Should I ship boxes ahead or bring everything on the plane?

Bring 2-3 weeks of essentials on the plane, then ship a surface mail box with non-urgent items (books, seasonal clothes, comfort foods). Surface mail takes 2-3 months but costs much less than excess baggage fees.

What clothing sizes should I expect to find in Japan?

Japanese sizes run 1-2 sizes smaller than Western sizing. Women over size 12 US and men over XL will struggle to find clothes. Shoes above US women's 9 or men's 11 are rare. Bring a good supply of properly fitting clothes.

Can I buy Western products in Japan?

Major cities have import stores (Costco, IKEA, specialty Western shops) but selection is limited and prices are 30-50% higher. Bring specific brands you rely on, especially toiletries, medications, and comfort foods.

How do I handle electronics and voltage?

Japan uses 100V electricity (lower than most countries). Bring dual-voltage devices or buy converters. Type A plugs (two flat pins) are standard. Consider buying major appliances locally rather than converting.

How to Pack for Long-Term Living in Japan

Pack for four distinct seasons with quality layering pieces, prioritize items you can't easily buy in Japan (larger Western sizes, specific medications, electronics), and keep your initial luggage under 23kg per bag since you'll acquire belongings locally over time.

Plan for seasonal extremes. Japan has hot, humid summers (30°C+) and cold winters (freezing in most areas). Pack a core wardrobe that layers: lightweight base layers, medium-weight pieces, and one heavy winter coat. Avoid packing bulky seasonal items you'll only use 3 months per year.
Prioritize hard-to-find items. Bring prescription medications (6+ month supply), Western-sized clothing if you're above average size, quality undergarments, and specific electronics with dual voltage. Japanese sizing runs small, and foreign prescriptions require complex procedures to refill.
Pack two strategic suitcases. Use one 23kg checked bag for essentials you need immediately, and one lighter bag for seasonal items you can store. Many long-term residents ship a third box via surface mail (2-3 months delivery) with books, winter gear, and non-urgent items.
Include apartment setup basics. Pack bedding for the first week (Japanese beds are often smaller), a few basic kitchen items, and personal electronics. Most furnished apartments lack linens, and shopping for household goods takes time when you're settling in.
Prepare for laundry differences. Bring enough underwear for 2 weeks. Japanese washing machines are smaller, apartments rarely have dryers, and laundromats cost 200-300 yen per load. Pack quick-dry fabrics and items that air-dry well on indoor racks.

Should I ship boxes ahead or bring everything on the plane?: Bring 2-3 weeks of essentials on the plane, then ship a surface mail box with non-urgent items (books, seasonal clothes, comfort foods). Surface mail takes 2-3 months but costs much less than excess baggage fees.
What clothing sizes should I expect to find in Japan?: Japanese sizes run 1-2 sizes smaller than Western sizing. Women over size 12 US and men over XL will struggle to find clothes. Shoes above US women's 9 or men's 11 are rare. Bring a good supply of properly fitting clothes.
Can I buy Western products in Japan?: Major cities have import stores (Costco, IKEA, specialty Western shops) but selection is limited and prices are 30-50% higher. Bring specific brands you rely on, especially toiletries, medications, and comfort foods.
How do I handle electronics and voltage?: Japan uses 100V electricity (lower than most countries). Bring dual-voltage devices or buy converters. Type A plugs (two flat pins) are standard. Consider buying major appliances locally rather than converting.