Easily forgotten things to pack for Japan?

11 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **Easily forgotten things to pack for Japan?**

   Hi there!

   I’ll be studying abroad in Tokyo for 11 months starting this August; and have been working on a packing list. I’m just wondering if any of y’all have recommendations for items to pack that most people wouldn’t think of? Say; things that are of a better quality in the west than in Japan? I’ve heard deodorant and tampons are uncommon so I plan to bring a decent supply of those; any other ideas?

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2. jamon serrano

3. Toothpaste with fluoride.

   If you’re dark skinned (or white,but very pinkish undertones) – sunscreen, foundation,etc

   If you’re too tall, too fat or too curvy for Japanese standards -clothes,shoes,etc.If you can fit in Japanese size it isn’t worth it to bring many clothes form your country, because the fashion is very different, they have nice things for a good price and using clothes from there makes you stand out less(it’s one of the things that make japanese see you as someone who lives there instead of a tourist)

4. Portable phone charger.

5. Strong deodorant! From what I hear, Japanese deodorants aren’t very strong, so if you need things like certain-dri, you should try to pack it!

6. Just be careful with ”decent supply” of stuff. There were stories around of people getting in serious trouble for bringing things like a whole box of large condoms. As per Japanese customs website:

   > There are quantity restrictions on the import of medicine and cosmetics.
   (e.g., for pharmaceutical products: amount for use for a period of 2 months; quasi-drugs: amount for use for a period of 2 months; cosmetics: 24 applications)

   Details: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/import/index.html

7. I don’t think tampons were ever difficult to find when I was there. Definitely bring good deo though. Also bring some good pain killers, they’re not as strong in Japan.

8. If you don’t wind up bringing enough toothpaste or deodorant, etc., and you can’t find what you need here, there is a site called iherb that has many familiar brands and if you order enough stuff, the shipping is free and relatively quick.

9. It’s not so much about quality, but just bringing things that may be difficult to find (in your size, that works for your body, etc).

   Think deodorant, tampons, makeup, basic medicines, etc. Yes, you can find all of these things in Japan, but it might take you some time to find a brand you like, or you might have to order from abroad (which is possible, but pricey).

   Clothes are a thing of course, as even if you fit the local brands, you might find the fit odd. And shoes, if you’re larger than about 24-25 cm. I personally can’t stand the bras here (too much padding and lace), but I’m also a larger size so my options are limited.

   But these days most things are available on Amazon, iHerb, etc. so it’s less of a big deal if you need something that’s hard to find in Japan.

10. Stick deodorant is cheaper abroad, but I’ve never been to a drugstore that doesn’t have tampons or deodorants.

11. japan has lots of deodorant products, but not much antiperspirant

    i always like to pick up snacks when i go back to my home country. it’s also easier to bring a big bottle of painkillers since i find the ones here fairly weak/expensive