Can I wear shorts in Kyoto?

The style of dress common for women in Japan may be a little more covered up than you are used to, particularly outside the major cities. While miniskirts and short-shorts are common in places like Kyoto and Tokyo, it's rare to see women with exposed cleavage.



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Some places only accept cash Don't rely on credit cards when visiting local attractions or small shops in Kyoto. Of course, in hotels and shopping malls you will be able to use your credit card to pay for goods and services, but this is less certain at local places. In many instances, you will need to pay cash.

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As mentioned in our top Japan travel tips article, there is no strict dress code at Japanese shrines or temples. However, it is more appropriate to dress in a way that is slightly more conservative or leans toward smart-casual a little. Shorts, skirts and dresses at knee-length are fine.

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Putting on a pair of shorts to wear on a flight to a hot country might seem like a good idea to most people. But according to an experienced flight attendant, wearing shorts on a plane is dirty and must be avoided at all costs.

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DON'T: IGNORE THE TABOO IF YOU'RE WESTERNERS Your age, gender and country of origin don't matter, because if you are travelling in Japan, you have to respect the cultural aversion to PDA. Holding hands is okay. In smaller towns, you might get a dirty look if you're walking with an arm around your partner.

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While flip flops are a big no-no for most occasions (save for a trip to the beach or a midnight run to the conbini), comfy ballet flats, loafers, boat shoes, or even a nice pair of slip-on sneakers are practical options. You might also notice that open-toed shoes and sandals are uncommon.

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Yes, you can wear shorts and tank tops. Maybe you could cover up a bit for visits to temples but generally, you don't go inside temples (in the same way to see a cathedral, you do into an enclosed building) so you can be relaxed about this. For men, shorts and tshirts no problem.

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