Moving to Japan as a JET ALT is exciting, overwhelming, and strangely stressful in ways you never expect. Most people worry about visas, airports, and lesson planning. But when you start considering “How many pairs of socks do I need?” and “Can I buy deodorant in Japan?” the real panic sets in.

The good news is that Japan is not an isolated wilderness. You can buy almost anything here eventually. The bad news is that some things are expensive, difficult to find, or simply not the same as what you are used to back home. The challenge is figuring out what is worth sacrificing precious suitcase space for.

After years of ALT life, many JETs agree on one thing: pack for comfort and familiarity first, not survival. You do not need to bring your entire life with you. But there are definitely things you will wish you had packed before arriving.

Here is a realistic breakdown of what you should bring from home, what you should buy after arriving in Japan, and what people almost always overpack.

What You Should Definitely Pack

1. Deodorant and Specialty Toiletries

This is the classic JET warning for a reason.

Japanese deodorant is generally lighter and less antiperspirant-focused than products in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, or the UK. Some incoming JETs adjust fine, while others spend their first month desperately searching drugstores for something stronger.

If you have a specific brand you love, bring several months’ worth. In my experience, I found a deoderant that I liked enough at the drug store… but I still requested that my parents bring a stash of my favorite deoderant from back home when they visited!

The same advice goes for things like:

• Prescription skincare
• Curly hair products
• Darker foundation shades
• Specialty shampoos
• Certain medications
• Specific toothpaste brands

You can find alternatives in store and online eventually, but during your first few months you may not know where to look yet.

2. Clothes That Actually Fit You

Japan has clothing stores everywhere, but sizing can be limited depending on your height, shoe size, or body type. Common recommendations among JETs include:

• Work clothes for all seasons
• Comfortable shoes
• Bras or undergarments in your preferred sizing
• Larger shoe sizes
• Tall-size pants or sleeves that actually reach your wrists

If you are plus-sized, very tall, broad-shouldered, or wear larger shoe sizes, shopping can become frustrating quickly. You will be able to find clothing eventually, but to remain stress-free in the first few months it’s recommended to bring things you know will work.

A common mistake is packing only “teacher clothes” and forgetting everyday casual clothing. You will still have a life outside of school.

That said, don’t pack your entire wardrobe. Japan has excellent fashion, and most people end up buying new clothes once they settle in.

3. Professional Clothes for School

Japanese schools vary wildly in dress code expectations. Some are very casual. Others expect near-business attire every day. You may not know your exact school culture before arrival, so it helps to bring:

• One or two nicer outfits
• Indoor shoes
• Breathable summer work clothes
• Layers for winter

Look up the average weather for the first few months you’ll be there. Usually, people arrive in the middle of the summer when it is hot and humid, so be prepared! Winter clothing can usually wait for a little bit. But, if you’re from a warmer area, the fall chill might be a shock to you!

4. Sentimental or Comfort Items

Culture shock can hit unexpectedly. When everything is unfamiliar, even grocery shopping, small comforts suddenly matter a lot. Bring things that make you feel grounded:

• Photos
• Small decorations
• Favorite snacks
• Tea or coffee you love
• A hoodie that feels like home
• A small hobby item
• Sentimental books

You do not need to recreate your old bedroom in Japan, but emotional comfort is practical too.

5. Electronics and Small Adapters

Japan uses Type A plugs and 100V electricity. Most modern electronics are fine, but check before plugging things in. Some useful things to pack are:

• Laptop
• Charging cables
• Portable battery
• Plug adapters
• External hard drive
• Unlocked phone

Hair dryers, kettles, and other high-power appliances are usually easier and cheaper to buy in Japan rather than deal with voltage converters.

What You Should Buy in Japan

1. Household Items

Do not waste suitcase space on:

• Plates
• Pots and pans
• Cleaning supplies
• Storage containers
• Laundry baskets
• Hangers

Japan has amazing budget stores like Daiso, Seria, and Nitori. You can furnish most apartments surprisingly cheaply.

2. Winter Gear

Many incoming JETs from warmer countries underestimate Japanese winters (especially in places like Nagano Prefecture). Japan is actually very good at winter clothing. Once you arrive, you can buy:

• HeatTech layers from UNIQLO
• Winter coats
• Gloves
• Snow boots
• Heated blankets

Buying locally also helps because you will learn what people in your region actually wear (and thrive in).

3. Cheap Everyday Items

Japan excels at inexpensive convenience goods. Wait until you arrive to buy:

• Umbrellas
• Stationery
• Towels
• Slippers
• Kitchenware
• School supplies
• Basic toiletries

You will probably discover you packed too much within your first week.

4. Bedding

Many JET placements provide basic bedding, or your predecessor may leave things behind. Even if they do not, buying bedding in Japan is easier than trying to compress a comforter into your luggage like a doomed camping expedition.

Things People Commonly Overpack

1. Too Many Books

Books are heavy. Your luggage weight limit is not emotional-support-library friendly. Bring a few favorites, but consider:

• E-book readers
• Online library sources like Libby
• Buying books online later
• Local libraries or bookstores
• Swapping books with other JETs

2. Too Much “Just in Case” Clothing

You do not need:

• 14 hoodies
• 9 formal outfits
• Every T-shirt you have owned since university

Most people eventually develop a “Japan wardrobe” anyway.

3. School Supplies

Your school or workplace likely already has:

• Pens
• Whiteboard markers
• Paper
• Scissors
• Folders

You are not opening your own classroom from scratch.

4. Food

Yes, you will miss certain foods. No, you do not need to fill half your suitcase with instant mac and cheese. ring small comfort foods if you want, but remember:

• International stores exist
• Online import stores exist
• Costco exists in Japan
• Other foreigners will absolutely know where to find decent peanut butter

Also, consider how much you will enjoy those difficult-to-find foods when you do get them! Recently, I was going through a stressful time and a friend gave me a pack of American Sour Patch Kids (all blue raspberry!). I could have cried I was so happy.

The Most Important Thing to Bring

Flexibility.

Some incoming JETs prepare for Japan like they are moving to another planet. Others arrive with two shirts and pure confidence. Most people end up somewhere in the middle. Just remember:

• You will forget something.
• You will buy things you did not expect.
• You will discover that Japanese apartments contain mysterious items left by predecessors.
• You will realize that everyone else is improvising too.

The first few months on JET are less about having the perfect suitcase and more about learning how to build a life little by little. Pack thoughtfully, leave room for surprises, and remember: if thousands of JETs before you survived arriving in Japan with overweight luggage and questionable planning decisions, you probably will too.