Kyoto has more than 1,600 temples and around 400 shrines, and that shapes a packing list more than any trend does. Most days you'll take your shoes off several times, sit on tatami, climb stone steps and walk far more than you planned. The climate is humid subtropical, so summer is sticky and the winter cold settles into the basin and stays there. When I plan a Kyoto wardrobe, I start with three questions: can these shoes come off in one motion, do the shoulders and knees stay covered when I sit on the floor, and will this fabric still feel decent at hour eight? The 40 looks below are sorted roughly by season, from cherry blossom walks to winter temple days.

Shoes Off, Socks On: Dressing for the Temple Door
The thing first-time visitors underestimate is how often Kyoto asks you to take your shoes off. Temple halls, many restaurants with tatami rooms, ryokan, some museums and even a few fitting rooms all have a step up where shoes stay behind. On a busy day that can be ten or more times, usually with a queue behind you. Laced boots turn every one of those stops into a small ordeal.
So I plan footwear first and build the outfit up from it. Slip-on loafers, Chelsea boots, mules and sneakers with elastic laces are all quick. Socks matter just as much: they're on display the moment your shoes come off, and the old wooden floors are cold for most of the year. I pack more pairs than I think I need, all plain, all without thin heels.
Sitting on tatami in what you're wearing
Before a trip, I ask clients to kneel on the floor at home in every bottom they plan to bring. Skirts that sit at the knee standing up often ride well above it when you kneel or sit cross-legged. Tight jeans cut in at the hip and knee after twenty minutes. Midi skirts, wide trousers and dresses with some ease through the seat pass this test; short, narrow skirts fail it.
- Shoulders: carry a light cardigan or shirt in summer, even if you wear a tank outside.
- Knees: check the hem while seated, not standing.
- Bags: a crossbody keeps your hands free to carry your shoes in the plastic bag some temples hand out.
- Jewelry: small and quiet, since you'll be close to old wood, lacquer and ceramics.
1. Cherry blossom kimono outfit Kyoto

Wearing a rented kimono during sakura season is the most immersive way to see the blossoms, but book it with your feet in mind. A pale pink or pastel kimono with a floral obi suits the season; the rental staff add tabi socks, zori and a kanzashi ornament, and dressing usually takes around forty minutes. The obi is tied firmly, so eat a light breakfast and expect to sit upright all day. Take short steps: the wrapped skirt simply won't allow a normal stride, and fighting it is what pulls the front open. I'd ask for zori over geta if you plan to walk far, and carry a small drawstring bag for your phone and transit card, since a kimono has no pockets.
2. Spring temple visit outfit Kyoto

Spring temple days start cool and end warm, and you'll be stepping out of your shoes at almost every hall. I build this one on a cream or blush long-sleeve blouse and a pleated midi skirt that falls below the knee even when you kneel on the tatami. A thin beige cardigan handles the morning chill and folds into a crossbody bag by noon. Ballet flats or slip-on loafers save you from untying laces a dozen times a day. Pack clean ankle socks: the old wooden floors are cold underfoot, and bare feet on temple floors aren't really the done thing.
3. Arashiyama bamboo forest outfit

The bamboo grove at Arashiyama is often packed by mid-morning, so this is an outfit for walking slowly through crowds, not posing. A knee-length linen shirt dress in sage or oat breathes in the humidity, and its collar and sleeves keep it fine for Tenryu-ji next door. Linen creases within the hour; I'd accept that, because the crumple is part of how the fabric behaves, and a slightly heavier linen-cotton blend creases less if it bothers you. White canvas sneakers or flat sandals with a back strap handle the packed gravel. Bring a wide-brim straw hat and a woven tote big enough for water and a folding fan.
4. Philosopher’s Path spring outfit

The Philosopher's Path runs about two kilometers along a canal, mostly on stone and packed earth, and in April you'll share it with half the city. A chambray midi dress with three-quarter sleeves and a self-tie waist is my pick here because chambray softens with wear and doesn't show sweat the way thin cotton does. White leather sneakers give you the cushioning for the full length. Wind comes off the water in the afternoon, so I keep a light cotton scarf in a small backpack along with a compact umbrella that doubles as a parasol. Muted blue and cream sit quietly next to the petals on the water.
5. Kyoto garden spring outfit

Kyoto's gardens ask you to slow down, sit on verandas and look, which means your clothes will spend time folded on wooden boards. I like an ivory or soft lavender blouse tucked into wide-leg linen trousers for this, because wide legs let you sit cross-legged or kneel without a waistband digging in. Low-heeled mules or driving shoes slip off at the viewing rooms. Shaded corners and moss gardens stay cool even on warm days, so a quilted cotton jacket earns its place over your shoulders. A leather crossbody with room for a small sketchbook keeps your hands free.
6. Spring rain outfit Kyoto

Spring rain in Kyoto tends to arrive as long, fine drizzle rather than a downpour, so you need clothes that dry fast, not full storm gear. Start with a moisture-wicking tank under a thin merino crewneck; merino stays warm when slightly damp, which cotton won't. Cropped straight-leg trousers in a quick-dry fabric keep wet hems off your ankles. A packable beige trench coat sheds drizzle and still looks neat at a café. Rubber-soled Chelsea boots grip wet stone steps and pull off quickly at temple entrances. Keep a zip bag in your crossbody for your phone.
7. Gion spring evening outfit

Gion after dark is a residential and working district, and the people who live there notice visitors who treat it like a stage set. Dress quietly: a navy midi wrap dress with bishop sleeves, sheer black stockings and low block-heel mary janes that won't catch between paving stones. Evenings drop several degrees, so a fitted cashmere cardigan goes over the shoulders. A small clutch in muted bronze is enough decoration. If you see a maiko hurrying to an appointment, give her room and skip the photo; your outfit should help you blend into the street, and so should your behavior.
8. Yukata festival outfit Kyoto

Summer festival season is when wearing a cotton yukata makes complete sense: it's unlined, light and made for warm evenings by the Kamo River or during Gion Matsuri. Deep indigo or a white ground with fireworks, fans or summer grasses reads as seasonal. The obi goes in a simple bow, and geta finish the look. Geta don't bend, so you walk with short steps and land flat; I tell people to practice in the hotel corridor before heading into a crowd. A kinchaku drawstring bag and a folding fan are all you'll need to carry.
9. Lightweight linen pants outfit Kyoto summer

When the thermometer passes 33°C and the air is thick, I put people in wide-leg linen trousers almost every time. The legs move air with every step, and they cover the knee for temple entry without trapping heat. Tuck in a sleeveless cotton shell in beige or olive, then throw a long-sleeve UV-cut shirt over it, open, for shrine stops and midday sun. Flat leather sandals or mesh sneakers keep feet cool. A canvas tote with water, cooling wipes and a small hand towel is standard summer kit in Kyoto, and you'll see locals carrying the same towel for a reason. I'd wear this for the Fushimi Inari lower gates or a hot afternoon at Nishiki Market.
10. Maxi dress outfit Kyoto summer

A maxi dress solves a lot in summer: full coverage, nothing tight at the waist, and air moving underneath. Cotton or rayon are the fabrics to look for, since polyester holds sweat against the skin. Choose elbow-length sleeves, or add a light cropped shrug so your shoulders are covered for temples. Cushioned slides or flat strappy sandals cope with long pavement days. Rayon wrinkles in a suitcase but drops out after an hour of wear; if you hate creases, pick a crinkled texture from the start. A foldable sun hat and UV arm sleeves finish it for long exposed stretches.
11. Midi skirt and tank top outfit Kyoto summer

This is the summer uniform I'd repeat on a hot week: a linen-blend A-line midi skirt and a ribbed cotton tank with straps wide enough to stay put. Over it, a sheer kimono-style cardigan covers the shoulders at shrines and nods to a traditional silhouette. White low-profile sneakers keep you grounded on long walking days. Carry a straw circle bag and a small hand towel, because many temple and station washrooms don't have paper towels. The A-line shape matters here: it stands away from the legs instead of clinging when the humidity rises, which is what straight linen skirts tend to do.
12. Cotton dress and sneakers Kyoto summer

A cotton shirt dress in a soft check or solid sage covers you from shoulder to calf and still lets air through. Roll the sleeves to just below the elbow and leave the collar open a button or two; that small gap at the neck does more for comfort than you'd expect. White platform sneakers add a little height without hurting on hills. A fabric belt gives it shape, and a foldable straw visor shades your face without flattening your hair for dinner. I'd take this from a full sightseeing day straight to an evening meal near Pontocho Alley with nothing more than a change of earrings.
13. Higashiyama summer evening outfit

Higashiyama's sloping lanes are at their best in early evening, and a linen-blend jumpsuit in charcoal or mocha suits the light. Check the rise before you buy: a jumpsuit that's short in the body pulls every time you climb steps, and Higashiyama is mostly steps. A V-neck and wide legs keep it airy, a thin canvas belt marks the waist, and a short-sleeve ivory jacket covers the shoulders for temple stops. Block-heel sandals give height without wobbling on uneven stone. A wood-handled tote and small gold studs are plenty. The one honest trade-off is the bathroom: a jumpsuit is a nuisance in small station restrooms.
14. Kyoto rainy season outfit

Tsuyu, the rainy season, usually runs from early June into mid-July, and the air stays warm and damp the whole time. Heavy layers just trap sweat, so I lean on synthetics that dry fast: slim cropped pants in a nylon blend and a short-sleeve boat-neck top. A light waterproof parka in dusty blue or sage keeps you dry without looking like hiking gear. Waterproof slip-on sneakers or low rubber-sole boots save you from soggy laces at every temple door. Keep a compact umbrella and a sealed pouch for electronics in your daypack. Cotton jeans are the thing I'd leave at home in June; once they're wet, they stay wet all day.
15. Kyoto market summer outfit

Nishiki Market is a narrow covered street, warm and slow-moving, with people stopping every few steps to eat. A sleeveless linen tunic over cropped cotton pants won't cling in that heat, and the tunic's length covers your hips when you lean over a stall. Mesh slip-on trainers handle hours on the hard floor. Wear a slim crossbody close to your body so your hands are free for skewers and your wallet stays secure. Keep jewelry small: dangling earrings and long necklaces catch on shoulders in a crowd that tight. A UV-cut cardigan in your bag covers your shoulders for the shrine at the market's east end.
16. Train station slip-on shoe outfit Kyoto

Footwear decides this whole outfit. You'll pass through Kyoto Station constantly, and from there almost every temple asks you to take your shoes off, so I always ask clients to build the day around shoes that come off in one motion. Polished slip-on loafers or Chelsea boots both qualify. Cropped ankle trousers mean your socks are on show, so wear a clean navy or charcoal pair with no thin heels. A heather-gray knit top and a blazer or cardigan give you a layer for cold air-conditioned trains. A structured leather backpack spreads the weight on long transit days.
17. Autumn leaf viewing outfit Kyoto

Momijigari, autumn leaf viewing, puts you outdoors from cool mornings into crisp evenings, often around popular viewing spots where you'll stand still for long stretches. A camel midi skirt and a fitted black turtleneck give you a sleek base, and a wool-blend wrap coat in charcoal or forest green goes on top. Black tights and low block-heel ankle boots handle temple paths. A silk scarf in rust or burgundy picks up the maples. The proportion is the point: fitted on top, fluid below, so the coat closes cleanly. In late November the temperature can drop well into single digits after sunset, so don't leave the coat at the hotel.
18. Sweater and midi skirt outfit Kyoto autumn

An oversized oatmeal sweater with a satin bias-cut midi skirt is a soft, low-contrast look for October, when days usually sit somewhere in the mid-teens to low twenties Celsius. Tuck only the front of the sweater; a full tuck under satin creates a lump at the hip, and bias-cut skirts show every bump. Satin also marks if it gets rained on, so check the forecast. Cream leather sneakers or flat mules slip off at temple doors, and gold hoops with a leather bucket bag finish it. Push the sleeves up when the sun comes out and pull them down when the garden shade gets long.
19. Trench coat outfit Kyoto fall

A beige double-breasted trench is one of the most useful coats you can pack for early autumn in Kyoto. I wear it open over a white cotton button-down and dark straight-leg jeans, which keeps the look practical on long river walks where the wind comes straight down the Kamo. Brown leather loafers and a tonal silk scarf tie it together. When the afternoon warms up, take the coat off and drape it over your shoulders or the strap of a structured tote. The double-breasted front matters on windy days; it closes over itself instead of flapping open the way a single-breasted coat does.
20. Knit dress and boots Kyoto autumn

A ribbed knit midi dress in burgundy or forest green covers you for a late-autumn day in one piece. Long sleeves and a modest side slit keep it right for temples while giving you a full stride. Opaque black tights and knee-high flat boots carry it through five hours on foot. Ribbed knits cling more than flat knits, so I size up if you want it to skim rather than hug. A cropped wool jacket or a neat blazer adds structure without covering the waist. I'd wear this for an afternoon at the Kyoto National Museum and dinner near Sanjo Station as the evening cools.
21. Cardigan layering outfit Kyoto

A long gray wool cardigan does more work in Kyoto's changeable autumn than almost any other layer, because it comes off in a second and folds flat into a day bag. Wear it open over a white or cream crewneck tee and olive slim trousers; the open front draws a long vertical line from shoulder to hem. White leather sneakers and a canvas tote keep it casual. A narrow wool scarf wrapped once at the neck adds warmth exactly where the wind hits. Watch out for pilling: long cardigans rub where a bag strap sits, so I swap the strap to the other shoulder now and then.
22. Denim skirt autumn outfit Kyoto

A long dark-denim skirt with a front slit gives a fall outfit structure and still covers the knee. Denim that heavy holds its shape through a full day of walking, and the dark wash hides dust from temple paths. Tuck in a fine merino turtleneck in cream or soft mustard, then add a quilted olive vest for warmth across the core. Brown suede ankle boots and a matching belt pull the earth tones together. Check the slit before you go: if it opens above mid-thigh when you sit on tatami, a single stitch at the top fixes it.
23. Wide-leg pants outfit Kyoto fall

High-waisted wide-leg trousers in heathered wool or a thick crepe move well and keep autumn wind off your legs. Pair them with a fitted henley or a fine crewneck so the top half stays neat against the volume below. A cropped trench-style jacket that ends at the waistband keeps the leg line long; a hip-length jacket over wide trousers tends to make everyone look shorter. Pointed flats or low block-heel boots both work. On cold mornings, thermal tights fit under the wide legs with no one the wiser. I'd wear this to a kaiseki dinner after an afternoon on the Imperial Palace grounds.
24. November layered outfit Kyoto

By late November, Kyoto mornings are often in single digits and afternoons rarely get far into the teens, so this outfit is built to come apart. A thermal long-sleeve base, a chunky wool sweater and a tailored down vest let you peel off one layer at a time. The vest compresses into a tote when the sun is out. Slim black trousers and waterproof ankle boots handle stone steps slick with fallen leaves. Keep a wool beanie and fleece-lined gloves in your bag for the evening illuminations. Dark tones like charcoal and deep plum photograph cleanly against red maples at Eikan-do and Kiyomizu-dera.
25. Down jacket outfit Kyoto winter

Kyoto sits in a basin, and in winter the cold settles in damp and stays at ground level. A mid-length down puffer in matte black or deep navy is the coat I'd pack. Under it, a thin thermal turtleneck and fleece-lined leggings, with a wool midi skirt over the leggings so you can shed the skirt indoors. Insulated boots with a real grip pattern handle frosty temple steps. Thick wool socks matter more than people expect: temple floors are bare wood, and the cold comes straight through thin socks. Keep disposable hand warmers in your coat pocket for long outdoor stretches.
26. Wool coat winter outfit Kyoto

A structured wool-blend coat in camel or charcoal makes winter sightseeing look deliberate rather than bundled. Wear it over a cashmere crewneck and tailored wool trousers, with thin heat-retaining tights under the trousers for warmth nobody sees. Lug-sole Chelsea boots grip cold pavement and pull off quickly at temple doors. Fold a cashmere scarf inside the collar so it seals the gap at the neck where wind gets in. Leather gloves and a felt hat finish it. The one thing I'd check is shoulder room: a tailored coat that's snug over a cashmere sweater will be too tight over a thick knit later in the week.
27. Kimono-inspired winter outfit Kyoto

Wa-modern dressing mixes traditional Japanese shapes with everyday winter clothes, and Kyoto's backstreets are full of it. Try a wrap-style wool coat with wide sleeves, cut like a haori, over a high-neck knit top and a long accordion-pleat skirt. Split-toe tabi boots in black leather give a cultural nod and keep feet warm, though they take a few wears before the toe division feels natural. A kinchaku-style bag in brocade or silk carries the essentials. Keep the palette to ivory, black and charcoal and the look reads as considered, not as a costume. It suits a day of galleries and tea houses near the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.
28. Winter illumination Kyoto outfit

Kyoto's winter illuminations, like the Arashiyama Hanatouro, are mostly evening walks in the cold, often standing still in a slow-moving crowd. Wear a long quilted coat in deep plum over a high-neck velvet dress; quilting traps heat well for its weight, which you'll be grateful for after two hours. Fleece-lined tights and weatherproof heeled ankle boots keep you warm with a bit of dressy height. A chunky knit wrap adds warmth around the shoulders. Touchscreen gloves save you from taking them off for every photo, which matters more than it sounds when your fingers are numb.
29. Snow day Kyoto outfit

Heavy snow is rare in Kyoto, but when it does dust the temple roofs, the ground turns wet and slippery fast. A waterproof long puffer with a hood goes over a thermal base and a thick knit sweater. Water-repellent wide-leg trousers with a fleece lining keep your legs dry. Snow boots with a deep tread handle icy courtyards like the one at Kinkaku-ji. A wool beanie and insulated mittens, plus a sturdy crossbody, keep your hands free for balance on steps. Snow days are when everyone wants a photo, and a waterproof shell means you can kneel for one without soaking through.
30. Winter dress and tights Kyoto

A heavy-gauge wool sweater dress with a turtleneck and long sleeves is the simplest one-piece answer to a winter day. Fleece-lined tights go underneath, then knee-high flat boots with a sock liner. Over it, a tailored wool coat in a contrasting neutral, cream over charcoal or camel over navy. Make sure the dress hits below the knee when you're seated, since knits ride up. A wide leather belt breaks up the wool volume at the waist. Heavy knits stretch at the seat after a day of sitting, so I hang the dress to rest overnight and wear it again two days later.
31. Winter boots and knit outfit Kyoto

A chunky cream fisherman sweater with black coated skinny jeans and shearling-lined Chelsea boots is a reliable repeat for a winter week. The thick wool insulates, and the coated denim blocks wind and light damp far better than plain cotton jeans. A long puffer vest over the sweater warms the core but leaves your arms free on crowded buses. Leather touchscreen gloves and a ribbed beanie finish it. I'd wear this to a shrine in the morning, a ramen counter at lunch and a cold stretch of the Philosopher's Path later. Keep the palette tight, cream and black, so the heavy fabrics don't look messy together.
32. New Year shrine visit outfit Kyoto

Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, draws enormous crowds, and many people dress with extra care for it. A fitted mock-neck dress in deep red or navy, opaque tights and low-heeled leather pumps feel festive without trying too hard. A tailored wool coat in a soft neutral goes on top, because you may stand outdoors in a queue for a long time. Keep accessories quiet: a pearl hair clip, a structured handbag, a silk scarf. Red picks up the good-fortune symbolism of the season; I'd keep it to one piece so it doesn't tip into costume. Low heels, not stilettos, on shrine gravel.
33. Ryokan stay outfit Kyoto

Staying at a ryokan comes with its own dressing routine, built around the yukata the inn provides. You wear it inside, to the bath, to dinner and for short walks nearby, with the inn's slippers indoors. Wrap it left side over right; right over left is how the deceased are dressed. Tie the simple obi at the waist and add the haori jacket in cooler months. A thin layer underneath makes it more comfortable and more modest. This isn't a costume; it's genuine Japanese hospitality wear, and breakfast on the tatami in your yukata is part of the stay.
34. Ryokan yukata evening stroll outfit

For an evening stroll around your ryokan, the inn's yukata works outside too, with a few practical changes. If geta feel unstable on pavement, wear your own flat leather sandals. In cooler months a wide woven scarf or a light down vest over the yukata keeps you warm without hiding it. A small drawstring bag holds your room key and phone. Stay on the well-lit streets close to the inn; a yukata is meant for a short walk, not a night across town. Walking slowly after the day crowds leave is half the pleasure.
35. Fushimi Inari hike outfit Kyoto

The full Fushimi Inari hike climbs 233 meters through thousands of vermilion torii gates, and most of it is stone steps. Treat it as exercise: moisture-wicking leggings or joggers, a long-sleeve UV-protective top and well-cushioned trail sneakers with grip. A light zip-up covers the shaded forest sections, and a cap shades your face on the exposed upper trail. A small hydration backpack keeps your hands free. Skip sandals and the kimono rental here; both are miserable on wet stone steps. Pack a clean shirt to change into after the descent if you're sightseeing again later.
36. Nishiki Market outfit Kyoto

Nishiki Market is the place for clothes that can take a drip of soy sauce. Dark wash cropped jeans, a striped cotton boat-neck tee and a light denim jacket are all easy to wash in a hotel sink or coin laundry. Cushioned slip-on trainers keep you comfortable on the long, hard market floor, and a small crossbody stays close in the crush. The jacket comes off in the warm hall and back on in air-conditioned shops. Roll a reusable tote into your bag for ceramics and snacks; stripes also hide small food marks better than a plain pale tee.
37. Tea ceremony outfit Kyoto

A tea ceremony is quiet and done mostly kneeling on tatami, so the outfit has to work on the floor. I'd choose a blouse with a soft bow or collar and a knee-length A-line skirt, or tailored trousers if kneeling in a skirt worries you. Skirts that are too short or too tight are the common mistake: you'll be in seiza for a while. Polished flats come off at the entrance. Skip strong perfume, which competes with the matcha, and take off rings and bracelets that could knock the tea bowl. Soft neutrals and gentle patterns suit the wabi-sabi setting far better than loud prints.
38. Kyoto nature hike outfit

North of the city, the trails through cedar forest to places like Kurama-dera are proper hikes, with roots, steep steps and damp ground. I pack convertible hiking pants that zip off at the knee, so you can climb cool and zip back on for temple etiquette at the top. Add a moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt, a wide-brimmed hat and trail runners with grip. A light rain shell packed into its own pocket covers mountain showers. Trekking poles aren't essential, but they help on the steeper descent. Earthy colors suit the forest and hide trail dirt.
39. Kyoto museum outfit

A museum day in Kyoto means a lot of slow standing on polished floors, often in cool air-conditioning. High-waisted tailored trousers in soft gray or beige and a tucked-in silk or cotton blouse feel neat without being formal. A textured wool-blend blazer adds structure and warmth inside the galleries. Pointed flats or low block-heel loafers are kind to your feet over a long afternoon; I'd still pack foldable flats in a structured leather tote in case of blisters. Keep jewelry to studs and a watch, since big bracelets clink against display cases when you lean in for a closer look.
40. Kyoto multi-day capsule wardrobe

A seven-day Kyoto capsule built on neutrals saves suitcase space and morning decisions. I'd pack three tops (a white button-down, a black merino crewneck and a striped long-sleeve tee), two bottoms (navy wide-leg trousers and dark straight jeans) and one midi dress that works alone or layered. A beige trench and a packable puffer cover most seasons between them. Neutral leather sneakers and flat loafers handle the walking and the shoe removals. That gives you at least twelve combinations. A silk scarf, a leather belt and small gold earrings change the look without adding bulk.
What Kyoto Humidity and Basin Cold Do to Your Clothes
Kyoto's weather is less about the temperature on the forecast and more about the air. Summer humidity makes clothes feel heavier as the day goes on, and winter cold creeps up from the ground because the city sits in a basin with mountains on three sides. Fabric choice does most of the work in both seasons.
July and August
Linen, cotton gauze, seersucker and loose rayon let air move; polyester and tight cotton jersey hold sweat against you. Anything that touches the skin should be loose enough to stand away from it. Pale fabrics show sweat marks less than mid-tones like gray chambray, and a small hand towel in your bag is normal in Kyoto, not fussy.
June rains
During the rainy season, quick-dry nylon blends and merino beat cotton denim, which soaks up water and stays heavy. Suede shoes darken and stiffen in the wet, so leave them at home until autumn. Bring a second pair of shoes so one pair can dry overnight.
December to February
Days are often only a few degrees above freezing, and the damp makes it feel colder. Thin thermal base layers do more than an extra bulky sweater, because they trap warmth without making your coat too tight. Wool socks are the single most useful winter item for temple floors, and a coat that covers your hips keeps the wind off when you're standing still at viewpoints.
Packing Kyoto Around Its Temple Floors
Kyoto rewards clothes that respect the places you're walking into. Cover your shoulders and knees at temples, wear fabrics that breathe in summer and keep the damp out in winter, and make sure your shoes come off without a struggle. Neutrals like beige, navy, cream and charcoal sit comfortably in the city's old streets, while a rented kimono or yukata gives you one day that feels different from the rest. A capsule wardrobe of interchangeable pieces keeps the suitcase light and every outfit intentional. Plan around the temple floors and the weather, and the rest falls into place.























