Packing Checklist

Do. Not. Forget.

What To Wear

While most things are readily available in Japan, some items may be more expensive, difficult to be mailed internationally, or simply inconvenient to purchase there; hence, you may wish to bring particular items with you from home.

Depending on where and how long you are staying in Japan, a wide-range of clothing may be necessary. For example temperatures in Tokyo can range from about 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 100 and humid in the summer. Check online for what the average temperatures will be in your city during your stay and prepare accordingly.

As for formality, check with your host beforehand. You should try to match the formality of your co-workers. As a rule of thumb, dress nice the first day and tone it down after that if you need to. If you see clients, you should have at least one suit for business formal. A few companies provide uniforms in which case you should have nice plain T-shirts for underneath. You can buy clothes in Japan, but be aware that the size range is different from the U.S. Some students in the past were not able to find shoes in their size or certain clothes in their size so you may need to bring as much as possible from home.

Clothing

  • Comfortable shoes–you will do a lot of walking.
  • Dress shoes
  • For men: nice cotton pants in dark colors –black, dark blue, grey
  • For women: make sure to have some skirts or dresses in addition to dress pants.
  • Collared shirts for work.
  • Jeans for casual wear (not appropriate for most work locations)
  • Shorts (for summer, but not appropriate for work)
  • Other casual clothes to wear on the weekends
  • Swimwear/workout clothing
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Cool sleepwear (it can also be hot and humid at night)
  • Hiking shoes, rain jacket, and one (1) set of warm clothing (if you plan to go on hiking trips)

Prescription Medication

A reasonable supply of most prescription medications is allowed.

  • Medications must be in their original container with the prescription label.
  • You should consult with your doctor or pharmacist regarding any prescription medications before you leave.
  • Have a copy of the prescription and/or letter from your prescribing physician explaining the nature of the medication, the purpose of taking it, recommended dosage, and frequency of ingestion.

Past long-term participants have also had prescription medications sent to them via air mail. Check with your local post office and pharmacy for information about regulations and be sure to include a copy of the prescription and letter from your prescribing physician explaining the nature of the medication, the purpose of taking it, recommended dosage, and frequency of ingestion. Only one-month allowable prescription medication at one time can be mailed to you.

Please note that some prescription medications in the U.S. are illegal in Japan (for example, all medication that have stimulants in them are banned in Japan). If you need to use one you need to get permission before bringing it into Japan.

Questions

If you have questions consult the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan:

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare
1-2-2 KasumigasekiChiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 100-8916
Japan

+81 (0)1 3595 2436
+81 (0)3 3503 1043 - fax
www.mhlw.go.jp/english/