What to Wear in Japan in October (Real Outfits + Packing Guide)
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Last updated: August 2026
We refreshed this guide with updated October weather guidance, outfit recommendations, and the packing essentials we currently use in Japan.
October is Japan’s Fall season and it’s a great time to visit. Although a little unpredictable, the weather is generally mild and pleasant.
This guide is based on what we actually wore during our October 4–18 trip to Japan. We experienced chilly mornings and evenings, mild afternoons, and some rainy days, so layers ended up being the most useful part of our wardrobes.
Wearing Fall outfits in the middle of October in Japan
We like to plan our outfits ahead of our trip and the weather kept on fluctuating from warm to mild, to rain, so this made it a bit challenging to pack since we had to keep in mind the possible fluctuations in weather.
Here is what we ended up wearing during our two-week trip from October 4th through October 18th.
Our Mid-October Japan Packing List
Clothing:
3–4 sweaters or long-sleeve tops
2–3 pairs of jeans or pants
1 cardigan or blazer
1 lightweight coat or trench
Shoes:
1 pair of broken-in sneakers
1 pair of loafers or comfortable dressier shoes
Optional boots
Accessories:
Crossbody/sling bag
Tote bag
Compact umbrella
The Pieces We’d Pack Again
Cozy Sweaters
Hands-Free Bag
Everyday Sneakers
Lightweight Trench Coat
Our October Sweater Picks
Most of the mornings and evenings were chilly and the afternoons were typically mild. On most days, wearing a sweater without a coat kept us comfortable and cozy. For sweaters, we recommend investing in wool or cashmere sweaters because they make a world of difference compared to synthetic fibers.
For warmer afternoons: Quince Australian Merino Wool Half Zip Sweater
Lightweight and easier to layer.
For chilly mornings and evenings: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Warm without taking up much suitcase space.
For layering: Quince Cotton Cashmere Structured Waist Cardigan
Easy to take on and off as temperatures change.
Luckily, Quince offers a wonderful selection of affordable wool and cashmere sweaters. They provide a variety of stylish options at unbeatable prices, all without compromising on quality or comfort.
Shopping at a 7-11 in Tokyo
We’ve been longtime fans of Quince for several years now and are happy to see that the brand is finally starting to gain much more recognition for their beautiful, affordable luxury styles. It’s great to find such high-quality pieces that don’t break the bank!
Recently, we’ve been noticing a trend to wear a collared shirt under a sweater (or sweatshirt), so we gave that a try. Crystal wore a collared shirt underneath her pullover sweater and it was the perfect way to look sleek and put together.
Pullover Sweater
Bottom Recommendations
We pretty much packed jeans for this trip and didn’t wear any dresses or skirts. I (Candy) have been obsessed with Zara’s Marine Straight Jeans (similar style) and have them in multiple colors. My first pair was a white one that I wore a ton when we were in Paris. I just love the way the high-waist fit combined with the wide leg bottoms makes my legs look longer. Plus, it gives me the perfect chance to show off my favorite shoes in style.
High-Waisted Pants (Similar Style)
Boyfriend Jeans (similar style)
Zara no longer sells the exact pair I wore, but plenty of other brands like Quince and Everlane carry very similar styles.
Crystal is a fan of Paige jeans and her recent favorite pair of jeans has been the High-Rise Distressed Boyfriend Jeans (similar style). They are perfectly on-trend with a stylish light wash, featuring heavy distressing and a flattering waist. These jeans lean more towards a casual vibe, offering a relaxed, loose fit that’s both comfortable and effortlessly cool.
Our Japan Shoe Picks for October
You’ll be doing a ton of walking, so comfy shoes are a must. Forget hailing a cab or ordering an Uber because those are your least convenient options (and expensive) for traveling around Japan.
Best for all-day sightseeing: Cole Haan Crosscourt Sneakers
Lightweight and easy to wear with most outfits.
Best dressier option: Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers
A more polished alternative to sneakers.
Best statement loafer: Beckett Simonon Georgia Loafers
Chunkier and more playful.
Best casual option: Converse High-Tops
Easy with jeans and casual fall outfits.
Boots
Autumn is such a great time to start wearing boots. Crystal loves her Marcella Knee High Carnegie Boots. They have a chunky platform and are made from 100% Italian leather. It’s very similar to the classic Chelsea boots but revamped with a unique geometric sole.
Marcella Knee High Carnegie Boots
Madewell Crossbody Tote Bag (similar Style)
Loafers
Loafers are one of my favorite fall footwear options because they're timeless, versatile, and easy to dress up or down. I haven’t worn loafers since high school (a staple that complemented my sailor uniform) and couldn’t decide which pair to bring so I ended up packing two pairs that are slightly different in style.
Beckett Simonon Georgia Loafers
Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers
The Loraine Tailored Loafers from Sam Edelman were more elegant whereas my Georgia Loafers from Beckett Simonon were more playful. Quince also offers a very similar style at a reduced price, but don’t worry—the quality is still lux. You get the same elegant look and feel without having to spend a fortune. It’s a great option if you want to save some money.
Sneakers
For the warmer days, Crystal mainly wore her Cole Haan Crosscourt Sneakers which have been a staple in her wardrobe for a few years now. They are lightweight, comfy, and practically match everything. I packed a pair of classic high-top Converse sneakers, which is another pair of classic footwear that pretty much goes with anything.
What Outerwear Should You Pack for Japan in October?
We both brought a few blazer options as light outerwear, but for the mornings and evenings, something a little bit heavier was ideal. We didn’t need a winter coat, but something in between was perfect.
Blazer: Best for mild, dry days
Cardigan: Easiest layer to carry during the day
Trench coat: Best for cooler or rainy days
Blazer
I wore my Anine Bing Kaia Blazer which was the perfect in-between blazer. Although the Kaia Blazer is advertised as a blazer, I would say it’s more like a jacket because it’s thick and heavy compared to a normal blazer. I’m a huge fan of Anine Bing but the price point is on the higher end, so I usually wait until their styles go on sale or try to find them used on Poshmark.
Candy wearing Anine Bing Kaia Blazer // Crystal wearing Margaret O’Leary Painted Stripe Cardigan
For similar blazer styles, I would recommend checking out Anthropologie, Favorite Daughter, and Madewell, to name just a few of my go-to brands that consistently offer stylish and quality options.
Wearing A trench coat at an outdoor cafe
Candy wearing a blazer and crystal wearing a trench coat
Trench Coat
Another coat that we both wore that really came in handy on gloomy rainy days was our trench coat. It’s the perfect transitional layering piece; warm, but not too heavy, ideal for those brisk autumn days. Not only is the trench the perfect layering piece, but it’s also classic, versatile, and oh-so chic!
Our Japan Bag Picks
For sightseeing: Lo & Sons Bond Sling
Hands-free and compact.
For a polished outfit: Quince Adeline Shopper Tote
More stylish when you want something larger.
For versatility: Lo & Sons Waverly 2
Convertible between crossbody, shoulder, wristlet and belt-bag configurations.
Tote Bag
We both used to carry backpacks on our travels, but after our trip to Paris, we’ve been inspired to switch things up and style our outfits with a chic tote bag instead.
We absolutely love our Nisolo tote bags and find ourselves taking them almost everywhere with us, whether we’re exploring a new city or running everyday errands. However, they no longer sell this style, but luckily there are plenty of similar options available.
At a bus stop in Chiba, Japan
Dining at Saizeriya Family Restaurant
Sling Bag
There were definitely times when I wanted to be hands-free, and my Lo & Sons Bond Sling Bag proved to be a great option for those moments. This sleek and versatile sling bag can also be worn as a fanny pack, but I personally prefer to wear it over my chest.
Shopping around Temple Street in Narita, Japan
At an arcade inside Aeon
The black version of this bag is incredibly popular and constantly sells out, so if you’re in a rush to find a similar sling bag, Quince offers a very similar style. Basically, whenever we look for comparable options, our go-to brand has been Quince for great quality and design.
Lo & Sons Waverly 2
We also brought with us Lo & Sons Waverly 2 bag and gifted it to our little sister who lives in Japan. She is a mom of two, so being hands-free is a necessity.
Lo & Sons Waverly 2// Lo & Sons Bond Sling Bag
Nisolo Tote Bag
She absolutely loves the minimal design of the Waverly 2, but what she appreciated most was its versatility. It’s a convertible bag so it can be worn four different ways: crossbody, wristlet, shoulder bag, and belt bag (fanny pack).
October is one of our favorite times to visit Japan. The cooler, less humid weather makes sightseeing much more comfortable than during the hot summer months, and we love being able to wear fall layers again. Just keep in mind that popular destinations can still get busy during the autumn travel season.
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