What the Instructor Brings (more or less)

Even with all the stuff below, the duffel is only half full to begin with, and fits in a Japanese train station locker. Everything fits in one carry-on sized rolling suitcase that I've used before but it gets difficult as omiage (souvenirs) and other things are gathered. The duffel is easy to manage, has wheels, and because it's narrow, fits into the over-head racks or behind seats on the trains. I would take less for a 2-week trip but since this is 6-weeks, I splurge a bit. I'm sure Dr. Karan would cut the below down to 1 change of clothes and 4 or 5 cameras, but this is about what I've taken for the last 4 years, with some variation. -T

Luggage:

 

 

  • Rolling duffel
    (Don't fill it up!!
    Get one with cinch straps!)

 

  • Frameless super-lightweight sports duffel

    During flights: I use this as my carry-on bag as it's larger than a daypack. I keep my all-important items and some extra clothes in case my checked bag doesn't arrive when I do. If you bag makes it onto a Japanese Airline, you're OK, it will make it. It's the US connections that can be iffy.
    During Rail Tour: I use it as a dirty laundry bag,

 

 

  • Day pack (camera bag and other stuff to keep handy everyday - stored empty in rolling duffel during flight)

 

  • Ticket/passport organizer/holder

  • Security pocket/pouch

Clothes:

  • 1 dress pants
  • 1 tie & tie tac
  • 1 pair cargo pants
    • 1 pair ultralight no-lace dress shoes (light to carry and they are easy off and on - you'll find out.).
    • 1 pair low cut hikers or running shoes for city hiking and on trails.

     

    • 1 pair clogs (slippers in Japan never fit so I bring my own-for indoor use only.) I also use them on the long flights.

  • 2 pairs travel shorts (40-60% polyester).
  • 1 pair lined nylon swim shorts
  • 3 short-sleeve polos.
  • 2 long-sleeved dress oxford-type shirts
  • 7 pair underwear
  • 4 undershirts
  • 3 T-shirts (polypro/coolmax)
  • 3 pair thick synthetic white socks
  • 2 pair thick synthetic dark socks
  • 1 black belt
  • 1 windbreaker/raincoat (it gets cool in Hokkaido & can help in rain.)
  • 1 cap
  • 1 yukata & obi (none supplied in the ryokan or business hotels ever fit so I bring one that does)
  • 1 set of pajamas

Other:

  • Overnight kit w/small soap, travel toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
  • Excel Sensor razor in travel case & 4 extra blades
  • 2 oz shampoo (only need in some places)
  • 1 oz David Somersets Shaving Oil (2-3 drops and lots of water works better than any foam. One 1 oz. bottle gives 90 shaves.)
  • 1 compass (these are handy when you get turned around exiting from subways)
  • Famotidine & Tums
  • Tablet Imodium or Pepto Bismal
  • Aspirin & Ibuprofen (Bufferin are about $1 each in Japan; Contact even more)
  • Decongestant (antihistamine) Do not bring any Sudafed-type products-they are illegal in Japan.
  • Topical antibiotic
  • Band-Aids
  • adhesive tape & small gauze pads
  • business cards
  • calculator (I have to run the budget)
  • Travel alarm clock
  • 1 folding travel umbrella (I find it more portable than rainwear)
  • 1 pocket shoehorn (for the never-ending shoe ritual)
  • 1 Sony Walkman mp3 player to listen to something on the loonngg flights.
  • 2 sets of earplugs (sharing a room? someone snores?)
  • sunglasses
  • sunblock (stick, spray or gel)
  • 2 pens
  • 1 highlighter
  • 2 LED flashlights
  • 1 hotel sewing kit
  • 1 mini Swiss Army knife w/scissors, toothpick, and tweezers (pack in check-through, now)
  • 1 Japanese onsen towel (dries fast & does it all once you learn the methods)







    • 1 Pentax DSLR camera & attachments - this is not light and portable, but takes much better pictures than a point-and-shoot.

    (with 2 - 16gb SD cards and SD card reader)
  • Maps of Japan & Kumamoto
  • Date book/organizer
  • small notebook
  • 1 spoon & 1 set of chopsticks (grocery store food)
  • 2 carabiner clips (hang stuff off of duffel or daypack)
  • gifts for host family and others (university T-shirts; USA-made hand-made crafts)
What I get immediately upon arrival:
  • Lots of yen for dollars at airport Post Office ATM, Narita.
    (Exchange rates don't vary between banks as in some countries.)
  • Japan maps at the JNTO in Narita
  • Latest train timetable from JNTO in Narita
  • Exchange voucher for Rail Pass at the Midori-no-Madoguchi in Narita (even if it becomes valid a week later)
  • Postcard stamps (¥70 Airmail to anywhere in the world.)
  • Cell Phone - Pick up at Narita


    		•
    (phone cards are for info only as I no longer get them since I get the Cell.)
  • Domestic phone card (NTT) for in-country calls (be careful of the brand you get-it may not work everywhere)


    		•
  • KDDI Super World Card for international phone calls (¥3000 for ¥3200 worth of calls - available at any C-store)