When visiting Japan as a tourist, the general principle for dressing is to avoid anything that appears sloppy, torn, or overly revealing. Adhering to a modest and neat presentation shows respect for the local culture and customs, which often value understated elegance and tidiness.
General Guidelines for Dressing in Japan
While Japan is a modern country, many public spaces, temples, and traditional sites appreciate a more conservative approach to attire. It's best to lean towards smart casual outfits rather than overly relaxed or attention-grabbing clothing.
- Avoid Sloppy Attire: Clothes that are creased, ill-fitting, or appear worn out should generally be avoided. This includes items with visible stains or damage.
- Steer Clear of Torn Clothing: Even if it's a fashion statement, torn jeans or ripped clothing can be perceived as untidy rather than trendy in many settings.
- Limit Revealing Outfits: Showing too much skin, whether through very short hemlines, low necklines, or exposed midriffs, is generally not advisable in most public and cultural settings.
Specific Items to Avoid
To help you pack and choose your daily outfits, here's a breakdown of specific clothing items that are typically considered inappropriate for tourists:
For Men
When selecting your wardrobe, aim for comfortable yet presentable options.
- Cut-off Shorts: These are often seen as too casual or unkempt for public wear. Opt for neat chino shorts or trousers instead.
- Board Shorts: While perfect for the beach, these are not suitable for city sightseeing, restaurants, or cultural sites.
- Tank Tops: Exposing shoulders and a significant amount of arm is generally not common for men in public spaces, especially indoors or at more formal venues.
- Old T-shirts: This refers to t-shirts that are faded, stretched, or have large, loud graphics that might be considered informal or untidy. Stick to clean, well-fitting t-shirts or collared shirts.
For Women
Modesty and neatness are key for women's attire in Japan.
- Skimpy Tops: This includes crop tops, very low-cut tops, or strapless tops that expose a lot of skin.
- Bare Midriffs: Outfits that leave your stomach exposed are generally considered inappropriate for public settings.
- Tiny Shorts: Very short shorts are typically not worn by local women in urban areas and can draw unwanted attention. Consider capris, culottes, or longer shorts.
- Leggings: While comfortable, leggings on their own (without being covered by a tunic or dress) are often seen as too casual or revealing for general public wear outside of a gym setting.
Summary of What Not to Wear
| Category | What Not to Wear |
|---|---|
| General Attire | Sloppy, torn, or overly revealing clothing |
| For Men | Cut-off shorts, board shorts, tank tops, old T-shirts |
| For Women | Skimpy tops, bare midriffs, tiny shorts, leggings |
By choosing comfortable yet neat and modest clothing, tourists can ensure they are dressed appropriately for various situations and show respect for Japanese cultural norms.
