“What should I pack in my suitcase?” “Can I buy this in Japan?” Packing for study abroad can be surprisingly tricky. Use this guide to pack smart and make sure you don’t forget anything!
Category 1: Must-Haves (Keep in Your Carry-on Bag)
These are the most critical items that would be a disaster if lost. Always keep them in the hand luggage you manage yourself.
- [ ] Passport (with visa)
- [ ] Plane Ticket (e-ticket confirmation)
- [ ] Letter of Acceptance / Enrollment Certificate
- [ ] Cash (some Japanese Yen and your home currency)
- [ ] Credit Card / International Debit Card
- [ ] Travel Insurance Certificate
- [ ] Regular medications (if needed)
Category 2: Useful to Bring (Pack in Your Checked Luggage)
- [ ] Clothing: About a week’s worth of clothes appropriate for the season. You’ll have a uniform, so you might need fewer casual clothes than you think.
- [ ] Electronics: Laptop, smartphone, plug adapter, voltage converter (if needed).
- [ ] Souvenirs: Small gifts from your country for your host family and new friends at school.
- [ ] ID Photos: You might suddenly need them for your student ID or residence card.
Category 3: Things You Can Buy in Japan
You don’t need to bring everything from home. Japanese drugstores and 100-yen shops are incredibly convenient!
- Bath products like shampoo, conditioner, and body soap
- Stationery like notebooks and pens
- Hair dryers and straighteners
- Heavy winter coats (as they are bulky to pack)
Are you all set? Once your luggage and your heart are ready, your new life in Japan will finally begin! Let’s preview what real life in Japan is like in the next step.
[→ Go to Step 4: “Life in Japan”]