#packing for japan
As Tokyo Orientation draws nearer, it is tradition for the new round of JETs to begin counting the days, say their goodbyes and most importantly, determine what to haul halfway around the world and how to organize it! Given that I was a new JET myself last year, and Tokyo Orientation memories are still (although hazily) fresh in my mind, I thought I might try my hand at making an organizational packing list.
first of all, you’ll need suitcases. I’m not sure about other countries airlines, but air canada allows 2 checked bags and one carry-on bag. one of your checked bags could be a guitar, or some bagpipes, or a snowboard too! You can easily find weight and size restrictions on the website of the airline you’re taking.
The suitcases you choose, if you’re in the market for an internationally capable/indestructible/easy to travel with pieces should have soft shell casing and four wheels. I bought mine on www.overstock.com, they came with a 5 year warranty and they have lots of pockets inside to organize your items.
Before you arrive in Tokyo, you’ll want to determine which suitcase you will physically take with you to your placement (keep in mind that you might be traveling there by bus, Shinkansen or car) and which you’ll have shipped to your placement from orientation. It is essential to plan this, because accidents unfortunately do happen sometimes and you wouldn’t want to be stranded in a strange new place with no underwear (or important documents. Additionally, you don’t have to bring two large suitcases! If you’re able to pack your life away in one, then that is an amazing feat and I applaud you! Those who can’t part with their complete wardrobe and those who like being well stocked on toothpaste and deodorant, the price of sending your large suitcase from Tokyo to your placement will depend on where it is located. I was placed in Osaka (8 hour drive away) and I believe mine cost about ¥2400.
So, without further ado here is the lists I’ve come up with for packing, with each suitcase you bring.
CARRY-ON SUITCASE
-Essential Electronics, Chargers (in an easily accessible place to take out during security)
- use small sample size bottles (under 100ml!) to put your fave skincare/hair case products if you’re not down for the hotel brand! -Clothing & Footwear (&hosiery) for TO and your first days in your placement (Please wear a blazer as much as possible and dress smartly) *if anything gets wrinkled, the hotel has irons, or you can hang stuff up in the bathroom as you shower to steam the wrinkles out!
- the general information handbook, and any other JET related documents. A notebook/clipboard to record notes (encouraged) Also a pencil case if you’re not into stealing hotel pens.
- heavy duty deodorant/ undershirts / makeup. You will sweat. You must fight it! There are so many Japanese products to help you with this, but that’s a whole other blog post!
- an outfit or two worth of casual clothes. You might want to seize the opportunity of exploring Tokyo despite the extreme heat and jet lag, so bring some cool digs to fit into one of the most fashionable cities!
1st CHECKED BAG
- if you have a second bag, pack things into this bag that you cannot live 1-3 months without, because you never know. (Not doubting the Japanese postal service here!)
- pack things that bring you comfort, pictures, letters, saltwater taffy, anything that supports you or makes you smile. The first few weeks are theist difficult, so you’ll need it.
- casual clothes, light sleeping clothes, casual shoes (try wrapping them with plastic bags and filling them with socks!) - your omiyage should be in this bag! On the off chance that your second bag gets lost, you don’t want to be meeting new important people without any omiyage to give! - a towel or two, if your pred hasn’t left you one already - any medications
2nd CHECKED BAG (sent ahead from Tokyo)
-I received my 2nd bag two days after I arrived at my placement, so in that case I was lucky. However, I couldn’t find the time for at least a week to unpack it. -winter clothes/shoes - things to decorate your apartment - comfort food from home - use your common sense here and just pack what you want to have, but would be ok without seeing for 1-3 months!
