if you plan on making day trips, you might want to consider the time at which the sun sets.

Of course, warm clothes are important, but so is a layered look – indoors is heated generously, so you’ll be glad to be able to take a coat and a sweater off if need be.

Carrying a large bag is recommended for that purpose. Because of the dry air, other necessary goods are lip balm, a bottle of water, as well as hand cream.

December brings a rather rapid end to November’s autumn temperatures and there might even be snow on particularly frosty days. The biggest characteristic of December is the temperature difference between day and night. Furthermore, the sun sets at around 4:30 p.m., which is the earliest time of the entire year.

January is Japan’s coldest month of the year. Because of that, January 20 (sometimes January 21) marks the start of daikan, the “coldest season.” If you’re traveling around that time, it is important to dress properly in warm winter clothes. On top of the cold, January is also the peak season for influenza, so you’ll see a lot of people wearing masks.

The cold refuses to leave in February, and some days may even bring snow. The end of the month brings gentler temperatures, however, letting Tokyoites enjoy the first breeze of spring.

As you can now see, Japan experiences drastic changes in temperature and weather according to the season, making it all the more important to choose the right clothing for the time of year. But bringing a large amount of clothes to protect against the heat or cold can be burdensome when you want to leave extra room in your suitcase for souvenir shopping.

For those looking to save on luggage space while traveling, we recommend this innovative service that is now available in Japan on a trial basis. Any Wear, Anywhere is a clothing sharing service that allows users to rent clothes while traveling.

The rental clothes on offer include surplus apparel inventory and used clothing collected from Japanese households. The main advantage of this service is that it reduces the hassle of transporting heavy luggage, all while contributing to a circular economy.

By choosing rental clothing rather than bringing your own, you can help reduce fuel and carbon emissions from airplanes. Not only does it eliminate the need to choose clothes according to the weather in Japan, it’s eco-friendly as well – what better way to travel!

‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ has teamed up with Japan Airlines, offering services to passengers visiting Japan on JAL flights as part of a study on luggage weight and the benefits of reducing carbon emissions.

Next, let’s take a look at the process of renting clothes using ‘Any Wear, Anywhere.’ First, access the official website on your PC or smartphone. Select your preferred wardrobe from several style options and make a reservation.

Clothes can be picked up at the hotel where you plan to stay. When you’re done wearing your items, simply return the clothes in the supplied bag at your hotel.

This revolutionary service completely alleviates the stress of organizing your suitcase on the last day of your trip.

Clothing sizes range from S to XL, in a total of 36 patterns. Clients can choose from a combination of styles (for men or women), season (spring/autumn, summer/winter), usage scenario (casual, smart casual, or a mix of both), and number of clothing items included in the set (basic or variety pack).

The basic set includes three tops and two bottoms, while the variety set includes five tops and three bottoms, with the option of adding outerwear as needed.

Prices during the trial period are very reasonable, starting at 4,000 yen (under US$40) for up to two weeks rental.

Sightseers Romain and Michaela tried out some of the rental clothes in three different seasonal styles: spring/autumn, summer, and winter. They were very interested in the eco-friendly ‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ service and were keen to share their thoughts on using it.

First, they tried on clothing for spring and autumn. Spring and autumn in Japan are generally mild, but there’s also the occasional hot or cold day, making it surprisingly difficult to know what to pack.

The selected rental clothing line-up was a hit right away: "I don't have to worry about cold weather because they provided a jacket," says Romain.

Michaela adds, "I can wear the shirt and skirt together without worrying if they go well together, which is such a relief when you’re traveling”.

The summer line-up is designed for comfortable sightseeing during the hot and humid Japanese summer.

“The lightweight shirts and pants are great because the hot summer is a time when functional clothes are key," Romain explains.

"Sleeveless tops and knee-length skirts seem to suit everyone," says Michaela.

Warm clothes are a must during winter in Japan, and ‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ offers plenty of functional winter clothes including jackets for rent.

“I didn’t know I could rent a down jacket," Romain exclaims. “I won’t have to haul as much luggage around. That means less stress during my trip – especially when it comes to transit.”

Michaela agrees, “I think so, too. Just imagine trying to lug a big, bulky winter coat on the plane. It’s such a pain! But knowing that I can rent one when we get to Japan? That’s a relief.”

“We’re so excited to wear stylish, recycled clothes and help reduce our carbon footprint while on holiday!" It’s clear that the pair were very satisfied with the experience.

(*All accessories belong to the stylist.)

‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ is an innovative service that allows you to rent clothes for travel in an easy, eco-friendly way. Enjoy a wide variety of stylish clothes for all seasons and most sizes – and lighten your load while exploring Japan! Register and apply before your Japan trip!