What to Wear in Hiroshima, Season by Season
From quiet mornings in Peace Memorial Park to the Miyajima ferry and Mount Misen's stone stairs, pack breathable layers, a compact umbrella, grippy walking shoes and clean socks for shoes-off spaces.
Updated on September 4, 2026
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page
Hiroshima is a city you cover on foot and by tram, and the distances add up faster than the map suggests: Peace Memorial Park to Hiroshima Castle is a walk of about 1.5 kilometers along the rivers, and most visitors do that stretch, the Hondori arcade, and a ferry to Miyajima inside the same 48 hours. Suitcases here get judged by whether you can lift them up a station stairwell without blocking anyone behind you.
Dress in Hiroshima runs neat and understated. Locals wear muted colors, covered shoulders in most indoor settings, and shoes that look tidy even after a full day on pavement. At Itsukushima Shrine, at older temples, at many okonomiyaki counters with tatami seating, and at traditional inns, your shoes come off, which means your socks become part of the outfit. Worn heels and holes are noticed.
The weather does not hold still. June and early July bring the rainy season, with warm, sticky days near 86°F and downpours that soak through canvas sneakers in minutes; August adds humidity that makes non-breathable synthetics miserable. Winter mornings sit around 37-46°F, and the ferry crossing to Miyajima adds wind that a thin city jacket will not handle. Spring and autumn swing 10 degrees between dawn and mid-afternoon.
Miyajima is where a city packing list falls apart. The island means a ferry ramp, stone shrine approaches, wild deer that will pull food or paper from an unzipped bag, and, if you climb Mount Misen, roughly 500 meters of ascent over uneven stone steps and forest trail. People arrive in loafers and regret it by the second flight.
Part 1: Packing Essentials
Packing List
Adults
Clothing
Footwear
Essentials
Kids Clothing and Footwear
Kids Weather and Day Trip Gear
Infant Clothing and Footwear
Infant Care and Transit Gear
Hiroshima Daily Day Bag Checklist
What you'll carry for a typical day exploring the city.
Email me this list
Yours to keep, so you don't have to hunt for Hiroshima again.
Part 2: Style & Weather
Hiroshima Weather, Rain, Walking, and Miyajima Layers
Hiroshima has humid summers, a pronounced June to July rainy season, and typhoon downpours that may disrupt ferries and trains. Spring and fall bring cool mornings and mild afternoons; winter is cool, with occasional light snow. Exposed Miyajima ferry ramps and Mount Misen paths feel windier than the city. Breathable layers, quick-dry fabrics, and compact rain gear make long walks and temple visits easier.
Monthly Temperature Guide
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50°F | 36°F |
| Feb | 52°F | 37°F |
| Mar | 59°F | 43°F |
| Apr | 68°F | 52°F |
| May | 75°F | 61°F |
| Jun | 81°F | 68°F |
| Jul | 88°F | 75°F |
| Aug | 91°F | 77°F |
| Sep | 84°F | 70°F |
| Oct | 73°F | 59°F |
| Nov | 63°F | 48°F |
| Dec | 54°F | 39°F |
Seasonal Insights
spring
Spring ranges from cool 43°F mornings to mild 68°F afternoons. Wear a breathable tee, relaxed trousers, and a light water-resistant jacket, with cushioned shoes and clean socks for blossoms, museums, and temple visits.
summer
Humid 81-91°F days call for a quick-dry top, loose tapered pants or a modest midi skirt, and supportive breathable shoes. Add sunscreen, a compact umbrella, and a water-resistant bag for rainy season and typhoon shifts.
fall
Fall brings mild 63-84°F days, cool mornings, and occasional coastal wind. Pair a jersey tee with an overshirt, light trousers, and grippy walking shoes; pack a thin shell for Miyajima stairs, ferries, and foliage walks.
winter
Cool 36-54°F weather suits a merino base layer, warm mid-layer, packable coat, and relaxed trousers. Add a scarf and gloves for ferry wind and early walks, while neat slip-on shoes and fresh socks simplify shoes-off visits.
What to Wear in Hiroshima: Rain, Walking and Miyajima Layers
Hiroshima style is practical, restrained, and quietly refined. A streamlined wardrobe moves easily from trams and memorial parks to okonomiyaki counters, temple approaches, and the ferry to Miyajima. Choose breathable cotton, linen blends, merino, soft jersey, and technical rain layers in navy, charcoal, stone, olive, indigo, cream, and muted rust. The goal is comfort that looks considerate, never distracting.
The Local Dress Code
Neat, modest casualwear suits Peace Memorial sites, museums, shrines, temples, restaurants, and everyday city streets. Avoid beachwear, very short shorts, revealing tops, and loud styling at memorial or religious sites. Wear clean, presentable socks because shoes may come off in temples, traditional restaurants, and accommodations.
Build a quietly polished capsule for Hiroshima's long walks, humid weather, sacred spaces, and Miyajima's changing terrain, with compact layers and shoes-off-ready socks.
Style at a Glance
- • Use navy, charcoal, stone, olive, indigo, cream, and muted rust as a calm mix.
- • Favor relaxed tapered trousers, midi skirts, breathable tops, and light overshirts.
- • Pack quick-dry fabrics and a lightweight waterproof shell for humid rain and typhoon periods.
- • Choose cushioned, quiet shoes with grip for trams, stairs, ferries, and long walking days.
- • Carry clean socks, a compact umbrella, and a small hands-free bag for shoes-off and transit moments.
Color Palette
Shopping in the City
Shop for useful Japanese travel pieces rather than novelty souvenirs. Look for breathable basics, indigo textiles, compact rain gear, supportive footwear, small bags, and regional crafts that fit a streamlined capsule.
Brands to Look For
Uniqlo: Reliable Japanese basics, AIRism layers, packable shells, merino knits, and easy trousers make practical additions to a repeatable travel capsule. ($ - $$)
MUJI: Find understated cotton and jersey clothing, travel organizers, socks, compact umbrellas, and simple bags in Hiroshima-friendly neutral colors. ($ - $$)
Mont-Bell: This Japanese outdoor brand is useful for lightweight rain shells, quick-dry layers, compact daypacks, and grippy footwear for Miyajima terrain. ($$ - $$$)
Snow Peak: Choose refined technical clothing and compact outdoor accessories when you want functional rain and travel pieces with a cleaner city silhouette. ($$ - $$$)
Momotaro Jeans: Hiroshima-area denim brings durable indigo character to a casual capsule, especially through structured jeans, overshirts, and small denim accessories. ($$$ - $$$$)
Where to Shop
Hondori Shopping Arcade: Japanese basics, cosmetics, lifestyle goods, umbrellas, snacks, and compact travel accessories.
Kamiyacho and Hatchobori: Department stores, contemporary fashion, footwear, stationery, and polished dining-ready layers.
Miyajima Omotesando: Regional crafts, indigo goods, small souvenirs, snacks, and practical island gifts.
Hiroshima Station Minamoa: Convenient fashion, travel goods, food halls, luggage accessories, and last-minute essentials.
Neighborhood Vibes
Peace Memorial Park: Keep the look subdued and polished: charcoal or navy trousers, a simple knit or button-up, and quiet walking shoes. Soft layers feel respectful without appearing overly formal.
Hondori and Downtown: Urban Hiroshima favors practical smart casualwear, relaxed tapered trousers, clean sneakers, compact crossbody bags, and light overshirts that work on trams and in shopping arcades.
Miyajima: Dress for ferry wind, shrine paths, stairs, and forest terrain with quick-dry layers, supportive shoes, a compact daypack, and a rain shell. Keep hems practical and secure loose items around deer.
Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien: A refined casual capsule fits gardens and historic sites: midi skirts or tapered trousers, breathable tops, low-profile slip-ons, and an adaptable layer for cool mornings.
Seasonal Outfit Formulas
spring
Memorial Park Layers — A respectful outfit for Peace Memorial Park, museum visits, and cool morning walks around central Hiroshima.
- • Cream cotton knit top: Soft, breathable, and understated for museums and memorial spaces.
- • Navy tapered trousers: Streamlined comfort for trams and extended urban walking.
- • Stone linen blend overshirt: A polished light layer for cool mornings and mild afternoons.
- • White cushioned walking sneakers: Quiet, supportive, and easy to repeat throughout the trip.
- • Navy compact crossbody bag: Keeps essentials secure and hands-free on crowded transit.
Miyajima Garden Stroll — A flexible spring capsule for the ferry, Itsukushima Shrine, Omotesando, and garden paths with variable weather.
- • Indigo cotton jersey tee: Comfortable against changing spring temperatures and ferry wind.
- • Olive midi utility skirt: A modest practical silhouette with room for stairs and walking.
- • Lightweight navy rain shell: Packable protection for showers and coastal wind.
- • Waterproof walking shoes with grip: Useful on wet shrine approaches, ramps, and uneven paths.
- • Quick-dry folding umbrella: Compact enough for trains, ferries, and narrow shopping streets.
summer
Humid City Explorer — For hot, humid days moving between trams, Hondori, museums, riverside paths, and casual lunch stops.
- • Cream quick-dry jersey tee: Moisture-managing comfort for humid urban sightseeing.
- • Olive relaxed tapered pants: Breathable movement and modest coverage for city travel.
- • Navy linen blend overshirt: Useful indoors when air conditioning feels cool.
- • Breathable cushioned walking sneakers: Support long pavement days without heavy construction.
- • Breathable sun hat: Provides shade during exposed riverside and park walks.
Rainy Season Shrine Route — A practical look for wet-season showers, shrine visits, covered arcades, and a flexible transit itinerary.
- • Indigo quick-dry polo shirt: Polished casualwear that dries quickly after humid walking.
- • Charcoal ankle-length trousers: A clean hem helps on wet pavement and shrine paths.
- • Water-resistant olive shell: Light protection for showers without bulky insulation.
- • Waterproof low-profile walking shoes: Grip and coverage for slick steps and ferry access.
- • Water-resistant compact daypack: Protects essentials while leaving both hands free.
fall
Autumn Foliage Walk — A layered outfit for Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima Castle, riverside walking, and crisp mornings that warm by afternoon.
- • Cream merino wool sweater: Warm without excessive bulk for variable autumn weather.
- • Indigo relaxed tapered jeans: Comfortable denim with a distinctly Japanese color story.
- • Olive water-resistant overshirt: A flexible top layer for light rain and cool shade.
- • Brown supportive walking sneakers: Cushioning helps with gardens, castle grounds, and long routes.
- • Muted rust cotton scarf: Adds warmth and restrained seasonal color.
Temple Town Smart Casual — For temple visits, traditional dining, and a polished afternoon through quieter Hiroshima neighborhoods.
- • Navy soft jersey mock neck: Simple, neat, and comfortable for respectful indoor spaces.
- • Stone midi pleated skirt: A modest silhouette that moves easily on stairs.
- • Charcoal lightweight wool jacket: Polished enough for dining and practical for evening chill.
- • Black low-profile slip-on flats: Easy to remove and stable on smooth indoor floors.
- • Navy small leather shoulder bag: Compact storage for transit cards, yen, and phone.
winter
Cool City Morning — For winter sightseeing at Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and central museums before a warm lunch stop.
- • Cream merino base layer: Warm, breathable insulation under a polished outer layer.
- • Navy wool blend trousers: Comfortable warmth with a clean silhouette for memorial sites.
- • Charcoal packable insulated coat: Warm enough for cool mornings without excessive luggage bulk.
- • Water-resistant leather walking sneakers: Stable on cold pavement and easy to keep understated.
- • Charcoal ribbed wool scarf: Adds warmth for exposed parks and early transit.
Windy Miyajima Winter — For the ferry, Itsukushima Shrine, Omotesando, and lower island paths when coastal wind makes temperatures feel colder.
- • Indigo merino turtleneck: Warm, low-bulk insulation for ferry wind and shaded paths.
- • Charcoal brushed tapered pants: Soft warmth and movement for stairs and island walking.
- • Olive windproof insulated parka: Protects against coastal gusts and light winter precipitation.
- • Supportive waterproof trail shoes: Extra grip for uneven paths, stairs, and damp ground.
- • Black insulated gloves: Useful on ferry decks and exposed island viewpoints.
Footwear Guidelines
- • Make cushioned walking sneakers your primary city shoe for trams, museums, arcades, and long pavement days.
- • Choose lightweight waterproof walking shoes for rainy season, wet shrine steps, ferry ramps, and typhoon-prone itineraries.
- • Pack low-profile slip-on shoes when possible, since easy removal helps at temples, traditional restaurants, and accommodations.
- • Use supportive trail shoes with reliable grip for Mount Misen stairs and forest paths, and avoid unstable soles or thin flip-flops.
- • Comfortable sandals can work on hot summer days, but select secure styles and keep them away from demanding hikes or wet slopes.
Accessory Guidelines
- • Carry a compact quick-dry umbrella that will not obstruct crowded sidewalks, trams, or station platforms.
- • Use a small hands-free crossbody or compact daypack with zippers for transit, ferry queues, and shopping arcades.
- • Bring clean, hole-free socks for shoes-off spaces, plus a spare pair in a waterproof pouch.
- • Add a breathable sun hat, sunscreen, and a small quick-dry towel for humid summer and island walks.
- • Use zip pouches or a daypack cover to protect electronics, yen, transit cards, and documents during sudden rain.
- • Keep a reusable shopping bag and organized coin pouch handy for convenience stores, temples, lockers, and small eateries.
What to Wear for Hiroshima's Key Experiences
Peace Memorial Park and Museum
The memorial park is an open-air site of remembrance where quiet clothing matters as much as comfort.
Essential Items:
- • Cushioned Walking Sneakers
- • Compact Folding Umbrella
Walking Central Hiroshima and Hondori
Central Hiroshima rewards walking, with trams, covered arcades, and riverside routes linking most sights.
Essential Items:
- • Slim Crossbody Day Bag
Miyajima Ferry and Itsukushima Shrine
The ferry, floating torii, and Omotesando make Miyajima a full day of ramps, tides, and roaming deer.
Essential Items:
- • Clean Dark Ankle Socks
- • Lightweight Waterproof Shell
Mount Misen Hike or Ropeway
Mount Misen rises above Miyajima, reached by a steep forest hike or a ropeway plus a rocky final climb.
Essential Items:
- • Grippy Trail Shoes
- • Small Quick-Dry Towel
Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden
The reconstructed castle keep and Shukkeien's garden paths pair indoor exhibits with slow outdoor walking.
Okonomiyaki Counters and Small Eateries
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is cooked on a hot griddle right in front of you at tight, busy counters.
Essential Items:
- • Coin Pouch for Yen
Riverside Cycling and Waterfront Walks
Hiroshima's six rivers create flat, breezy routes that suit early strolls or a rented city bicycle.
Craft and Souvenir Shopping
Hondori, Kamiyacho, and Miyajima's Omotesando cover crafts, snacks, and warm momiji manju.
Essential Items:
- • Foldable Reusable Tote
Part 3: Expert Tips
What Not to Pack for Hiroshima
Save luggage space and avoid common overpacking mistakes by leaving these items behind.
- • Stiletto heels or thin-soled dress shoes: Miyajima's shrine steps, Mount Misen paths, and paved arcades punish narrow heels. Bring low-profile leather sneakers or block-heel flats for dinners instead.
- • Oversized checked suitcase: Tram aisles, JR luggage racks, ferry ramps, and compact hotel rooms all favor small bags. A carry-on plus daypack moves far easier, and coin lockers handle overflow.
- • Flip-flops as your main walking shoe: You may cover 15,000 steps a day on wet pavement and stone shrine approaches. Pack cushioned walking shoes and save slides for the hotel or onsen.
- • Golf-sized umbrella: Crowded Hondori arcades, trams, and station corridors leave no room for a big canopy. A compact quick-dry umbrella (or a 500 yen konbini one) works better.
- • Beachwear worn around town: Bikini tops, tiny shorts, and swim trunks read as out of place at Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine. Keep neat casual layers on and swimwear in the bag.
- • Worn or holey socks: Shoes come off at temples, traditional restaurants, ryokan, and some museums. Pack clean, intact socks (or no-show liners) so barefoot moments stay easy.
- • Bulky floor-length winter parka for spring or fall: Hiroshima's shoulder seasons sit around 10-20°C, so a heavy coat becomes dead weight by noon. A packable layer plus merino mid-layer covers cool mornings.
- • Formal cocktail dresses or a full suit: Okonomiyaki counters, casual izakayas, and museum days call for smart-casual at most. One polished outfit in navy or charcoal handles any nicer dinner.
- • Heavy non-breathable synthetic outfits: Summer humidity near 30°C turns cheap polyester clammy within minutes. Choose lightweight cotton, linen blends, or merino that dries fast after rainy-season showers.
- • Full camping or heavy trekking gear: Mount Misen is a well-marked half-day climb with a ropeway option, not a backcountry trek. Trail sneakers, water, and a light shell are enough.
- • Large stash of foreign currency or traveler's checks: Traveler's checks are effectively useless in Japan. Withdraw yen from 7-Eleven or post office ATMs and load an IC card for trams and ferries.
- • Full-size toiletry bottles: Hotels supply shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and drugstores line every arcade. Bring travel sizes and buy any refills on arrival to save space.
- • Strong perfume or cologne: Packed trams, small okonomiyaki counters, and quiet memorial spaces make heavy scent intrusive. Go unscented or apply lightly before evening plans only.
- • Loud graphic tees or slogan clothing: The Peace Memorial Museum and shrine grounds call for quiet, subdued clothing. Plain tops in stone, indigo, or olive photograph better and draw no attention.
- • Snacks or open food carried in hand on Miyajima: Deer roam the ferry terminal and Omotesando and will pull paper bags from hands. Use a zippered daypack and eat inside shops or seated areas.
- • Bulky travel towel set: Japanese hotels provide towels, so one small quick-dry hand towel is all you need. Locals carry them for sweat and for restrooms without dryers.
- • Voltage-hungry hair dryers or straighteners: Japan runs 100V, so high-wattage appliances underperform or overheat. Most hotels supply dryers; check dual-voltage labels before packing anything else.
- • Waterproof-free suede or canvas shoes: Rainy season showers soak porous uppers and they stay damp for days. Pack water-resistant walking shoes or treat leather before you leave home.
Insider Tips for Hiroshima and Miyajima
Local wisdom and practical advice gathered from seasoned travelers and residents.
- • Pack Socks You'd Be Proud to Show: Shoes come off at temples, traditional restaurants, and many ryokan. Pack two or three fresh, hole-free pairs in your day bag so you're never caught out on tatami with worn socks.
- • Choose Slip-Ons for Temple Days: Laced hiking boots slow you down at every shoes-off entrance. Low-profile slip-ons or sneakers with easy laces make Itsukushima Shrine and okonomiyaki counters far less awkward.
- • Compact Umbrella Beats a Golf Umbrella: Rainy season from June to July brings daily showers, and Hondori arcade sidewalks get crowded. A slim folding umbrella tucks into a day bag and won't jab fellow pedestrians on trams.
- • Miyajima Is a Stair Workout in Disguise: The Mount Misen trails climb roughly 500 meters through forest steps and uneven stone. Even the ropeway route ends with a rocky 20-minute walk, so bring grippy trail-capable shoes.
- • Carry Yen for the Small Places: Cards work in department stores and hotels, but neighborhood okonomiyaki stalls, shrine offerings, coin lockers, and island souvenir shops often want cash. Keep 5,000 to 10,000 yen on hand.
- • Dress Quietly for the Peace Memorial Park: Locals and school groups visit the Peace Memorial Museum daily. Neat, subdued clothing in navy, charcoal, or stone shows respect; save loud prints and beachwear for elsewhere in the city.
- • Humidity Beats the Thermometer: July and August hover near 32°C with heavy humidity that makes synthetics cling. Linen blends, cotton, and quick-dry fabrics with a small towel for face-wiping are what locals actually use.
- • Pack a Small Towel Like a Local: Many Japanese public restrooms have no paper towels or dryers. A folded microfiber or tenugui towel in your bag handles wet hands, sudden rain, and summer sweat all in one.
- • Skip the Giant Suitcase: Shinkansen luggage racks, ferry ramps, and compact hotel rooms all punish oversized bags. A carry-on plus a hands-free daypack moves smoothly through trams, stations, and Miyajima crowds.
- • Watch the Deer, Not Your Snacks: Miyajima's free-roaming deer will nose open tote bags and paper maps. Use a zipped daypack, keep food sealed, and never feed them; it's discouraged and invites persistent followers.
- • Layer for Miyajima's Coastal Wind: The ferry crossing and shrine approach sit fully exposed to the bay, often feeling 3-4°C cooler than central Hiroshima. A packable windbreaker or shell earns its space year-round.
- • Set Up an eSIM Before You Land: Ferry schedules shift during typhoon season and heavy rain, so live updates matter. Install an eSIM before departure and pack a power bank; sightseeing days drain phones fast with maps and photos.
- • Winter Needs Mid-Layers, Not a Parka: January runs roughly 2-10°C with cold morning wind but rarely deep snow. A merino base, light knit, and water-resistant jacket beat one bulky coat you'll carry through heated museums.
- • Bring a Reusable Bag Everywhere: Japan charges for plastic bags and public trash cans are scarce. A foldable tote handles convenience-store runs, souvenir shopping in Hondori, and carrying your own wrappers until you find a bin.
Your Hiroshima Packing Questions, Answered
Common questions from fellow travelers, answered with local insight and practical experience.
What shoes should I pack for Hiroshima and Miyajima?
Do I really need clean socks for temples and restaurants?
How should I dress for the Peace Memorial Park and Museum?
What rain gear works best during Hiroshima's rainy season?
How hot and humid does Hiroshima get in summer?
What layers do I need for a Hiroshima winter or spring visit?
Should I bring cash, or are cards accepted in Hiroshima?
What size luggage is best for a Hiroshima trip with rail travel?
Common Hiroshima Packing Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)
Learn from others' experiences to avoid these common packing pitfalls and travel more comfortably.
Treating Miyajima as a flat beach day
Itsukushima looks like an easy ferry hop, but Omotesando slopes, shrine steps, and Mount Misen trails add hours of climbing. Pack supportive trail-capable shoes, not sandals.
Packing for the forecast, not the humidity
A 30°C summer day in Hiroshima feels far heavier with coastal humidity. Swap cotton tees that stay damp for merino or quick-dry knits, and carry a small towel like locals do.
Forgetting shoes-off socks
Temples, traditional okonomiyaki counters, and some ryokan and museum rooms require removing shoes. Arrive with clean, hole-free socks and easy slip-on footwear to avoid awkward doorway fumbling.
Skipping rain gear in shoulder season
Rainy season peaks June to July, but showers and typhoon bands hit into autumn. Carry a compact umbrella and a packable shell rather than buying a bulky one mid-trip.
Hauling an oversized suitcase
Shinkansen luggage rules, tram aisles, ferry ramps, and compact hotel rooms all punish big cases. Choose a carry-on plus a hands-free daypack, and use coin lockers for day trips.
Relying only on cards and phone pay
Cards work widely downtown, but small eateries, shrine offerings, coin lockers, and Miyajima stalls often want cash. Carry a few thousand yen plus a coin pouch to stay organized.
Dressing too casually for memorial sites
Peace Memorial Park and the museum call for quiet, neat clothing. Leave beachwear, loud slogan tees, and very short shorts behind; a plain top and tapered trousers work everywhere.
Underestimating winter wind off the water
City highs near 9°C feel colder on the ferry deck and at exposed shrine approaches. Add a light merino base layer, a scarf, and thin gloves instead of one heavy immovable coat.
Bringing a full-size golf umbrella
Crowded Hondori arcade, tram cars, and narrow island lanes make big umbrellas a nuisance. Pack a compact quick-dry one, and remember most shops offer plastic sleeves at the door.
Wearing brand-new shoes on day one
Central Hiroshima plus Miyajima easily adds up to 15 kilometers of walking daily. Break in cushioned sneakers at home and bring blister tape, since pharmacy hunting wastes sightseeing time.
No dry storage for camera and phone
Sudden downpours soak daypacks fast on the ferry and at the torii viewpoints. Toss in a light rain cover and a couple of zip pouches for electronics, tickets, and passports.
Packing loose snacks for the island
Miyajima deer nose into open bags and paper wrappers within seconds. Use a zippered daypack, keep maps and food sealed inside, and never feed or crowd the animals for photos.
Your Hiroshima Journey Awaits
Hiroshima rewards travelers who move thoughtfully: quiet layers for the Peace Memorial Park, clean socks for shoes-off temples and restaurants, and supportive shoes with grip for Miyajima's ferry ramps, stairs, and forest paths. Keep a compact umbrella and a small hands-free day bag within reach, carry some yen for the little okonomiyaki counters, and let the rest be light. Pack simply, dress with respect, and this city will meet you with quiet warmth.
