Pack navy and gray suits for formal business occasions. Women should opt for knee-length skirts, high-collared blouses, hose and pumps.
Avoid red, as it's considered a very provocative color. Black is considered appropriate for funerals and little else.
Pack lightweight pants, jeans, skirts and short-sleeved tops when visiting during spring and summer. Shorts are inappropriate for both men and women.
Layer during the warmer seasons with sweaters and a fleece jacket. A medium-weight coat and a pair of gloves will keep you warm during the winter.
Take loose-fitting garments. Traditional Japanese dinners require you to sit on pillows or tatami mats.
Take closed-toe sandals and comfortable walking shoes that are easy to get on and off.
Bring socks whenever you travel, as you'll need them when you dine shoeless in a traditional Japanese restaurant or visit temples. Thin socks will suffice in summer, but thick socks are a must in the colder winter months.
Stash a few handkerchiefs in your carry-on bag. These will come in handy to dry your hands in Japanese-style bathrooms, which do not supply hand dryers or paper towels.
Take an umbrella regardless of the season, as you're likely to see rain whenever you visit.
Bring plenty of cash and traveler's checks, since credit cards are only accepted in limited venues.
