How to Dress for Winter in Japan: A Local’s Advice
Last Updated on November 18, 2025 by Kay
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Thinking of visiting Japan during winter and wondering what to wear? Or maybe it’s your first winter while living here, and you’re just not sure how to prepare?
Winter in Japan is something that surprised me when I first moved to the country from Canada. Despite there being little to no snow in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto (maybe a dusting of snow once a week or so), I was freezing! This is because of the humid winter air, which seeps into your bones even if it’s only 10°C outside. The wind chill here, especially along coasts, can also be brutal.
Insulation is also not up to Canadian standards (unless you’re in northern Japan), so you might feel chilly even when you’re inside!
This isn’t meant to scare you by any means, but I want you to be prepared for what to expect when you arrive.
As someone who lives here year-round, I’m breaking down how to dress for winter in Japan. I’ll also share what we locals actually wear so that you know what to pack.
Table of Contents
So, How Cold Does Japan Get in Winter?
Japan’s winter runs from December to February, although in northern regions (like Hokkaido), snow can start falling as early as late November and can last until March.
Here’s a look at average temperatures in Tokyo and Osaka:
As you can see from the graph above, temperatures dip below 10 °C in both Tokyo and Osaka, with January the coldest winter month. The temperature rarely drops below zero, though.
So what does this mean in terms of how you should dress in Japan in winter?
Layers, layers, and more layers.
What to Wear in Japan During Winter (General Packing List)
Here’s what my husband and I actually wear during winter in Japan, based on our experiences living in Tokyo and now in Osaka.
This information also applies to all ages, including children.
Tops
I suggest wearing long-sleeved tops, preferably thermals. However, if you run hot (the case for many of my male Canadian friends and family), I don’t think you need thermals.
I especially love wearing turtlenecks because they give me an extra bit of warmth.
I also wear a sweater over my long-sleeved top. This is usually a nice sweatshirt because I like comfort.
If this is your first winter in Japan, I recommend bringing a zip-up hoodie or sweater, such as a cardigan, that you can easily take off if you feel too warm. (Remember: layers, layers, and more layers! You’ll be adjusting your clothing depending on how you feel and the temperature.)
Bottoms
My husband and I wear jeans religiously throughout the year. In winter, though, I switch to Uniqlo’s heattech jeans. (Can you tell I love Uniqlo?)
Unlike in Canada, I don’t need to wear thermals under my jeans or tights.
For reference, below is a picture of what I usually wear underneath my jacket during winter in Japan:
When I wear dresses or skirts (usually long, although I wore miniskirts in winter until I had my first kid), I have a thermal shirt and thermal tights underneath.
Here’s what a typical dress I wear in winter in Japan looks like:
Many young local women like to forgo tights completely, and I’m always amazed by schoolkids wearing shorts or short skirts as part of their uniform in winter. I don’t recommend doing this if you’re planning on spending considerable time outside.
Outerwear
Bring a good winter coat. It doesn’t necessarily need to be insulted (many fashionable winter jackets in Japan are not), but mine is.
I wear a compact insulated winter jacket that I got from Uniqlo (Ultra Light Down). I originally bought it when I decided to travel to Germany a few years ago in March. Before I bought that jacket, I cared more about looking cute than staying warm, and now it’s become a winter staple for me.
My Japanese husband wears the same jacket because it’s not heavy whatsoever and easily fits in bags. He got a thick and puffy down-filled winter jacket from Columbia when we were in Canada during the winter, but it was too hot for Tokyo and Osaka. Now he only wears it if we go to Hokkaido or ski hills.
Here’s our family of three in our typical winter wear in January:
Shoes
As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t usually snow in major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo. Even when it does snow, it’s only a few centimeters and usually melts by noon.
So, in terms of shoes, you don’t necessarily need insulated boots if you’re traveling on the mainland and not in northern Japan. In fact, many of the boots for sale here on the main island have poor insulation.
My husband and I typically wear sneakers in winter with long, thick socks to help keep the cold from seeping in. (It’s also a lot easier on the feet when you’re traveling and walking around all day.)
Make sure the shoes are easy to slip on and off, as some restaurants in Japan or facilities might require you to remove your shoes.
I do not recommend wearing tall boots or those with many laces, as they will be a pain to store in shoe boxes at facilities and to take off/put on.
If you’re traveling to northern Japan, make sure you get insulated boots! When I first visited Hokkaido in February, I wore normal boots I got from Tokyo, and my feet were freezing!
For a list of where to get proper winter gear for northern Japan, read this article.
Winter Accessories
In terms of accessories, I recommend wearing a winter scarf. It doesn’t need to be super thick.
Thin gloves are a must for me! I don’t always wear them, but I keep a pair in my purse at all times during winter. The air is so chilly in Japan and I feel much warmer when I cover up my hands.
You don’t necessarily need a hat (I don’t wear one), but it doesn’t hurt to have a knit cap, baseball cap, or a beanie just in case your ears get cold. I like to wear ear muffs when it’s really windy and nippy outside.
I also suggest bringing a foldable tote bag to store your accessories and clothes if you feel too hot. For instance, trains tend to blast heat, and you might end up sweating if you keep everything on.
Wondering what the whole ensemble looks like? The images below of winter wear in Japan should give you a good idea.
Dressing Kids for Winter in Japan
Traveling with little ones? Here’s what I’ve learned after a few winters of experiencing winter in Japan with my daughter.
My advice for kids is pretty much the same as it is for adults. Layers upon layers.
Ever since my daughter was a baby, she has always worn thermals underneath her clothing. We buy her thermals at Nishimatsuya because they’re so affordable, but you can find some at Uniqlo as well.
On top of her thermals, she wears either a long-sleeved, thick dress, a sweater, or a jumper/sweatshirt.
We then pair that with leggings, jeans, or thick thermal pants when it’s especially chilly outside, and long socks.
If you’re wondering how to identify whether something is thermal or not, look for HOT or あったか on the label.
Here’s what typical winter outfits for my daughter (without the jacket on top) look like:
For those with kids who run hot and might want to take off their sweater (my daughter never does), I recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt on top of a short-sleeve thermal, and a zip-up or button-up sweater on top, like so.
Here’s what winter accessories for kids in Japan look like:
And here is what hats and earmuffs for children in Japan look like:
My daughter has mittens and scarves, but she only wears them occasionally, as she started disliking wearing them when she was about three years old. Now she’ll only do so if we’re in a very snowy area. She usually wears a hat, although sometimes she goes without it.
In terms of shoes, she wears sneakers throughout winter.
Wondering what type of jackets kids wear during winter in Japan? The image below should give you a good idea.
My daughter wears various kinds of winter jackets depending on her mood or where we’re going. For instance, in the photo below, she’s wearing a longer coat that’s not as padded or insulated as her shorter ones.
If we’re heading to an area where she will be in the snow, she will wear a waterproof winter jacket, waterproof gloves, and snow pants. You can find out where to purchase those in this article.
For other tips on how to stay warm during winter in Japan, read this article.