Packing Tips from NanoJapan Alumni
William Love, NanoJapan 2009
"You’ll probably have access to a washing machine throughout your stay in Japan so don’t worry about bringing a lot of clothes. You will be fine if you bring enough for two weeks. Also, shorts are considered too informal for most situations so I wouldn’t bring more than one pair. I think I wore shorts a total of one time while in Japan."

Andrew Gomella, NanoJapan 2009
"If you are into the outdoors and hiking, Japan has a huge variety of mountains all of the country that make for exciting weekend trips. Just make sure to pack hiking boots, etc. because they are very expensive in Japan."

Tiffany Kuo, NanoJapan 2008
"I found that I was able to buy in the 100 Yen Store almost everything I needed while in Japan, so there was no need to bring anything with me. A laptop is essential, gifts are essential, but other than that, I was able to easily buy everything I needed."

Chris O'Connell, NanoJapan 2008
"A good towel and a dictionary."

Ethan Schaler, NanoJapan 2008
"Don't forget to bring one set of dress clothes. I forgot my nicest shirt and there will be times where you want or need to dress up."

Andrea Barrett, NanoJapan 2008
"An extra external hard drive if you intend on taking as many pictures as I did!"

Amal El-Ghazaly, NanoJapan 2008
"Remember a good, sturdy, heavy-duty umbrella. Don't bother packing a lot of small items. There are many 100 Yen Shops (like dollar stores but with much more) where you can buy whatever you need. For example, don't bring a mug or a plate; you can buy each for just a dollar."

Katherine Davis, NanoJapan 2008
"I recommend packing an empty duffel bag or suitcase in your large suitcase. A number of us had to buy an extra suitcase to come back, and they are VERY expensive in Japan."

Paul Thompson, NanoJapan 2007
"I would recommend NOT bringing a huge number of clothes or shoes…they are a hassle to haul around, and if you need more shirts Tokyo is literally heaving with awesome fashion (including the most incredible sneaker stores in the world). It’s also a good idea to bring extra toiletries along, as the Japanese versions can be a lot less effective than their American counterparts (I would stress bringing extra deodorant, sunblock, and any sort of specialty product you might need)."

NanoJapan Recommended Packing List

Luggage
Twelve weeks abroad seems like a long time but we encourage you to try to travel light and only pack items that you will absolutely need while abroad. We strongly encourage NanoJapan students to check just one large suitcase or bag and then bring a smaller carry-on bag or suitcase. Some students also prefer to use a large travel/hiking backpack instead of a suitcase as this generally makes it easier to navigate crowded train stations in Japan. Some travel backpacks come complete with a zip on/zip off backpack/daypack as well.

Checking just one large suitcase will also save you on checked baggage fees charged by your domestic airline and help ensure you do not over pack. If you bring two huge suitcases they will likely take up all of your limited floor and storage space as rooms in Japan are very small.

For tips on packing light see One Bag.com.

While most U.S. students carry backpacks for their carry-on and day-to-day use backpacks are not the best option in Japan as they often get in the way or can cause you to bump into people in crowded train stations and subway cars. A messenger bag that you can wear across your body is a better option as these do not take up as much room in crowded places. If you do bring a backpack for day-to-day use choose a small one and plan to wear it in front of you, if standing, or place it in the luggage rack, if sitting, when traveling on a crowded subway.


We also recommend you pack an empty duffel bag to use as your second piece of checked luggage on the way home for all of the gifts and souvenirs you are likely to buy this summer.

Essentials
Things you definitely do not want to forget. These should all be packed in your carry-on bag. DO NOT put them in your checked luggage.

• Passport & Any Applicable Visa
• CISI Insurance Card & Booklet
• ISIC Card (optional)
• NanoJapan Program Guide/Itinerary
• International Flight Itinerary
• ATM/Debit & Credit Cards
• Cash and/or Traveler's Checks
• RX Medication in Original Bottles & Yakkan Shoumei (if required)
• Photocopies of All Important Documents and Front/Back of all Debit/Credit Cards
• Japanese Cell Phone & Charger
• Address & Phone Numbers for Friends & Family
• One Full Change of Clothes & Toiletries for One Night

Travel Accessories
Not every student will need all of these items but many may be helpful or useful to you while you are abroad.

• Travel Blanket, Pillow, & Eye Mask Set
• Small LED Flashlight or Keychain Light
• Microfiber Towel & Washcloth
• Umbrella
• Travel Sewing Kit

Gifts
Giving gifts is an important aspect of Japanese culture. In order to thank someone you will often present a gift (temiyage), such as a small box of sweets or treats from your home country. Similarly, when a Japanese person returns from a trip he or she will bring home souvenirs (omiyage) for their friends, co-workers, and relatives. NanoJapan students will want to bring a range of small gifts from their hometown, home state, or home country to give as temiyage to their research lab, language teachers, on-site program directors, Japanese friends, and others who will be helpful to you over the course of the summer.

• For your Research Advisor and Mentor: Speak with the student who was at your lab last year to see what your advisor would like. The gift should be brought from the US. It should be nicely wrapped and presented to your advisor and/or mentor upon arrival at your lab to thank them for mentoring you this summer. Estimated price range $15 - $25.
• For your Research Group: A nice box of candy or treats from your home state makes an excellent group gift for your lab which you can present upon arrival. Estimated price range $10 - $15.
• For your Lab Secretary: Bring a small, individual gift for your lab secretary/ies to personally thank them for their help in making preparations for your arrival. A small souvenir from your home university such as a pen, paperweight, or postcard that can be displayed in her office is ideal and this can be given upon arrival at your lab. Estimated price range $5 - $10.
• For your Japanese Language Teacher/s: Bring a number of small gifts from your home university, hometown, or home state for your language teachers. There will usually be more than one teacher so bring about 5 of these smaller items such as a small box of candy or treats, pens/pencils, a pin, postcards, etc. Estimated price range $1 - $5 for each gift.
• For Others: You may also want to bring a number of smaller items (postcards, pens/pencils, pins, etc.) to give to others in Japan that help you this summer such as the hotel or dormitory staff, Japanese friends, etc. Estimated price range $1 - $5 for each gift.
• Thank-you Notes : Never underestimate the power of a hand-written thank-you note. Thank-you notes will be a much appreciated and cherished reminder of your time in Japan for the person you write the note to. They are particularly special if you include a of you and that individual or group. Photos can easily be printed out from a flash drive at any convenience store in Japan. Bring at least 1 box of thank-you notes with you to Japan and plan to give a hand-written thank-you note and photo to the orientation on-site director, your language teacher/s, your lab secretary, your research advisor, and your research lab group.

Electronics, Books, & Miscellaneous Items
You'll want to bring some of these items with you keep you occupied and most students find it is very helpful to bring their own laptop. For even greater convenience and portability bring a small netbook and external hard drive as these are smaller, lighter, and easier to carry with you on a day-to-day basis than a larger laptop and you will likely primarily use your laptop for email, internet, and web-based applications (Sype, Facebook, Blogs, Google Docs, etc.).

Software you may need to use while in Japan includes Mircosoft Word for your weekly internship reports, PowerPoint for your research project poster, and Adobe PDF or a PDF Convertor. If you use open source versions of these programs or have a Mac be sure you know how you can convert your file types to PC-compatible file types as non-PC file types are not commonly used in Japan. Install necessary software on your computer or external hard drive before you go and also be sure to speak with your IT department about setting up remote access so that you can still utilize your university's library database and other online resources while you are in Japan. Rice University students should click here for more information on setting up remote acces.

Electrical voltage in Japan is Japan is 100 Volt, which is only slightly different from North America (110V) and Japanese power outlets are identical to ungrounded (2-pin) North American outlets. You should still plan to bring a plug adapter set as you will need this for any three-prong cords, such as your laptop cord. Most laptop cords and some portable video game cords have voltage converters built in so you will likely not need a voltage adapter. Check to see if your small electronics can be charged via a USB cord and if so bring these in lieu of numerous electrical cords which take up valuable space in your luggage. This also reduces the risks of your small electronics being damaged if you are not using a voltage convertor.

• Laptop/Netbook with Necessary Software, Power Cord, & External Hard Drive (optional)
• Camera, Camera Bag, Battery Charger, Extra Batteries, and extra Memory Card
• International Travel Plug Adapter Set
• Portable Game System (i.e. PSP or DS Lite)
• Journal or Notebook
• Japanese Language Textbooks
• Hiragana & Katakana Worksheets & Flashcards
• Japanese-English Dictionary
• Tokyo City Guide Book and/or Japan Guide Book
• Guide Book for your Internship City
• 1-3 Reading Books (trade with other NJ Students)
• Any Introductory Physics or Nanotechnology Text Recommend by your Lab or NJ Alumni Mentor

Clothing & Accessories - General
Pack just enough clothing for a two-week trip and try to bring as many mix & match clothing as possible. You will be able to wash clothes at a nearby laundromat during the orientation program and most dormitories have laundry facilities available. In most places in Japan weather will be hot, humid, and rainy during the summer but be sure to check the average monthly temperature for the city you will be in as typical summer weather can vary across Japan. See Climate in Japan or Weather.com for more information. It is also a good idea to waterproof all shoes before leaving for Japan since it rains frequently.

Japan is a fashion hot-bed and American students and tourists often feel slightly under-dressed while in Japan. You probably won't feel comfortable in an old t-shirt, shorts, flip flops and a baseball cap even though this is the standard uniform for most American college students. Plan to pack your nicer casual clothes and be aware that shorts are typically only worn by schoolchildren or if you are going to the beach. Lightweight casual pants or a casual skirt/sundress are more appropriate. If you pack light you will have the opptunity to shop for the latest styles and trends while you are in Tokyo. Just be aware that larger clothing sizes and shoe sizes, particularly tall lengths, will be harder to find.

• 1-2 Week Supply of Underclothes
• 1-2 Week Supply of Socks
• Pajamas or Sleepwear
• 1 Dress Outfit & Shoes - Khakis & a Polo or Button-up Shirt for guys and Pants/Skirt with Nice Top or Dress for Women
• 2-3 Pairs of Lightweight Casual Pants
• 2-3 Casual Skirts or Sundresses for women
• 3-5 Casual Tops or T-Shirts
• 1-2 Long-sleeved Casual Tops or T-Shirts
• 1-2 Sweaters or Cardigans
• Swimsuit/Shorts/Flip Flops For Beach or Pool-use Only
• 1 Pair Sneakers or Casual Shoes Good for Walking. A dark color will be most versatile.
• 1 Pair of Dress Shoes Flats are Best
• 1 Pair of Walking Sandals Flip Flops will be too casual for day-to-day use
• Light-weight Rain Jacket or Waterproof Shell

Clothing & Accessories - Mt. Fuji Hike
At the end of the summer it has become a tradition for NanoJapan students to arrange a group hike of Mt. Fuji prior to returning to the US. Every year students come back from Japan and describe their Mt. Fuji trek by saying it was the highlight of their time in Japan, but that it was very, very cold.

If you plan to hike Mt. Fuji, or if you would like to hike and camp during your weekends in Japan, you may also want to consider packing the following. No need to bring a huge parka or winter coat - lightweight layers will keep you warmer and be more versatile and easier to take on/off as you climb an descend.

• Base Layer - Silk Long Underwear
• Light-weight Fleece Jacket or Sweatshirt
• Light-weight Rain Jacket or Waterproof Shell
• Medium-weight Gloves, Hat, & Scarf
• Ski Socks that Wick Away Moisture
• Toe & Hand Warmers
• Sturdy Shoes with Good Traction - Waterproofed

Be aware that the volcanic rock can tear up your shoes on the way down so wear a sturdy pair of hiking boots or a pair of sneakers you aren't worried about having to throw away if they get damaged.

Toiletries
All toiletries can easily be purchased in Japan so just bring enough for your first week and then buy more. However, if you have sensitive skin or allergies you may want to bring your preferred brand as it might not be available, be hard to find, or more expensive to buy in Japan. Look for toiletries in Japan at convenience stores, grocery stores, and/or pharmacies. You may also find some inexpensive options at the 100 Yen Store.

The one item that is hard to find in Japan is anti-perspirant and students report that the deodorants available are not as effective as those purchased in the U.S. It would be a good idea to bring enough of your preferred anti-perspirant or deodorant as you will need for the full summer.

Also, be sure to pack sufficient toiletries for at least one night and one full change of clothes in your carry-on bag.

• Brush & Comb
• Shampoo & Conditioner & Hair Products
• Eyeglasses, Contacts, Contact Case/s, and Solution
• Sunglasses
• Toothbrush, Toothpastes, Floss
• Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant
• Nail Kit (clippers, file, etc.)
• Face Wash, Creams, Moisturizer
• Razor & Shaving Cream
• Sunscreen & After Sun/Aloe Vera Lotion
• Tampons and/or Pads
• Condoms and/or Contraceptives

First Aid Kit & Common Medication
When traveling abroad it is always a good idea to bring a small, medical first aid kit and common medications with you. Having these supplies on hand will make it easy to treat minor illnesses and injuries. Keep in mind that most medication and medical supplies in Japan will only be in available in their Japanese versions. If you have allergies or drug contraindications it is especially important that you bring your own over-the-counter medication as the labels and ingredient lists of their counterparts in Japan will only be written in Japanese. For major medical issues or illness consult your nearest English-speaking Clinic.

Some common over-the-counter medication available in the U.S. is prohibited in Japan, including those containing Pseudoephedrine. Be sure to check the ingredient list of any medication you plan to bring with you. Leave all over-the-counter medication in the original box/bottle in case you are questioned about it by customs and so that you can easily refer to the dosage instructions while abroad.

Some items you may want to include are:

• Small Flashlight or LED Keychain Light
• Small Scissors & Tweezers
• Insect Repellant (30% DEET) - Wipes are best as they can be easily carried in your bag and won't leak.
• Anti-Itch Cream or Gel - Mosquitos are prevalent
• Thermometer
• Tylenol or Aspirin
• Regular Band-Aids and Blister Band-Aids
• Alcohol Wipes and Neosporin
• Pepto Bismol and/or Antacid
• Antidiarrhea Medication/Laxative Medication
• Cough & Cold Medication - Cough drops can be found at any Japanese convenience store
• Allergy Medication
• Sunscreen & Aloe Vera Gel