20+ Cute Kyoto Outfit Ideas You Can't Get Around This Year

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Kyoto’s got this whole different energy from Tokyo. Slower, calmer… like you can actually hear your own thoughts. And yeah, people dress for that vibe.

Last time I went, I packed all these “city chic” outfits from Tokyo and then ended up living in softer layers and comfy shoes because, well, temples have stairs. Lots of them.

You’ll see locals in everything from traditional kimono to just nice, neat everyday clothes. Tourists? Half are in sneakers with cameras, the other half are in rented kimonos taking a million photos by the river. Both totally fine.

Here are my absolute favorite Kyoto outfit ideas I’m completely obsessed with atm and I’m sure you’ll love them just as much as I do!

20+ Cute Kyoto Outfit Ideas You’ll Love

Baggy Jeans with Jersey T-Shirt

Picture baggy jeans with a jersey t-shirt for a cool look perfect for a street shopping spree, paired with a crossbody bag.

All White Everything Outfit with Crop Top

This all-white outfit with a crop top is a fresh pick for a street festival, paired with sandals for minimalist chic.

Oversized White Tee with Mini Grey Skirt

An oversized white tee with a mini grey skirt is a relaxed combo for a city café stop, paired with sneakers.

All Black Everything Outfit with Black Top and Jeans

This all-black outfit with a black top and jeans is a sleek pick for a rooftop bar, paired with boots.

Beige Vest Top with Mini White Shorts

Picture a beige vest top with mini white shorts for a fresh look perfect for a street snap and pair it with sneakers.

White Button-Down Shirt with Mini Black Skirt

Case in point: a white button-down shirt with a mini black skirt is a chic choice for a city shopping day, paired with a crossbody bag.

White Mini Skirt with White Jersey Tee

This white mini skirt with a white jersey tee is a crisp pick for a park picnic, paired with sandals and a tote bag.

Red T-Shirt with Mini Black Skirt

A red t-shirt with a mini black skirt and grey sneakers is a bold combo for a city street stroll.

Oversized Black Blazer with Black Mini Skirt

I just love this effortless cool vibe from this outfit. Perfect for a shopping day.

Red Leather Jacket with Red Mini Skirt and Boots

Picture a red leather jacket with a red mini skirt and boots for a fierce look perfect for a night out, paired with gold earrings.

Yellow Jersey Tee with White Mini Skirt

Case in point: a yellow jersey tee with a white mini skirt is a fresh choice for a city café hop, paired with sneakers.

Yellow Tokyo Shirt with Denim Shorts

This yellow shirt with denim shorts is a sunny pick for a city street snap, paired with sunglasses.

Blue Button-Down Shirt with Navy Jeans

A blue button-down shirt with navy jeans is a timeless combo for a gallery visit, paired with sneakers.

Red Leather Jacket with Midi Denim Skirt

This red leather jacket with a midi denim skirt is a vibrant pick for rooftop drinks, paired with boots.

White Button-Down Shirt with Wide Leg Jeans

Picture a white button-down shirt with wide-leg jeans for a sleek look perfect for a city café stop, paired with loafers and a tote.

Cute Y2k Mini Dress with Chucks

Case in point: a Y2K mini dress with Chucks is a bold choice for city shopping, paired with a crossbody bag for retro flair.

Pink Oversized Tee with Pleated Grey Mini Skirt

This pink oversized tee with a pleated grey mini skirt is a playful pick for a street stroll, paired with sneakers for urban chic.

FAQ:

What do they wear in Kyoto?

Pretty normal day-to-day pieces, just a bit more… polished? Like, no messy sweatpants.

I saw a lot of long skirts, neat trousers, cardigans, and comfy flats. And people love layering here – probably because mornings can be chilly and afternoons warm up.

Do you need to dress modestly in Kyoto?

Yeah, kinda. Not like “cover every inch” modest, but you don’t wanna rock up to a shrine in a crop top and micro-shorts.

Shoulders and knees covered is a safe bet if you’re going temple-hopping.

Is it okay to wear a kimono in Kyoto?

Oh totally – there are shops everywhere renting them to tourists. Just treat it with respect, you know?

Don’t drag the hem on the ground or eat something super messy in it. Locals won’t mind, they’re used to seeing visitors wearing them.

Can you wear bright colors in Kyoto?

Yep. Kyoto isn’t anti-color or anything. You’ll actually see some stunningly bright kimonos, especially in spring.

Just maybe skip anything neon sportswear-y if you’re aiming to blend in.

What not to wear in Japan as a tourist?

Messy, ripped-up pieces. Super revealing outfits for religious sites.

Dirty shoes (big no). Oh, and anything with weird or offensive slogans in English – you’d be surprised how many people forget about that.

Why do tourists wear kimonos in Kyoto?

Because it’s fun and the photos look amazing tbh. The old streets, the temples, the gardens – a kimono just fits the scene.

Plus, for a lot of people it’s a “when in Kyoto” kind of thing, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.

20+ Cute Kyoto Outfit Ideas You Can’t Get Around This Year