Dress modestly. No cleavage, no short shorts, no leggings as pants please. You'd be wise to invest in some loose linen layers. Look at Linen Fox, Uniqlo. If you are smaller an American, you will enjoy shopping there.

Another note: you will not find trash cans as you walk around Tokyo. So if you buy that coffee to go - you're carrying it until you get to your hotel. Which is when I noticed that people don't really walk around with open drinks and food the way you see in US cities. And it's Japan that's litter-free.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is very, very humid in Japan.

It's about the same weather as DC.

Not even close.

DC is mildly humid, except for a few days here in there.

The midwest is dripping with humidity.

Japan is melting. It can be cold there and you will still feel heavy humidity.

Compared to Japan, Dac is an arid high desert.

-- Japanese person here.

I've been traveling to Tokyo/Osaka 2x a year (late fall and spring) for 20 years so I guess I've just been lucky every time.

Also, make sure you have a washcloth/small towel in your bag and a pack of Kleenex for public restrooms - generally no paper products available for stalls or sinks.

This is good advice! You will notice the locals carry this with them everywhere, especially for after washing hands. The large department stores in Tokyo do have toilet tissue in my experience.

You will notice how quiet it is....and that is a good mirror of how people dress and act. The women are stunningly put together and very elegant!! Practice and learn some basics. Hello/Goodbye, Thank You and how to hand people a business card (and receive one) along with the slight bow - that is very important in Japan.

I hope you have a good trip - I have been twice and absolutely love Japan.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is very, very humid in Japan.

It's about the same weather as DC.

Not even close.

DC is mildly humid, except for a few days here in there.

The midwest is dripping with humidity.

Japan is melting. It can be cold there and you will still feel heavy humidity.

Compared to Japan, Dac is an arid high desert.

-- Japanese person here.

Anonymous wrote:It is very, very humid in Japan.

It's about the same weather as DC.

Last time I went, the most noticeable difference between locals and westerners (particularly Americans) is that Japanese women tended to be more put together. No athleisure or jeans and dad sneakers (unless they were young/kids). Also, make sure you have a washcloth/small towel in your bag and a pack of Kleenex for public restrooms - generally no paper products available for stalls or sinks.

Japanese business wear is not adventurous, and sounds like you're on a business trip. Dark suit or similar is perfect. Nothing flashy.

My advice is to stick with black and gray if you don’t want to stick out. No red or bright colors.

No sleeveless, or too tight. Comfortable shoes with at least thin socks or,hose you can take on and off easily.

Dress for dc in summer, but air conditioned for offices.

It is very, very humid in Japan.

Anonymous wrote:Nothing revealing or tight. Layers for visual interest and practicality.

Agree with PP. I was there recently as a tourist. The women I saw in recognizable business attire wore smart skirt suits with jackets, pretty blouses. Neat hair. For outings and sightseeing with business associates, go conservative with longer midi skirts or wide pants. If you're just sightseeing on your own, be comfortable as anything goes for tourists. It was really cold the last two weeks although the weather read in the 60's. Definitely plan to layer with a coat. LOL...hand warmers were the hardest thing to find.

Nothing revealing or tight. Layers for visual interest and practicality.

Black, dark gray. Jacket.

For those of you who’ve been or are from there, what is appropriate for a 45 year old woman to wear while at business meetings, dinners, outings and sightseeing?