There's just something so captivating about Japan and its distinct ability to balance tradition with modernity—more so when it's bathed in soft autumn light. So when Uniqlo invited Preview to explore Japan during the fall season, we knew we'd be in for a memorable trip!
Whether you’re traveling to seek the serenity of nature, the bustle of the city, or the charm of quaint towns, the Land of the Rising Sun really has it all. Add the crisp fall air, golden foliage, and festive atmosphere, and you’re set for an unforgettable holiday.
Ahead, we list down everything you need to prep for an autumn-winter trip in Japan that's bound to be one for the books.
How to Apply for a Japan Visa
If you're carrying a Philippine passport, you'll need to apply for a Japan visa.
FYI, apart from legally being allowed to enter the homeland of anime and Studio Ghibli, your Japanese visa will allow you to enter several other countries. Frequent visitor? Make sure to apply for a multiple-entry visa!
How to Fly to Japan from Manila
There are several direct flights from Manila to Japan, via airlines like Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Zipair, Jetstar, and Airasia. Budget carrier Cebu Pacific also boasts non-stop flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Sapporo.
What to Do in Japan During Autumn
1. Slow down in Nagano City.
Take inspiration from the season and consider some much-deserved downtime in Nagano City. An hour and a half Shinkansen train ride away from Tokyo, the prefecture's capital moves at a much leisurely pace compared to its more bustling counterpart. Fun fact: it hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics! While it's known for its ski resorts and snow monkeys, don't discount it for a fall visit as the Zenkoji Temple and Mizuno Art Museum are awe-inspiring cultural stops in your itinerary.
2. Get enamored by Karuizawa's small-town charm.
While a very quaint New England atmosphere may not be on your Japan trip Bingo card, hear us out. Streets lined in colorful structures reminiscent of American country homes, independent artisans selling their crafts proudly—be it freshly brewed coffee made from beans roasted on-site, hearty pastries baked as it was in the 40s, or jams preserved from local produce, the spirit of community make for an overall warm and fuzzy feeling. Wholesome and charming, we aren't surprised that a season of Terrace House, the Japanese reality TV show of the same vibe, was filmed in this locale.
3. Commune with nature and admire the changing foliage in Kumobaike Pond and Shiraito Waterfalls.
In case you didn't know, "leaf peeping" is a worldwide phenomenon. From Finland to China, there are people who actually set out to witness the different stages of foliage. The Japanese call this tradition momijigari or the hunting of red leaves.
Whether you choose to take a moment of calm by laying on a mat, going for a walk, or creating art, several studies have shown that spending time in nature can benefit well-being—reduction of anxiety and stress included.
4. Go stock up on your favorite Japanese goodies.
Whether it's stocking up on the latest J-beauty products and Japanese snacks at Don Quijote, the cutest anik-anik, or your favorite fashion finds, you can girl math your way to savings since the Japanese Yen is currently weak. Don't forget to make your way to Shinjuku Honten to check out Uniqlo's latest flagship store and its store exclusives, as well as its sister brands Comptoir des Cottoniers and PLST.
5. Cozy up with a warm meal.
Yes, Japanese food is already glorious in itself, but there's something just so satisfying about hunkering down around a table over a hearty meal once the temperature starts dropping. Feeding your body also becomes nourishing the soul when you partake with friends and family, or when you become totally present and aware of all five senses as you sip ramen in your own solo dining cubicle.
What to Pack for a Japan Trip in Autumn
CLOTHING
As much as we'd want to bring our entire closets wherever we go, airlines' baggage allowance says otherwise. Hence, a careful curation of your travel wardrobe goes a long way especially if you need to pile on your layers against the cold. Fortunately, there are fashion innovations from Uniqlo that allow maximum warmth from seemingly "lightweight" materials. Check it out below!
Weatherproof Parka
The holy grail of traveling during the colder seasons, a weatherproof parka keeps you warm and protected from the elements. Be it from the moisture from the fog, light rains, or even the season's first snowfall, you'll be dry and toasty with the right outerwear. This Pufftech parka ticks all the boxes for an autumn trip as it's water-repellent, extra-warm, and easy to tote around. Providing next-gen insulation, it's made from the latest Japanese fiber technology so it's lightweight yet warm. Plus, it's a great, animal-friendly option for the traditional down.
Pufftech Parka, P3490, UNIQLO, uniqlo.com
Warm Basic Top
Whether you use it to layer or on its own, a long-sleeve shirt is a staple for any travel wardrobe. Much so if it helps absorb and retain heat, like the Heattech. Did you know? Depending on the conditions you're going to, there are actually three tiers of Heattechs you can consider. The regular Heattech is recommended for 5-20 degrees Celsius, Extra Warm for -5 to 15 degrees Celsius, and the Ultra Warm for -20 to -5 degrees Celsius.
Heattech Crew Neck Longsleeve T-Shirt, P790, UNIQLO, uniqlo.com
Puffer Vest
Another convenient layering option is donning a vest over your top. This option from Uniqlo uses the same Pufftech technology to keep the wearer insulated, and it has been making the rounds online for being able to be buttoned down as a V-neck as well.
Pufftech Compact Vest, P2490, UNIQLO, uniqlo.com
Cute Sweater
Needless to say, sweaters are a major component of any autumn packing list. While you can go all out Yuletide and bring on the "ugly" Christmas sweaters, a low-key yet still cutesy version from Uniqlo's collab with English designer Anya Hindmarch makes for a chic sartorial statement.
Anya Hindmarch Merino Wool Crew Neck Sweater, P1990, UNIQLO, uniqlo.com
A good pair of socks
It's important to protect your extremities, and upgrading your regular sports socks is a small yet powerful way of regulating your body's temperature. Using the same Heattech technology, these cable knit socks not only look cute with loafers or sneakers, but they're very formidable against the cold, too.
Heattech Socks, P290, UNIQLO, uniqlo.com
BEAUTY
Since we're blessed with a tropical climate, we don't go through extreme weather changes and our skincare routine is pretty much stable the whole year round. But, traveling to different climates can actually alter our skin's needs and the cold really does tend to dry up our complexion. Hence, the importance of tweaking our travel beauty kits accordingly. Ahead are some of our must-haves.
Handcream
I'm not one to tote around hand cream on a regular basis, but the moment I land in much colder soil, a tube becomes a purse staple. Cold weather means lower relative humidity, and coupled with indoor heating, moisture is basically drained off your skin and your hands take a beating as it's usually what's exposed. Consider a non-greasy one like those from L'Occitane.
Almond Hand Cream, P700, L'OCCITANE, rustans.com
Sunblock
Just because you can't feel the sun's warmth doesn't mean you can skip sunscreen. Don't let the cool air fool you as the UV may still be in dangerous levels. This heiress-approved sunscreen not only blocks harmful rays but also converts a portion of sunlight into bringing out skin's radiance.
Shiseido Urban Environment Triple Beauty Suncare Emulsion SPF 50+ , P2650, SHISEIDO, Lazada and Rustan's
Moisturizing Lip Balm
Promising 24-hours of soft and smooth lips, this hydrating lip balm from Fresh also comes in beautiful, buildable hues that go from sheer to bold. It can go from day to night, and its compact packaging lets it easily slide into your cutest micro bags.
Sugar Lip Treatment, P1520, FRESH COSMETICS, Sephora
Multi-purpose Color Stick
Multi-purpose products are key when it comes to looking glam on the go, and Five Beauty shades are not only flattering on your eyes, cheeks, and lips, it's clean, cruelty-free, and enhanced with SPF, too. Swipe on a true pink hue for your take on the "I'm cold makeup look."
Hybrid Colour Stick, P699, FIVE BEAUTY, fivebeauty.co
Cleansing Balm
We get it, it can get tempting to just plop in bed after a long day of exploring Japan. But cleansing your face is a step you shouldn't miss to avoid breakouts, and luckily, Teviant has come up with a game-changing solution. Not only does their cleansing balm gently remove all makeup and impurities, it keeps your visage moisturized and nourished, and it's totally rinse-free, too! What's more, it comes in mess-proof packaging so you're sure it won't accidentally spill onto your luggage. Sweet!
Rinse-Free Moisturizing Cleansing Butter, P750, TEVIANT, Lazada
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