Tokyo in early July, what to wear, what to buy

[TakeMe2Insanity]

I’m going to Tokyo in early July and wondering what to wear. On one hand we will be walking a lot so trainers would be logical but everyone says that everyone looks very smart etc. Also any recommendations for Japanese beauty products? Or indeed brands to look out for.

Japan is bloody marvellous but I wound never go back in the summer as I have low tolerance for the heat and humidity. Tokyo is July will be very hot and humid as well as busy and crowded. Trainers might be way too hot and your feet will bake inside. I would go for open sandals that are also strong and comfortable.

The locals might look smart but they're used to such levels of heat and humidity. The women still wear tights!!!

You will need cool comfortable clothing, comfortable footwear, a hat, sunscreen, water water and more water, lots of tissues (toilets when you're out and about are just holes on the floor) and something to prevent chaffing.

There's air conditioning everywhere though, so you'll find yourself baking to death outside and then freezing inside restaurants * department stores...

I lived in Japan for 4 years. And as previous poster said, it will be ridiculously hot and humid. As well as sun screen etc make sure to carry around a small towel with you to wipe/dab away the sweat. You'll see people on the street handing out fans as well - take them.

Japanese are used to the heat there and you'll see a lot of modest cardigans covering those shoulders. I'd just be weary of too much flesh. Legs are okay but avoid "booby" tops.

Not sure what sort of beauty products you're after, but the sheet face masks are brilliant. You can buy them in massive packs of 50-100+

Hope you have fun!

Ooh pick up a bottle of Sheseido 'Tsubaki' shampoo and the matching conditioner. It's used widely in japan but hard to get elsewhere. I swear it's what makes their hair so shiny and healthy looking.

It terms of fashion - wear whatever's light and comfortable. Anything goes in Tokyo. Anyway, you can always shop when you get there!

Thanks thats already so helpful. I’m hoping it won’t be too wet.

There’s some duty free shops in Tokyo so you get m cheaper prices. They seal it in a customs bag, like what you’d get if you buy liquids but are connecting flights.

I bought sheet masks, Missha moisturiser (fab range for dry skin), mascaras, DHC cleansing oil and Shiesedo facial sunscreen.

SKII is a £££ brand that’s quite a bit cheaper in japan - I got a set in a dit’s free store for the equivalent of £40 and one of the items was £40 alone!

Also eat all the sushi.

You don’t want to buy clothes there though - as a 160cm size 8 I felt tall and fat in Japan. The only overweight people I saw were other tourists. I was a size heavier after 2 weeks holiday as I ate so much.

Japanese shops cater to average Japan bodies unless you are in a tourist area. That means a women’s L is often the equivalent to a UK S/M (size 10/12). Another thing to consider is that Japanese and East Asian women typically aren’t as curvy but apple shaped, so even if you are a size 0-6 if you have a small hourglass waist or are pear shaped you may find the sizing difficult.

I found wearing shoes that slip on and off easily was good especially if you are visiting temples etc. My sister lives in Tokyo and says the humidity can be awful at times so nice light cotton would be my suggestion.

Thank you this is all so useful. I read somewhere to take less clothes so I think I’ll ignore that piece of advice. Size 14, height 165cm. So defo not Japanese stature.

Slip on shoes are a must as you will need to take them off in temples, people's dwellings and smaller accommodations. Fitflops would be my advice.

A hat with a brim nd sunglasses is good as even in Tokyo there will be times you’ll be stared at.

It’ll be incredibly humid.

You will be able to pick up clothing in places like uniqlo, but you may find that things are slightly too short. And you’ll struggle to find shoes bigger than a 5, maybe 6, so definitely take suitable shoes/sandals with you.

Buy a uv umbrella for portable sun protection.

Download the google translate app and use the photo scan thing to translate products in the drug stores. Not foolproof, but gives an indication of what it is & how to use.

Forgot one very useful thing - I stayed in Air BnBs and they had portable WiFi that was great. You can hire them at the airport too. You likely won’t be able to use data without it costing a fortune.

Japanese sunscreen is excellent. Biore Watery Essence is very popular in the West.

I’d echo others who said to wear open sandals that are comfy to walk in - Birkenstocks or Saltwater maybe. Then cotton/linen skirts/cropped trousers and cotton tops. I lived in Singapore for a year which was massively humid and hot - I’d recommend checking your underwear is 100% cotton and taking double the amount of knickers you think you’ll need as you’ll probably shower twice a day (eg morning/before dinner) and want to put clean underwear on each time.

Places like Muji sell little handkerchiefs/flannels in printed cotton that you use to dab your face with - highly recommended.

Also a water spray for your face to cool you down is a good idea - I think boots sell them.

I use Nivea Sunscreen from Japan for my face (buy on Amazon). It’s amazing so I’d stock up there.

You will find clothes to fit you in Mini/Uniqlo but be prepared to be something hideous like 3XL. (I have the same top in a UK small and a Japanese 2XL from Muji!) Just try everything on.

I’d recommend getting out and about early, having a rest in the afternoon and then going out again in the evening.

Enjoy. I loved Japan!

Oooh I forgot about the portable WiFi - it was brilliant and we used it all the time to use Google Maps or translate things or add photos on FB

Oh thank you 9nce again. I am taking notes.

Nightmanagerfan - I’ve been to Sinagpore a couple of times, is the humidity like there?

Camillia oil is great for hair. Check out Loft for beauty products and if you like stationery Itoya in Ginza is amazing.

Will do! Any particular make of camelia oil?

m.ebay.com/itm/Oshima-tsubaki-Hair-Oil-Camellia-Oil-100-40ml-from-Japan/323253302781?epid=2255595519&hash=item4b4365f5fd:g:Pb4AAOSwKfVXLLcx

I was told this is what the geisha and apprentice geisha use no idea if it's true but I really like it.

Try to get to Asakusa it's the traditional part of Tokyo with the famous shrine it has great food and kitschy souveiners at a good price.