April 18, 2025
There are two things you need to know about me: One– I love croissants. Two-I love to travel. What comes with travel? That’s right, the perfect outfits. I have been traveling all my life and I always want to look good. It wasn’t until I flew to Japan for the first time in 2023 right after my Bar exam (yes, Japan was my bar trip 🥹), that I really noticed how different the fashion styles in every country are. In my defense, before that, I was young, and I only paid attention to myself and not other cultures. However, now that I have grown more and have become much more interested in learning about other cultures, I notice so much more. While there is so much to a culture, I of course, first notice their fashion! While fashion is a way to express oneself, I also believe that when traveling to other countries, fashion is a way to immerse oneself in a different culture. Although I do encourage that we should wear what we want and what we feel comfortable in, when traveling, we should pay attention to the style of each country and city we visit to dress accordingly out of respect and perhaps try something new.
I have so many countries to talk about and each will shine in their own spotlights. In this issue, we will highlight a country that has had a piece of my heart ever since I visited – Japan 🤍. I should be clear though, Japan is quite a big country and I have not been to every prefecture (oh how I wish I have), so I will be talking through the fashion in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, which I know are the most visited prefectures. However, these style tips could also apply to the other prefectures. Let’s get into it.
One thing that applies to all prefectures is dressing modestly and respectfully. Keep this in mind when reading.
Tokyo
Starting off with my favorite city (so far) in Japan. Tokyo is home to Omotesando, which is described as the Champs-Élysées (the well-known high end shopping street in Paris for those who don’t know) of Tokyo. So, this is where we find the luxury fashion shops. Because of this, I think Tokyo’s fashion aligns closely to my style and where I would feel most at home walking around in my favorite outfits.
Spring in Tokyo differs to New York. It is sunny and warm in Spring in Tokyo; everything New York wishes it could be (I love NY, please don’t hate me). But do not get this twisted, although it’s warm, the Japanese locals still cover their arms and legs as they want to protect themselves from the sun and keep warm during chilly nights.
So, in Tokyo is where I would wear my most fashionable clothing. Think high end brands and a classy style, not flashy. Of course, I don’t want you to change your entire style so if this isn’t your style, adjust to your own style. What is lovely about Japan is that there are many different styles. I also have seen the Japanese locals dressing comfortably with long pants (wide legged), so it’s perfect, if this is more your style. This can be the perfect time to blend your personal style with Japanese influences.
Tokyo is also home to Tokyo Disneyland and if you are a Disney fan (I am!), you will hopefully be visiting Disneyland on your trip. Tokyo Disneyland is where the Japanese locals go to dress up. People are allowed to dress as Disney characters, so they are amazing to see walking around and we are always so excited to see them. When I went to Disney, I did a sort of Aurora theme for my outfit! There are of course those who do not dress as characters, but they dress just as amazing. I once saw a girl wearing heels that didn’t look particularly comfortable and she became my new role model. If that does not tell you how serious the Japanese take their Disney fashion, I don’t know what will. There are also the children who dress in their school uniform which could be fun to do to as some people, including adults, rent these for dates with friends or partners! Either way, anyone wearing shorts and a t-shirt is an obvious giveaway to being a tourist.
I have mentioned Japan fashion in general is very modest. It is very important in Kyoto to dress modestly, even in the summer when it is very hot. In Japan, especially, in Kyoto, people dress in neutral colors such as black, white, beige, navy, (and pink when I’m there). Long skirts and wide legged or flowy pants are paired with shirts that cover the chest and arms to protect themselves from the sun. They also like long dresses that are past the knee or sit at the knee.
In Kyoto, more than anywhere, if someone is wearing revealing clothing, it is very clear they are a tourist.
Here, we don’t really see clothing with obvious and obnoxious brand labels (this applies to the other prefectures as well). So, understated, modest looks are the best for Kyoto.
Nara
The Nara fashion is very similar to Kyoto as they are very close to each other. However, Nara is home to the Deer park, which is mainly what tourists go to Nara for, so keep in mind that it is a park/forest. If you are going to shrines and temples, be prepared to walk a lot in park/forest areas, which is important to know because it could affect your shoe choices. I have worn ballet Mary Janes and done this long walk in the park, but I knew that the shoes are comfortable enough for me to wear. You must know yourself and your shoes.
Osaka
Osaka’s fashion when compared to Kyoto/Nara would be closer to Tokyo’s style. It also has designer stores near Dotonbori, but Osaka is where the style is very “cool,” so the oversized style would be great to try in Osaka. Plus, Osaka is where most tourists go to eat so maybe wearing something oversized would be a good idea 🤣.
Since I am not a fan of the oversized look, I usually wear similar outfits to those I wear in Tokyo or Kyoto, in short, just stick to my style.
If you are in the market for new clothing when preparing for your trip, I would recommend going to Japan with an empty suitcase and buying everything there. There are so many clothing shops everywhere in all the prefectures (especially Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) and the clothes are soooooo cute. Plus, they have all the different types of styles, so if you want to experiment, you can! And, what’s better than saying “I got it in Japan” when someone asks you where something you are wearing is from? Literally nothing (except maybe if you got it in Paris🤍). Please do keep in mind that Japan sizing is not very inclusive to all body types, so we don’t all have the opportunity to buy new clothes in Japan (☹️).
Japan is such a special place for me and my siblings, so if you get to go, we hope you have the most amazing time ever! Enjoy the food, culture, language, silence, and most importantly, fashion!
My sister and I spent a month in Japan and we filmed it! See our adventures and what I wore here:
Ethereally,
Amanda🤍
Fashion Quote of the Day:
“Beauty is like a sunset: it goes as you try to capture it. The beauty you like is precisely that which escapes you.” ~ Issey Miyake
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