It’s time to pack! Or well… time to make a list, at the very least. In fact, I’m still unpacking from winter vacation, so I need to start evicting things from my suitcase! Kagaya-sensei allowed us one large check-in suitcase, as well as a small carry-on suitcase and a backpack. Unfortunately, I had to leave my small carry-on at home, so I’ll only be bringing a large check-in and backpack. We’ll be leaving on 1/10 and coming back 1/22!
I have a bit of experience, having traveled abroad before and gone to Japan a couple times, but I think the most important thing I learned was to leave a lot of empty space so you can bring home souvenirs. (In study abroad advice, a lot of students even recommend to leave at LEAST half of your large suitcase empty!)
Ideally, I’ll upload some photos later, but if not, at least this will provide a good idea.
My carry-on backpack:
- Laptop and charger
- Phone and charger
- Wallet
- Passport
- E-ticket, insurance, and address printouts
- 2 external batteries
- Headphones and earbuds
- Nikon D3300 (still deciding on whether I should bring this, as it’s quite bulky and I’d prefer to use my phone for photos this trip since it’s much lighter and easier)
- Gum
- 2 pairs of underwear and socks (just in case my check-in luggage is lost)
- Dramamine (I can get quite plane sick)
- Pencil case with writing utensils
As to my check-in luggage, I’m going to be pretty specific, so forgive me. I’d like to put it here just in case anybody (in future years or other) wants to use it as a reference point. They do have laundry facilities at the hostel, and a bath towel and linens are included. Additionally, I do have a tendency to make more clothing than most, though I like to be prepared, this is probably more than anyone needs! For a general list, it pretty much goes: clothes, toiletries, medications, and classwork.
My check-in luggage:
- 12 pairs of underwear and socks (just in case I don’t get the chance to do laundry)
- 2 pairs of pants
- 1-2 long skirts
- 2 pairs of leggings
- 3 pairs of heat-tech shirts (they tend to absorb sweat so I don’t like to rewear these too often without washing them, but they don’t take up lots of luggage space and are incredible for layering)
- 3 sweaters/blouses (including one nicer piece for more formal occasions)
- Black ankle boots (which are fairly easy to take on and off!)
- 2 tide pods wrapped in 2 dryer sheets (in case there is no detergent)
- Travel size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Contacts and solution
- Medication (certain medications are not allowed in Japan or require clearance or a doctor’s note so definitely check this; in my case, Claravis is clear)
- An umbrella
- Extra readings for the class
- Small notebook
- Folder with syllabus and other print-outs
- Pads and tampons
- A small backpack that I’ll be using as an everyday bag
I might update with more things I find relevant as I go! See you soon, Kyoto!
