General Packing Suggestions

Pack your luggage carefully, keeping in mind that you will have to carry your luggage on your own while traveling over great distances or on crowded trains. One rule of thumb is to pack your bags and walk around the block with them three times; then re-pack!  It is also prudent to bring at least one bag or container that can be securely locked for storage of money or valuables, and a smaller bag which can be used for weekend trips out of town.

  • If you don’t need it, don’t bring it. Mobility is key and you’ll undoubtedly be taking home more than you brought. Conversely, if you do need it, then bring it.
  • Besides your casual clothing, pack one or two outfits for specific situations: swimming, exercise, rain and formal occasions.
  • Bring things that make you feel at home: iPod, journal, books, magazines, pictures (Japanese roommates are very curious about what your home, friends, and family look like), camera etc.
  • Packing thin clothes that can be layered is better than a few bulky items.
  • Do not bring items that you want to keep white and/or need special laundering (such as silk or items that need dry cleaning).
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items are readily available in Japan. You may wish to bring small amounts to use when you first arrive, but you can always buy more there.
  • Contact wearers should remember to bring eye drops, saline solution (for preferred brands) and a pair of glasses.
  • Don’t forget to bring your medications as discussed in the Health Issues section. Also, you may wish to bring over the counter items such as Advil, aspirin, Pepto Bismol, vitamins, and laxatives, as well as heartburn relief, anti-diarrhea, athlete’s foot, and motion sickness medications.  These items are relatively expensive in Japan.
  • Other misc. items you may wish to bring include: a travel-sized first aid kit, note cards for writing thank-you notes, USB drive, a small flashlight, a travel alarm clock.
  • Middlebury strongly recommends buying a money/document pouch that can be worn or hung underneath your clothes.

Clothing

Choose each item carefully and avoid duplication. Tokyo is a temperate climate and has four distinct seasons.  Spring and fall are mild and will last for three months each.  The summer is very hot and humid.  The winter months are relatively dry and the temperature rarely goes below freezing.

Japanese people rely heavily on public transportation and that means you will be walking a lot in Japan. Make sure to pack bring very comfortable pairs of shoes and sandals.

Your appearance is regarded as a sign of respect in the Japanese community, more so than in the U.S. What is considered respectful and polite differs from culture to culture. In Japan, for instance, sleeveless shirts and tank tops are considered inappropriate, however elegant they may be. Very relaxed attire, such as room-wares and pajamas, are not worn in classrooms either. Going clothing shopping in Japan will be a lot of fun, so make it a part of your plan! You will find a wide variety of styles and prices to choose from. Uniqlo is just a 10-minute bike ride away from campus, FYI.

Women who are over 5’6” and men over 5’9”, however, may have a hard time buying clothing there.  Also, it is quite difficult to find shoes that fit American feet.

Bed and Bath Linens

Students must supply their own towels and toiletries.  These can all be purchased in Japan.  You do not need to bring sheets, blankets, or pillows with you.  You will be asked to lease bed linens through ICU’s housing office.

Electrical Appliances

Voltage in Japan is 100 volts.  Japanese power outlets are the same as U.S. outlets (ungrounded, 2-pin).  Most U.S. electrical appliances will work fine in Japan without an adapter.

(Plug types can be found here, and a full list of which countries use which plug types can be found here.)

Computers

Computer resources in Japan may be more limited than in the U.S. You are therefore encouraged to bring your own laptop.  (There are computers in the Library for student use, but it is closed during weekends!)  Please back up anything that you have stored on your hard drive.  Previous students have recommended that you take a USB drive abroad.  It is very difficult to find WiFi signals in Japan outside the campus.

Gifts

We suggest bringing small gifts for your future roommate.  Something simple from your local area such as candy, pictures/postcards, key-chain, baseball cap, t-shirt (medium size) etc. will be much appreciated by your new friends and acquaintances in Japan.  You will find gifts in Japan are always wrapped, so bring items along with bags or tissue paper to wrap them in upon arrival. Thank-you notes will be much appreciated, as well.