Getting close to my first trip to Japan - quick question, what should I bring along to wear? Is it starting to warm up, or is a raincoat necessary? Also, are jeans OK to wear when roaming about town/doing tourist-y things, or are they too casual? We'll be in the Tokyo and Kyoto areas... all advice appreciated...
Thanks,
Stephanie

May is mild and pleasant in Tokyo/Kyoto, but be prepared for occasional chilly evenings and rainy days. A light coat or windbreaker would be a good idea.

I've lived in both the Bay Area and Japan, and surmise you haven't used an umbrella in years http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif . In Japan, people without an umbrella on a rainy day will definitely be stared at ('another strange foreigner!'). Buy a lightweight one in a Tokyo department store (Mitsukoshi's are good), Japanese umbrellas are the best quality/size compromise I've found.

Clothes: anything goes in Japan. Many Japanese women are extremely fashion-conscious, but that can range from grungy (stroll by Harajuku/Shibuya in Tokyo to get an idea) to classical. Not too many adults in jeans however, especially on weekdays; regular jeans can denote 'on vacation', nerd, unsophisticated, sports enthusiast, unemployed, etc. in Japan... I personally don't feel very comfortable wearing jeans in Tokyo especially (am a 30-ish employed, unfashionable male).

As a westerner though, nobody will care. Do avoid white sneakers with the jeans, however.

wear what you like - you are not working there
make sure the clothes have big pockets to carry the amount of money you will need to get by there