I was lucky enough to visit Japan for the first time in the spring of 2024, and what an experience it was! From the delicious food and vibrant culture to breathtaking nature and striking architecture, I fell in love with every aspect. My journey started in the bustling city of Tokyo, where I explored ancient temples, visited the museum of photography, sipped coffee in the cutest cafés, and marveled at its stunning modern architecture. Naturally, a lot of walking was involved, so comfortable outfits were key!
Tokyo’s fashion scene is incredibly diverse, and one of the things I loved most was how unbothered everyone seemed. You can truly wear anything, and no one will give you a second glance—Tokyoites might even be more nonchalant than New Yorkers! That said, I noticed that many locals gravitate toward neutral tones and capsule wardrobe essentials. I saw lots of oversized white or navy shirts, tailored trousers, and classic trench coats. Cotton dresses with asymmetrical cuts, paired with flat shoes, were popular too. Wide-leg jeans and cropped cardigans, flowy skirts with plain tees, and sneakers were also common. Colors were subtle yet stylish—beige, black, white, baby blue, and marine hues dominated the scene.
What stood out the most, though, was their appreciation for vintage. Cool vintage jackets, printed t-shirts, and unique accessories were everywhere, making the Tokyo style effortlessly chic yet individualistic.
After spending a few days in the vibrant chaos of Tokyo, my next stop was Kyoto, and it quickly became my favorite part of the trip. The contrast between the modern, eclectic energy of Tokyo and the serene, traditional charm of Kyoto was refreshing. As soon as I arrived, I was enveloped in Kyoto’s peaceful vibe—it felt like a tranquil retreat. I absolutely fell in love with the beautiful gardens, the mesmerizing bamboo forest, and the historical Gion district, known for its traditional wooden houses and teahouses. Of course, I couldn’t resist exploring more cozy coffee shops and even indulged in some home shopping, picking up gorgeous ceramics.
One of my plans was to visit Ippodo Tea to stock up on authentic matcha and other teas, but unfortunately, their Kyoto location was closed the day I visited. Thankfully, I was able to find their stand in a department store still in Kyoto, but I’m still dreaming of visiting the main shop in Kyoto next time. Another shopping highlight was discovering a stunning biker jacket—a perfect blend of style and souvenir!
For Tokyo, I embraced a hip-hop, cool-girl aesthetic, but my style in Kyoto shifted to match its laid-back, romantic atmosphere. I opted for soft browns and creams that blended beautifully with the city’s calming surroundings. Think cardigans draped over shoulders, tailored trousers, and a maxi denim skirt paired with comfortable sneakers—perfect for wandering the quiet streets and soaking in the zen of Kyoto. Had I been there during cherry blossom season, I would have definitely added some pink touches to my outfits.
Now, let me show you what I wore, from Tokyo’s edgy vibes to Kyoto’s serene elegance, day by day.
Tokyo Day 1 – Architecture and Night Life
For my first day in Tokyo, the plan was packed with culture, views, and nightlife. I started with a visit to the National Art Center, followed by exploring the traditional beauty of Kyu Asakura House. Afterward, I enjoyed a drink with a stunning city view at Hills House Sky Room before heading to Shinjuku to dive into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife, capping the evening with dinner at Teppan Baby Restaurant for a taste of delicious Japanese cuisine.
For this busy yet relaxed itinerary, I chose a laid-back but stylish outfit. I went with a simple tank top layered under an oversized shirt, perfect for balancing comfort and casual chic. I paired it with loose-fitting jeans, ideal for all-day walking, and completed the look with classic sneakers for extra comfort. My accessories: a sleek black shoulder bag and a baseball cap, adding a sporty touch to my urban Tokyo style.
Tokyo Day 2 – Culture
On Day 2 in Tokyo, I dove deep into the city’s cultural richness. I kicked off the day with a brunch at Ivy Place, a trendy spot in Shibuya City. The cozy vibe and beautiful surroundings set the perfect tone for the day. From there, I headed to the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum to take in some inspiring exhibitions, which showcased a mix of contemporary and historical photography.
Next, I made my way to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, a stunning historic site that radiates tradition and spiritual energy. Inspired by the bold red hues of the temple, I built my outfit around a vibrant red jacket layered over a simple white tee for a balanced, minimalist look. I paired it with grey jeans, which provided a neutral base, and of course, comfy sneakers to handle the day’s walking.
Afterward, I ventured to the upscale district of Ginza, famous for its luxury shopping and refined atmosphere. I even popped into an Ippodo Tea Store, but decided to save my purchases for later. My day wrapped up with an exquisite dinner at Ginza Kagari, known for its sophisticated take on ramen, before finishing the night at the dazzling Shibuya Crossing, a must-see Tokyo landmark.
This look was a perfect blend of comfort and style, with the red jacket making a bold, standout statement while still being practical for a full day of sightseeing.
Tokyo Day 3 – Shopping
On my final day in Tokyo, it was all about indulging in vintage and home shopping. I explored some of the city’s best spots like Encounter Madu Aoyama, Amore Vintage, and Ragtag Harajuku, each offering unique finds from timeless vintage pieces to eclectic home décor. As I wandered through Cat Street, a vibrant and trendy area perfect for fashion lovers, I made sure to stop at The Matcha Tokyo for a delightful matcha break. It was the perfect pit stop to recharge.
Unfortunately, I didn’t capture any photos on this last day, but I can tell you that I went for a laid-back all-denim look. I paired a denim jacket with jeans for a cool yet casual vibe, layering with a simple tank top underneath and finishing the look with comfortable sneakers, ideal for a day filled with walking and shopping.
Kyoto Day 1 – City Strolls
On my first day in Kyoto, I set out to explore the city’s rich culture, starting with a stroll through the historic Gion District and a visit to the beautiful Yasaka Shrine. The traditional architecture and serene atmosphere immediately transported me to a different time. After some sightseeing, I made my way to Nishiki Market for a bit of shopping, enjoying the vibrant array of local delicacies and handcrafted goods.
When it came to food, the day was a true culinary journey. I began with a traditional soba meal at Soba-no-Mi Yoshimura, followed by the fluffiest pancakes imaginable at A Happy Pancake, and ended the day with a mouth-watering barbecue dinner at Hiro Gion Yamana-an.
For this busy day of exploring and dining, I opted for a comfortable yet chic outfit: tailored suit trousers paired with a simple tank top, layered with a light cardigan for an added touch of coziness. I completed the look with my trusty Adidas Sambas—perfect for all the walking—and my go-to black shoulder bag. The outfit was effortlessly stylish yet functional, making it the perfect choice for a day of wandering through Kyoto’s streets.
Kyoto Day 2 – Bamboo Forest and Tea House
On Day 2 in Kyoto, I kicked things off by waking up early for a visit to the iconic Bamboo Forest. Although I arrived around 9:30 AM, which was later than planned, it was still crowded, but the experience was serene and magical. The tall, swaying bamboo created a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. From there, I wandered over to the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple and its stunning garden. The harmony between the natural landscape and the architecture was breathtaking—a true Kyoto gem.
After soaking in the peaceful surroundings, I stopped for breakfast at a quaint traditional café called Bread, Espresso and Arashiyama Garden. Their menu offered the perfect mix of Japanese and Western influences. Once re-energized, I headed to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)—a shimmering masterpiece that’s even more beautiful in person than in pictures. For a midday snack, I indulged in aburi-mochi at the traditional tea house Kazariya, a delightful experience that made me feel like I’d stepped back in time. I wrapped up the day with another delicious barbecue dinner at Gion Tanto.
For this busy day of sightseeing, I opted for a maxi denim skirt paired with a fitted tee. I draped a cardigan over my shoulders for that extra touch of coziness and added a pair of sneakers for comfort. I kept the look soft and feminine with a palette of creamy tones, perfect for blending style with ease during my day of exploration in Kyoto.
Kyoto Day 3 – Torii Gate and Temples
On my last half-day in Kyoto, I packed in a mix of culture, a bit of exercise, and some final shopping. I started the day early by visiting the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha with its famous red torii gates. The walk up to the peak of Mount Inari involves plenty of stairs, so it’s a bit of a workout. While many people stop halfway, I pushed a little further for the views. Afterward, I visited Toji Temple, which boasts the tallest wooden tower in Japan—a stunning architectural beauty that’s rich in history.
After a quick break at a cute local coffee shop, I squeezed in some last-minute home shopping. My plan was to visit the main Ippodo Tea store, but unfortunately, it was closed. Luckily, I was able to buy my tea at their stand in the Daimaru Department Store. I also stopped by Kyukyodo, a charming souvenir shop perfect for grabbing some last-minute gifts.
For this active yet laid-back day, I chose a sporty look: a black tank top paired with jeans and comfortable sneakers. I layered a jumper over my shoulders for the cooler morning air but had to remove it after the stair-climbing workout. To complete the look, I added a baseball cap and a black crossbody bag—perfect for keeping things hands-free during all the walking and exploring.
Kyoto Day 4 – Nara
If you have an extra day in your itinerary, consider taking a day trip to Nara, one of Japan’s historical gems. Located just under an hour from Kyoto by train, Nara is famous for its ancient temples, stunning parks, and free-roaming deer in Nara Park, which are considered sacred and friendly enough to approach visitors. Key attractions include Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its beautiful lanterns. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to go but will definitely include this next time I’m going to Japan.
For this day trip to Nara, I’d opt for an effortlessly chic yet comfortable outfit. A cotton maxi dress creates a feminine and relaxed vibe, perfect for exploring temples and parks. To keep things practical and stylish, I’d layer a cardigan over the shoulders for warmth or extra style. For footwear, go for either comfy ballet flats that offer easy movement or sneakers for all-day comfort while walking around. As for the bag, a shoulder bag that can double as a crossbody is ideal—it’s both practical and convenient for keeping your hands free during the adventure. This look balances both style and comfort for a day filled with exploring Nara’s serene beauty.
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