Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Fashion in Japan offers quite a broad spectrum of different looks and trends. Cleavage is considered to be ‘revealing’ but legs are widely flaunted without much concern – so show them if you so choose! Dress a bit more conservatively when visiting temples, or when you spend time with local families. Shoulders are also considered to be inappropriate with the older generations, so it’s best not to pack strapless dresses or even tank tops with very thin straps.

Slip-on shoes are crucial since you’ll be taking them off and putting them on repeatedly. For dressing up, bring your kitten heels or a pair of dressy sandals. For the warmer seasons, you’ll do well with a crisp white t-shirt, a statement belt, and a pair of skinny jeans for dinner. In winter, you’d definitely need a thicker parka and a chunky scarf for the northern parts of the country.

Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Generally-speaking, Japanese men tend to dress more conservatively, so stick with a more muted, modern look. You will still find plenty of Western inspiration wherever you go, so you shouldn’t stand out like a sore thumb. In the bigger cities, you’ll find more fashion-forward attire, but you can’t go wrong with the clean-cut a sophisticated look no matter where you are.

Think khakis, nice slacks, tailored button-downs or sweaters, and nice-looking footwear. Shoes should include walking shoes, for sure, and maybe a trendy pair of suede sneakers or leather loafers for nicer occasions. Any footwear should be fairly easy to remove and put back on – you’ll be doing it a lot. During colder months you’ll need warmer sweaters and a heavier jacket.

Religious Sites: The Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari and Senso-Ji are but three of the most well-known shrines and temples that form part of a massive collection that sprawls all over the country. Visiting these sacred sites is a very important tradition in Japanese culture. It’s vital to keep in mind that as a tourist you are entering holy grounds. Respect the sacred value of the visit, and dress appropriately. Shorts at or below the knee, pants, shoulders covered – think “modesty” and follow the examples of the locals.

Gourmet Food: Japanese food…There is so much to say and so much to experience. From delectable sushi platters to richly flavored Soba and Udon Noodles to Tonkatsu and Yakitori. The Japanese take great pride in their cuisine and food culture is something that many social activities revolve around. Also, don’t be afraid to dine alone – it’s actually quite a common practice in Japan!

This is the country that has the most Michelin-awarded cities. There are 304 places to choose from in Tokyo alone, but this doesn’t always mean you have to dress up. It’s best to do your homework so that you don’t show up to a street stall wearing your finest garb. For casual dining, you don’t have to worry much about what you wear, but some establishments will ask you to remove your footwear. Nicer clothing is never bad, though, so air on the well-dressed side if you’re unsure.

Beaches: Japans’s unique structure offers plenty of coastline on either side of the country, and this means fun in the sun! Sunbathing and swimming seasons differ hugely from south to north and it’s said that the best beaches to visit are found in Okinawa (south) but there are other spots that offer some tropical vibes too. Bikinis are a natural choice for women, and as long as they’ll stay on during any of your chosen activities, they’re perfectly acceptable. Bring a cute cover-up for when you come up from the beach. Men tend to wear anything from speedo’s to board-shorts, so it all depends on your taste.

Baseball: Baseball was first introduced to Japan in 1872 and is probably one of the most popular spectator’s sports in the country. The highest level of professional baseball in Japan is the Nippon Professional Baseball League. The first of each 144 regular season games kicks off in March each year, and a 7-game contest series in October determines the winner of the Nippon Series.

While both March and October are probably not the warmest of months, you’d do well in jeans, canvas sneakers and comfortable hoodies and sweaters. You might also want to refrain from wearing anything related to baseball from other countries – purely out of respect. Expect sunny days in March and October, so bring along a pair of sunglasses for outdoor games.

Cities like Osaka, Ginza, and Tokyo are considered to be the fashion capitals of the country. In Japan, fashion is very progressive with the younger generation. You can get away with wearing almost anything in Japan, but you will want to be respectful and aware of cultural norms that are observed within their society.

Most commonly, you will be asked to remove your shoes at certain public establishments and the homes of people you visit. Bare feet are not okay in most places, so bring socks! Avoid flip-flops. Most homes and public places have a small vestibule called a ‘genkan’ where shoes are removed and kept. In some cases, slippers are provided.

This rule also applies to most shrines and temples. Dressing appropriately when visiting these religious sites is imperative.

Other than that, you are all set to head out on a stunning adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.