What We Wore in Tokyo in March (Rainy Days + Outfit Mistakes)
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If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo in late March and wondering what actually works for cherry blossom season weather, you’re in the right place. After planning our outfits for Japan in March, this what we actually ended up wearing in Tokyo during our 5-day trip from March 23–28.
If you’re currently planning your trip, we also put together a full Tokyo Spring Packing List (Exact Checklist for March–April Travel) along with our post about how we plan our Japan spring outfits before we even pack.
This wasn’t one of those trips where it was sunny and perfect every day. We had several rainy days, temperatures mostly in the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, and lots of outfit layering changes throughout the trip. Some outfits worked perfectly, while others definitely taught us a few lessons.
Tokyo Tower Views
Rainy Day in Akasaka
Since we always plan our outfits carefully before our Japan trips, we thought it would be fun to share what we actually ended up wearing around areas like Tokyo Tower and Akasaka, along with the pieces that held up best for walking, layering, and rainy weather.
Tokyo Weather in Late March
Before getting into the outfits, here’s what the weather was actually like during our trip:
Mostly 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit
Several rainy and cloudy days
Chilly mornings and evenings
Comfortable during the day if layered properly
A LOT of walking
One thing that surprised us was how easy Tokyo was to walk around in the rain. Japan’s drainage system is excellent, so we rarely encountered puddles. Even on rainy days, the sidewalks had great traction and we never felt like we were slipping while walking downhill.
If you’re planning your trip for a different time of year, we’ve also shared exactly what we wore in other seasons:
• What to Wear in Japan in March
• What to Wear in Japan in April
• What to Wear in Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
• What to Wear in Japan in June
• What to Wear in Japan in September
• What to Wear in Japan in October
Each guide shows real outfits and what actually worked for us.
Hie Shrine Akasaka
How We Plan Our Japan Outfits Before the Trip
One thing that helps us avoid overpacking is planning our outfits ahead of time in a shared Google document.
We’ll usually map out:
What we’re wearing each day
Which areas we’ll be exploring
Weather forecasts
Which shoes work best
Layering combinations
This helps us narrow down exactly what we need instead of throwing random clothes into a suitcase “just in case.” It also helps us mix and match pieces more efficiently.
For this trip especially, layering became really important because the weather changed constantly throughout the day.
To make this post easier to follow, we're each sharing our outfits in our own words and explaining what worked (and what didn't) during our late March trip to Tokyo.
alleyway in Akasaka
What We Actually Wore in Tokyo
Crystal’s Tokyo Outfits
For the Tokyo Tower area, I wanted to lean into my current obsession with ties and collared shirts.
I wore a reddish striped button-down shirt paired with a black pleated skirt and one of the snap-on bow ties I found on Amazon. I loved how the bow tie instantly made the outfit feel more styled and playful without requiring me to actually tie anything.
I layered the outfit with an oversized black blazer and ribbed cotton tights and this was perfect for the evenings when the temperatures dropped.
For shoes, I wore my Marcella boots that I've had for years and they've been on multiple trips to Japan, London, and around the U.S. What I love most is the side zipper, which makes them easy to take on and off when entering homes or apartment-style accommodations in Japan.
While Marcella no longer makes this exact style, their current boot collection has a similar modern aesthetic that I still love.
Outfit Details
LOFT Button-Down Shirt (similar)
Why This Outfit Worked
Comfortable for walking around Tokyo
Easy to layer throughout the day
Added personality with minimal effort
The tights made the shorter skirt feel much more wearable in cooler weather
The next day, I wore my blue MO&Co. tie-detail shirt paired with my Marcella skort and oversized blazer. This shirt already comes with a matching tie detail, which makes it feel a little more elevated without needing extra accessories.
I wore this outfit while exploring the temple area near Tokyo Tower. The mornings were still chilly, so the blazer helped keep me comfortable, but I could easily remove it as temperatures warmed up.
Outfit Details
Why This Outfit Worked
Comfortable for long walks
Easy to transition from cool mornings to warmer afternoons
Polished without feeling overly dressy
One evening while visiting Tokyo Tower, I changed into my tiger sweatshirt from SHEIN and paired it with my Anthropologie Tilda Maxi Skirt.
This was actually my first time ordering from SHEIN. I loved the tiger design and received several compliments during the trip, but I could definitely tell the quality wasn't on the same level as sweatshirts I own from Alo or Anthropologie. The material felt thinner and less structured, but visually it worked really well.
The Tilda skirt continues to be one of my favorite travel pieces because it's lightweight, easy to pack, and works across multiple seasons.
Touring the inside of Tokyo Tower with my tiger sweatshirt
One of my best pieces from this trip was my green LOFT bomber jacket. This bomber jacket practically saved the trip. I had been searching for an army green bomber jacket for a while, and this one ended up being perfect for Tokyo’s unpredictable weather.
I especially loved the zippered sleeve pocket because I could easily store small essentials like AirPods, Chapstick, and other small accessories.
At night when temperatures dropped, this jacket became one of my most-used layers.
This Bomber Jacket was the best
Jackets were necessary in the evenings during March
Outfit Details
Why This Outfit Worked
Lightweight and easy to pack
Comfortable for sightseeing
Great statement piece for photos
Easy to layer for cooler evenings
Candy’s Tokyo Outfits
Since it wasn’t raining during our first couple days in Tokyo, I took advantage of the dry weather and wore my favorite white wide-leg pants from Express. These pants have been one of my go-to travel staples for years.
The reason I avoid wearing them on rainy days is because the hems are long enough to brush the ground slightly, which can become a problem once the fabric starts absorbing rainwater.
I paired the pants with the Marcella Palmer Knit Top layered over a Uniqlo HeatTech shirt underneath for warmth.
The Marcella top has a really unique sculptural silhouette with oversized sleeves and an architectural shape that makes it feel much more elevated than a basic sweater. It photographs beautifully and gives the outfit a more fashion-forward look while still being comfortable enough for walking around Tokyo all day.
One challenge with the Palmer Knit Top, though, is that the sleeve shape makes it difficult to layer under jackets comfortably. Because of that, it works best on dry spring days where you don’t need heavy outerwear. Still, visually, this ended up being one of my favorite looks from the trip.
Outfit Details
Why This Outfit Worked
Great for dry spring weather
Photographed beautifully
Comfortable enough for all-day sightseeing
Felt elevated without sacrificing comfort
Lisa Says Gah Cardigan
Another one of my outfits featured striped Sezane trousers paired with a simple white Quince t-shirt and a fluffy cropped cardigan from Lisa Says Gah.
One thing I loved about these trousers was the adjustable waist detail. After eating my way through Tokyo, having a little flexibility in the waistband was definitely appreciated.
The cardigan added warmth while still allowing the high-waisted trousers to remain the focus of the outfit.
My New Travel Purse for Tokyo
One newer piece I brought on this trip was my Coach Bleecker Bucket Bag.
On previous Japan trips, I usually relied on tote bags because I like having enough room for all my daily essentials. Since Tokyo days usually involve a lot of walking, train rides, shopping, snacks, and random convenience store stops, I was a little nervous about switching to a smaller bag.
But the bucket bag ended up working out great. It still fit everything I needed for the day without feeling bulky. I also liked that it felt a little more polished with my outfits, especially with the Sezane trousers, wide-leg pants, and layered cardigan looks.
The Shoe Mistake
One of the biggest lessons from this trip involved shoes.
I packed red Sam Edelman Mary Jane flats because I already own the same style in black and cream and both are incredibly comfortable. Even if it’s technically the same shoe model, I guess different colors and materials can sometimes fit differently.
Unfortunately, the red version fit differently and ended up hurting my feet badly.
After one day, I switched back to my Adidas Sambas for the rest of the trip.
Outfit Details
Lisa Says Gah Priya Cardigan
Why This Outfit Worked
Comfortable for long sightseeing days
Easy to layer
Flattering silhouette
Great for sunny spring weather
Rainy Days in Tokyo: What Actually Worked
Once we checked into our next hotel in Akasaka, the weather shifted and we experienced rain for several days straight.
This completely changed how we layered.
Crystal’s Rainy Day Outfits
Once we moved to Akasaka, the weather completely changed and we ended up dealing with rain for several days straight. One of my favorite outfits from the trip was actually something I hadn't originally planned to wear together.
I started with my Quince cashmere mini dress, which is one of the most comfortable travel pieces I own. It's soft, cozy, and easy to dress up or down depending on the weather. Since temperatures were mostly in the 50s, I wore ribbed tights underneath along with my Marcella boots for extra warmth.
For outerwear, I layered a lightweight Zara hooded jacket underneath my LOFT bomber jacket. This combination happened almost by accident. I originally packed the Zara jacket for rain protection and the bomber jacket for cooler temperatures, but wearing them together ended up being the perfect solution for Tokyo's chilly, rainy weather.
Rainy Day in Akasaka Japan
Outfit Details
Why This Outfit Worked
Warm without feeling bulky
Easy to remove layers indoors
Comfortable for long sightseeing days
Worked well in cool rainy weather
Another outfit I wore during the rainy days in Akasaka centered around my Anthropologie Tilda Maxi Skirt, which quickly became one of my most-worn pieces during the trip. I paired it with a Uniqlo HeatTech tank and a Marcella sheer turtleneck.
Originally I planned to wear boots because of the rain, but at the last minute I switched to my Converse. To my surprise, the Converse worked perfectly. Tokyo's drainage system is excellent, and I rarely encountered puddles even after hours of rain.
Since temperatures stayed cool throughout the day, I repeated the same layering combination that had worked so well earlier in the trip: my Zara hooded jacket underneath my LOFT bomber jacket. By this point, that jacket combination had become my go-to formula whenever rain was in the forecast.
My go-to jacket combo on rainy days in Tokyo
Outfit Details
Uniqlo HeatTech Camisole
Why This Outfit Worked
Comfortable for walking
Great for layering
Converse stayed surprisingly dry
Easy to adjust throughout the day
One of my favorite outfits in Akasaka combined several pieces that I've worn on previous trips but styled a little differently this time around. I paired a striped button-down shirt with a black sweater vest, black tie, and my Amazon pleated skirt.
I've always loved the combination of collared shirts and ties, but adding the sweater vest made the outfit feel a little more polished and put together. It also provided some extra warmth during Tokyo's cool spring weather without needing a bulky layer underneath.
Instead of reaching for a blazer, I wore my LOFT bomber jacket. The bomber gave the outfit a slightly more casual feel while still working surprisingly well with the preppy styling. It's not a combination I originally planned, but once I put it on, it quickly became one of my favorite looks from the trip.
Night out in Akasaka with my favorite LOFT bomber jacket
Outfit Details
Why This Outfit Worked
Comfortable for long sightseeing days
Easy to layer as temperatures changed
Mixed preppy and casual elements
Reused versatile pieces already packed
By our final clear day in Akasaka, I was ready to wear one of the outfits I had been most excited about packing. What I didn't realize at the time was that it would end up fitting perfectly with Akasaka's Harry Potter-themed area near the train station.
I started with my Quince washable silk blouse layered under a black sweater vest. To keep with my tie obsession, I added a striped zip tie and paired everything with the same black pleated skirt I had worn earlier in the trip. An oversized blazer tied the whole look together, while my Converse kept things comfortable for a full day of sightseeing.
Oversized H&M Blazer
Striped tie from Amazon
Outfit Details
Why This Outfit Worked
Comfortable for all-day walking
Easy to layer
Fun and unique styling
Perfect for Akasaka
Candy’s Rainy Day Outfits
Once the rain arrived in Akasaka, my outfit strategy became much simpler. Instead of planning completely different outfits each day, I focused on building around a few core pieces and changing my outerwear depending on the weather.
For most of the rainy days, I wore my favorite J.Crew wide-leg jeans paired with a Quince t-shirt and a Uniqlo HeatTech layer underneath. These jeans ended up being one of the best pieces I packed because the length was perfect for wet weather. They were long enough to look polished but didn't drag on the ground like some of my other pants.
The piece I reached for most often was my striped trench coat from Favorite Daughter. It was lightweight, easy to move around in, and worked well for Tokyo's cool spring temperatures. Because we were constantly walking, I found that I didn't need as many heavy layers as I originally expected. Even on rainy days, I would often warm up once we started exploring.
As temperatures dropped in the evenings, I would layer my Lisa Says Gah cardigan underneath the trench coat for extra warmth. I loved how the cardigan added texture and made the outfit feel a little more styled without sacrificing comfort.
Hie Shrine in Akasaka
To keep things from feeling repetitive, I occasionally swapped the trench coat for my Quince Comfort Stretch Mac Coat. The longer silhouette gave the outfit a slightly different look while still providing the same practical protection from the rain. Between those two jackets, I felt prepared for just about every weather condition we encountered during our stay in Akasaka.
One thing I noticed on this trip is that rainy weather in Tokyo wasn't nearly as difficult to dress for as I expected. Since we spent so much time walking, I found that lightweight layers worked much better than bulky coats. Being able to add or remove pieces throughout the day made a huge difference, especially when moving between chilly streets and warm indoor spaces.
J.Crew wide-leg denim
Outfit Details
Why This Outfit Worked
Easy to mix and match
Comfortable for long walks
Lightweight but warm
Practical for rainy weather
Umaya Restaurant in Akasaka
Best Shoes
Best Materials
Stretchy skirts
Thin layers for mixing and matching
Night out in Akasaka, Japan
What We Would Pack Differently for Tokyo in March
Tokyo in late March can be a little unpredictable. Some days felt comfortable and sunny, while others were cold, rainy, and windy. While we were generally happy with our overall choices, the trip still taught us a lot about flexibility and there are definitely a few adjustments we would make next time.
Opting for Standalone Versatility Over Fixed Outfits
Even though we pre-plan every outfit to ensure we only bring what we’ll actually wear, the realities of travel can still throw a wrench in those plans. The one piece I (Candy) packed but didn’t end up wearing was a red wrap cardigan.
It was specifically planned around my red Mary Jane shoes, but once those shoes started hurting my feet, the entire cohesive look fell apart. I was really bummed they didn't work out for Tokyo. Interestingly, I have the exact same pair in black and wore those everywhere around Osaka with zero comfort issues!
Toranomon Hills Tokyo
Zojoji Temple
It was a great reminder that even the most carefully planned outfits sometimes have to change once you arrive. Next time, instead of packing a piece that relies entirely on one specific pair of shoes to work, I'd make sure every clothing item can easily pivot into a backup outfit with my most reliable walking shoes.
The biggest thing we learned from this trip was just how important thoughtful layering is for staying comfortable all day.
Even though we carefully plan our outfits before every Japan trip, we still ended up making changes throughout the week depending on:
Rain
Temperature shifts
Shoes
Shiba-koen Tokyo
Akasaka Nightlife
But overall, these outfits worked really well for exploring Tokyo neighborhoods like Tokyo Tower and Akasaka while still feeling stylish and comfortable.
If you’re planning a Tokyo trip during cherry blossom season, hopefully these outfit ideas help you figure out what might work best for you too.
And if you want even more Japan outfit inspiration, make sure to check out our other Japan outfit and packing guides as well.
