Pack for Your Trip to Teach English in Japan

For teachers interested in teaching English in Japan, here are some critical packing steps and general advice to make get you off to a good start in your adventures in Japan.

Steps

  1. Establish when you will be paid. This is important when you need to pack. Many schools pay salaries at the end of the month, it’s important to bring quite a bit of cash. For English teachers going with a job lined-up, it is recommended that you pack at least $2,000 U.S. or equivalent and a credit card in case you get into a jam… you never can tell.
  2. Remember you get paid at the end of the month, so you need to bring enough to pay your rent and eat until payday. If you don’t have work lined-up, it is recommended that you pack $4,000 U.S. or equivalent. Make sure to exchange your dollars or other currency before you get on the plane.
  3. Make sure to bring any prescription medicines you may need and put a week’s supply in your carry-on, in case you lose your luggage. (see warning section)
  4. If you're very tall or big, have very large feet or breasts bring extra clothing items with you. You’ll be hard pressed to find your sizes anywhere in Japan. Here’s a simple tip for understanding clothing sizes in Japan. If you wear a small, you’ll be a medium in Japan. If you’re a large you’ll be an XL.
  5. If you’ll be applying for a working visa after your arrival in Japan, bring your original transcripts and degree. (You’ll need these to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility.
  6. Pack lace-less shoes or shoes you can easily slip on. You’ll be taking them off a lot.
  7. Bring a few interesting and lightweight gifts from your home country. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to show your appreciation to your new students and friends. Gift giving is a very integral part of Japanese culture.
  8. Find out what the dress code is. Most schools have dress codes so make sure to ask your employer what their dress code is and pack accordingly. (No, you probably can’t wear jeans to class.)

Tips

  • Utilize sea mail for things you don't need right away. If you are arriving in spring, have your winter clothes sent by sea mail. It will take up to three months, but will save some space in your luggage. Other things you may consider sending by sea mail are books and back-up supplies (2nd and 3rd sticks of deodorant, or other things you won't run out of in the first few months).
  • Many products like health and beauty aids etc. you find in the U.S. can be found in Japan. Maybe not the exact brand but something similar. So if any brand will do, it’s unnecessary to bring things like toothpaste, shampoo, lotion etc. Just pack travel size bottles of these items to get you through the first few days.
  • If you have a brand you can’t live without and don’t know if you can find it in Japan, it’s a good idea to bring a good supply.

Warnings

  • Deodorant is very hard to come by in this country, so unless you have a friend or contact who knows a good location that sells foreign hygiene products, you are better off coming with at least 2-5 bars of deodorant.
  • If you are a woman, be advised that it is very hard to find tampons in Japan, so if that is your preference, bring your own.
  • Japan operates on 100 volts (Eastern side at 50 Hz and Western side at 60 Hz). Given the competitive pricing of consumer electronics and the fact that you can get cutting edge technology in all their latest gadgets, it makes sense to buy it there. Akihabara in Tokyo is the best place to buy consumer electronics.
  • If you’re thinking of bringing electric items like stereos, you might want to re-think things. Firstly, the item has to survive getting there. Plus it’ll be even more money to bring it back home On top of this you’ll face electric current compatibility problems.
  • Many prescription and OTC drugs that are legal in your home country may be illegal in Japan. Check Japanese law before bringing such things into the country.

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References

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