Packing for August in Japan

Do I have to mention the obvious? Anti-perspirant.

Maybe it changed a bit during the last years, but usually the department stores and most of the trains have sibiria-like air-conditioning, so its really worth taking a light jumper with you to put it on if necessary.

Thanks for this - got the anti-perspirant pegged!!! What about at night - does it cool down then? Or is anywhere on our itinerary cooler?

Tokyo doesn't really cool down in the evenings - anywhere that' s mountainous will.<BR><BR>That said though, it is unseasonably cool in tokyo at the moment.

Only at high-altitude resorts (and Mt Koya) do night-time temperatures drop appreciably - but even then you probably won't need anything warm. Elsewhere it will remain hot and humid - what the locals call 'tropical night' - temperature staying above 25C. But don't worry, everywhere you stay no matter how modest will be equipped with air conditioning so you should get a good night's sleep.
BTW, while foreign tourists wear sports shorts (like athletic shorts) as daywear in cities, locals rarely do. If they wear shorts, they are stylish and tailored (like hotpants). Sportswear are strictly for sports and the beaches.
Of your destinations, expect hot and humid weather every day in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Takayama (in ascending order of discomfort).

Mid-thigh length and just above the knee-type shorts are also perfectly fine and the Japanese people are wearing these more and more these days. Hot pants I only really see in Shibuya or Roppongi.

Hi,
You're on the right track. I used to live in Vietnam, and I think Japan is far more hot and humid and uncomfortable in the summer! Now I live quite far north and I still only use a light sheet at most at night in August.

Koya-San, etc will cool down at night but just a light jacket should be OK. If you do a temple stay they should have blankets if you need them, and of course hotels will be airconditioned. I second not forgetting your anti-perspirant as it's not available here (only deoderant that doesn't really work), however, there are convenience stores every two metres or so where you can get refreshing facial wipes, cold drinks, and a spot of air-con so not to worry.

If you don't want to bring trousers, then a lighweight pair of 3/4 length ones (like linen or cotton) would be a good compromise in case you want to go to a nice restaurant or somewhere. But, if you are planning on doing any hiking on trails, you might want something a bit heavier as there are a few snakes in the the mountains. They are pretty shy, but I have seen them a few times and would personally rather have my legs covered when hiking. Don't be overly worried though!

Have fun!

Don't forget mosquito repellent, they are equally nasty as the ones in tropical countries.