Spending a year abroad is exciting. I know, I’m living and studying in Tokyo, Japan, for a year as a high-school student. Packing for a year can be daunting. I spent weeks planning and packing. So I’m sharing my top tips and Packing List for Japanese Exchange Students.
My Top Tips for Packing
Before buying a ticket, look at the airline’s baggage restrictions. I chose an international airline because it allowed two checked bags and a carry-on.
Carefully pack and weigh suitcases to keep them under the luggage weight restrictions. Remember, don’t overpack; you’ll want to bring back souvenirs.
Take one large hard-sided piece of luggage and use a soft-sided piece, like a duffel, for additional packing. That way, you can store the duffel in the suitcase. A small carry-on is convenient for traveling around Japan.
Arrange luggage forwarding from Narita International Airport if traveling in Japan before heading to school or your host family. Big bags are a hassle on the Narita Express to Tokyo.
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Packing List for Japanese Exchange Students
Aim to pack around 2 weeks’ worth of school clothing. Many schools require a uniform.
My school required me to wear an Oxford shirt and a pleated plaid skirt. However, it didn’t use a specific plaid, like schools in the US.
School Clothes
5 Short-Sleeve Shirts
6 Long-Sleeve Shirts
8 Skirts
3 Sweaters
10 Knee Socks
1 Dress Code Coat
Casual
Keep in mind what the weather will be like while you’re in Japan.
5 Short-Sleeve Shirts or T-shirts
5 Long-Sleeve Shirts or T-shirts
4 Sweaters
3 Shorts
3 Pants
2 Skirts
2 Scarves
Seasonal
Heavy Coat
Pair of Winter Gloves
Winter Hat or Beanie
2 Fleece or 1 Light Jacket
Raincoat
Small Umbrella
Bathing Suit + Cover-up
Tip: My school required a one-piece bathing. We went on overnight school field trips while I was there.
Athletic
Even if you don’t exercise, it’s always a good idea to pack for it.
2 Shorts
1 Pair of Leggings
2 Sport Bras
Basics
10 Underwear
10 Socks
1 Bike Short to Wear under Skirts or Dresses
2 Tights
5 Bras
2 Undershirts
2 Sleepwear Outfits
Special Occasion
Pack only one or two dressy outfits.
Dresses or
Blouses
Skirts or Dressy Slacks
Shoes
Different schools have different requirements for footwear. My school didn’t allow street shoes inside.
We wore slippers in school. So pack according to your school’s dress code, including one pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Casual Shoes
Flip Flops
Flats
Dressy Flats
Sandals
Athletic shoes
Winter
It’s not essential to have any specific shoes for winter. However, warm boots are always a good idea.
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Toiletries
It may be difficult to find the products you need at first. Bring your regular products until you get settled in and find Japanese alternatives.
I packed my liquid bottles in gallon bags. This ensured they didn’t explode in my luggage with pressure changes.
Body Soap
Lotion
Shampoo
Conditioner
Deodorant
Face Wash
Moisturizer
Toothbrush + Toothpaste
Travel Size: Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap
Razors
Feminine hygiene products
Brush
Hair Ties
Bobby Pins
Nail Clipper
Sunscreen
Tweezers
Basic first aid kit
Chapstick
Make-up–Though most Japanese women don’t wear much make-up.
Electronics
Phone
Charger
Headphones
Computer
Charger
Case
Other
Portable battery charger
An electricity adapter if traveling outside of Japan
Note on Hair Tools: North American Hair Dryers, curling irons and flat irons have issues since they use a different voltage. North America uses 110-volt outlets. Japan uses 100-volt outlets. Your tool might not get enough power to heat up properly.
It might be a better idea to buy Japanese hair tools to use there.
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School Stuff
School supply requirements vary by school; it’s a good idea to bring the basics.
Japan features some amazing stationery stores, too, if you need more supplies after you arrive. The Japanese are obsessed with pens.
Pencil Bag with pencils, pens and highlighters
Folders
1 Spiral
1 Binder
Important Documents
Don’t forget important documents and store them in a secure place. I made copies of the front page of my passport along with my visa.
I left a copy with my parents back in the U.S. Then I took a copy with me to Japan.
Passport with required visa. However, exchange students and teachers will be issued a resident card upon arrival.
Credit Card
Debit Card
Other
Purse
Wallet
Japanese Yen for the first few days.
Small Backpack or Day Bag
School Backpack
Entertainment
A book you’ve wanted to read.
Deck of cards
Uno (Very popular in Japan)
Miscellaneous
Collapsible Laundry Bag
Journal
Calculator
My Year Abroad
I spent my sophomore year of high school at an all-girls high school in the Suginami ward in Tokyo. As a way to document my experiences, I wrote articles to help others.
Additionally, I earned my Gold Award with USA Girl Scouts Overseas during my exchange year through my articles.
This post contains affiliate links.
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