What to Wear in Osaka

Osaka has a more expressive, relaxed street style than conservative Tokyo: around Shinsaibashi, Orange Street (Horie) and Amerikamura you will see everything from tailored Japanese workwear and vintage denim to bold streetwear. Whatever your style, comfort and neatness come first, as a normal sightseeing day easily logs 15,000 to 20,000 steps across sprawling train terminals and castle parks.

Slip-on shoes and pristine socks

You will remove your shoes more often in Osaka and on Kansai day trips than in Europe: at traditional tatami-mat dining rooms in Hozenji Yokocho, inside temple halls at Shitenno-ji and Todai-ji in Nara, and in historic castle interiors. Wear supportive walking trainers or loafers that slip on and off without five minutes of unlacing, and always wear clean, hole-free socks (or carry a spare pair in your bag if wearing sandals in summer).

Season by season

• Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November): light layers (cotton t-shirts, a cardigan or overshirt and a light windbreaker) so you can adjust between cool outdoor parks and warm subway carriages.
• Summer (June to September): Osaka summers are intensely humid. Pack moisture-wicking, breathable linen or technical fabrics, a folding umbrella for June rain and July sun, a small hand towel (tenugui, as many public washrooms do not have paper towels or hand dryers) and a light layer for fiercely air-conditioned Shinkansen cars.
• Winter (December to February): a light packable down jacket or wool coat, scarf and comfortable boots. Snow is rare in the city, though cold wind blows off Osaka Bay around Kaiyukan Aquarium and Universal Studios.

Two small essentials

Carry a small plastic pouch in your daypack for your own wrappers and tissues (public rubbish bins are rare on Japanese streets, except beside vending machines for cans and bottles), and a Type A two-flat-pin plug adapter. Check seasonal weather before you pack.