While you may want to go for a nice small black heel on ceremony days and the like, you can usually wear comfortable footwear. Just go for something which is closed toe and preferably closed back as well. As for your days off, most people don't wear flip-flops but rather more proper sandals and footwear.

Nothing low cut. Even if you think it's not that low cut, the general rule of thumb is to have a neckline which goes no lower than the armpit line. Also avoid having words on your shirt. Think business casual/professional. When you're not on the job, it's better to still dress modestly. Don't forget, you're a public servant. No spaghetti straps or plunging necklines.

Skirts, long trousers, and capris (if they're work appropriate) are generally all fine depending on your workplace. Avoid sweatpants except for on sports day. Also, try to keep skirts at or below the knee. This is especially hard for those of us with long legs...but you'll find a way, I promise. Even when you're not working, avoid anything you wouldn't want your kids seeing you in. If you saw your teachers out of school, what would you be absolutely mortified to see them in?

You should own at least one suit. Skirt suits and pant suits are both fine. You should wear a nice blouse, button up, or sweater underneath. It's generally expected that you wear pantyhose if your legs are exposed in the suit.

Once a year, every school has sports day. looks like the ones to the left are fine, or sweatpants. Be sure that the material of your sweatpants isn't sweatshirt material but rather windbreaker or sports jacket material. Women in Japan generally cover all of their skin and even wear hats on sports day. When you go to the gym, it's best to wear some looser fitting shorts over your leggings, and to wear a top over that sports bra.

Nothing too big or flashy is key. You can wear a watch, basic bracelets, stud earrings, and the like. Any unconventional piercings (such as cartilage) will depend on your school. My school is cool with it, but others will insist you take that out. As for when you're out on the town, feel free to wear your jewelry. Though most people here aren't too over the top with their accessories.

If you wear either of these, go for a natural look with makeup and a non-intrusive smell for perfume. Most people don't wear perfume and it may be a shock to students and coworkers and even cause them discomfort. As much as you want to express yourself, it's also important to consider those around you. Even off the job, wearing too strong of a perfume will be a bother to those on the same train as you. Remember, Japan is a country of close-space encounters.

Dying and cutting your hair is generally fine. As for the colors you can dye it, stick to naturally occurring colors. Some schools have been known to have more leeway on this, but in my case it's generally accepted that you stick with a shade of brown. If you do have your hair dyed something crazy for your off days, maybe invest in a nice wig to get you through the work week.

There are many products that are unfamiliar to Japanese people. Using things like coconut oil and other oils to tame those curls are just a few. You should do you and take care of your hair, but also be aware that students may be shocked by the smell because they aren't used to it. Other products cost a lot and are difficult to obtain in Japan, so don't be afraid to have a conversation with your JTE if you feel uncomfortable.

Dress shoes or trainers are the best go-to shoes for men. I know that many of my coworkers also wear things like crocs, but I just don't get that fad... When you're off the clock, stick to proper shoes. Most people don't wear flip-flops in Japan and trainers are the go-to shoe for every day life.

For a regular day at work, a button-up or a polo is generally a safe bet. If your school is more on the formal side, button-ups are the way to go. On your day off, it's best to wear shirts that aren't riddled with holes or otherwise unacceptable for a public servant to wear in public (no vulgar sayings, etc.).

No jeans. Generally a basic dress pant is the best choice for men. For some schools on the more lenient side, colored jeans and khaki pants are also a very viable option. Outside of school, feel free to wear what you please. Short-shorts are usually only acceptable for running.

On days where there are ceremonies or other events which call for a suit, these are some things that you should be aware of. Mostly, ties. When you wear a tie, be careful of the color and design. Black ties mean funeral, white ties mean wedding, blue and red are the most common for daily wear. Especially blue.

Men generally don't have piercings or wear much jewelry at all. It's best to follow that norm at work and stick to simple watches and the like. Though there are some ALTs who have been known to wear their earrings to work. After hours, put your piercings back in if you have any. It may be a good way to spark a conversation.

It's best to keep a nice cropped look, or to tie your hair up if you have it long. As for facial hair, most people shave every day or every other day. Some people have some facial hair, but depending on your school that may be frowned upon. Even when you aren't working, laying your hair down before going out should be a given.

As long as it's not overpowering and you're not dousing yourself in it, a small amount of cologne or aftershave is usually fine. Unusual scents to Japan such as patchouli oil are likely best left avoided. If you're riding trains on your day off, be careful with the scents as you don't want to bother those around you.

You will need to cover your tattoos at work. You're a teacher in Japan. We don't want kids thinking you have yakuza affiliations, and frankly, your principal simply won't allow it. If you can't cover them with your clothes, you can use some other cover up methods discussed below.

While you can do what you please on your day off, keeping your tattoos covered while you're in your own prefecture may be for the best. Once students see your tattoos, they won't stop talking about it. But, to each their own I suppose.

Many onsens ban tattoos, and even some of them which allow tattoos only allow them for foreigners (that is, non-East Asian foreigners). You can do some things to cover them if they're small enough. There are aqua seals and other options for covering it.

There are many methods for covering up your tattoo from wearing clothes that cover it to make-up. Some of the best options are foundation tape (which won't rub off like regular foundation), high coverage foundation with a setting spray over top, or just clothing which covers the tattoo. Whichever method you choose, it will be more of a pain than leaving it be...which is why is important to choose the method which is best for you, and best for the occasion.