If you’re looking to plan a school trip to Japan, visit our sister brand, The Learning Adventure, for more information.

Packing for a school trip can be tricky, especially if your itinerary includes multiple locations. We’ve compiled a list of essential items plus some extras that will help you make the most out of your trip to Japan with us. We recommend bringing a lightweight suitcase or large backpack as your main bag, plus a smaller day-pack to bring with you on excursions and to use as hand luggage. Remember that your trip may involve carrying your luggage on public transport, so avoid overly cumbersome luggage and don’t over-pack.

Hand luggage

Essentials: 

• • Passport – make sure it’s in date and valid for the duration of your stay in Japan; tourists travelling from the UK to Japan do not need to acquire a visa.*
  • Emergency contact details
  • Japanese Yen

*Please check here to see if Japan requires residents your country to have a visa before travelling.

Extras:

• Entertainment – books, games etc.
• Cosy socks
• Sleeping mask
• Snacks
• Tooth brush and tooth paste
• Lip balm
• Jumper or sweatshirt
• Headphones

Checked luggage

Toiletries:

• Sun cream – essential in the summer months when temperatures often rise above 30 ºC.
• Moisturiser – particularly handy during the winter months, which tend to be cold and dry.
• Medication – If you take regular medication, make sure you bring it with you, along with a list of all the medication you take.
• Deodorant and tampons/sanitary pads – in Japan the information on the packaging of these items will be written in Japanese, so it is best to bring your own supply.
• Shaving kit
• Painkillers

Clothes:

Japan has four distinct seasons with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. The rainy season typically takes place in June and July.  Before your trip, be sure to check the weather and temperature forecast so that you can pack accordingly. We recommend packing the following:

• Flat, comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off (you will have to take your shoes off a lot in Japan)
• Jeans/trousers or shorts/skirts for the summer months
• Towel
• T-shirts
• Jumpers/cardigans for the winter months
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof jacket
• Umbrella
• Swimming costume (if applicable)
• Gloves/scarf/hat for the winter months
• Thick coat or jacket for the winter months

Electronics:

Japan has an exceptionally low crime rate and so having your electronic items stolen is very unlikely. However, it’s always worth being cautious and taking good care of any valuables you bring with you. When you pack for your trip, bring any valuable essentials in your hand luggage, rather than the bag you intend to check-in.

• Travel adaptors – you will need to purchase adaptors compatible with Japanese plug sockets
• Chargers – remember your phone/camera chargers
• Camera 

Extras:

• Study materials (if applicable)
• Pocket-sized Japanese phrase book
• Souvenirs, omiyage for host family or Japanese students (if your trip includes a homestay or school visit)

Packing tips

• Roll, don’t fold your clothes – you will be able to pack more, and your clothes will be less creased
• Pack clothes that can be layered – this will enable you to adapt to different weather conditions
• Leave a bit of room in your bag so that you can bring home some souvenirs

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