[Unit 1 Tips] – Things to take with you

You will have your own list of things you are going to take with you but the following are often overlooked: 

Allergy Information

If you have strong allergies and/or critical medical conditions, print out the name of the conditions in Japanese and carry it with you all the time.

Information about your Accommodation

I find it handy to have sheets of paper with the names and addresses of your accommodations (preferably in Japanese). You can show it to the immigration officer if he/she does not speak English. Also it’s easier to ask directions in town if you have the address written.

Medicines

Japan has very strict rules about medicines. What is allowed in your country may not be allowed in Japan. Please read this website of Japanese embassy carefully before you travel with your medicine(s). You can download required forms if you are bringing certain medication for personal use.

When my son was young, we always travelled with paracetamol as most pain killers/medicines for fever sold in Japan contain aspirin, which is not recommended for children in most countries. I went into a few chemists/pharmacies and asked for “paracetamol” but they all shrugged their shoulders. Later I found out that “paracetamol” is called with its American name “acetaminophen (アセトアミノフェン）” over there and some over-the-counter children’s pain killers are made of “acetaminophen/paracetamol.” The most common one of them is called “Bufferin CII” sold in an orange-coloured box but there are several other pain killers sold under the series name of “Bufferin （バファリン）” and many of them are aspirin-based.

A small amount of paracetamol is allowed to bring into Japan according to the website above.

Footwear

Think about and organise your footwear. You will have to take off your shoes often over there and there is usually not much space available to sit down and tie your shoe laces. Easy slip-ons may be handy. You may not be able to find shoes of your size over there! Also, bring enough pairs of good socks with you if you would not like to get caught with holey socks!

International Driver’s License – if you plan to drive in Japan

In order to drive legally in Japan, you need an IDP (International Driving Permit). This website explains how to obtain one in your country. You should have it issued before you leave your own country. A previous subscriber of this course tried to obtain hers online after she arrived in Japan but it was fake and she couldn’t use it (and no money back of course).

They drive on the left side of the road, the same as England and Australia.

Adapters

Don’t forget to pack adapters for your devices. Japanese plugs look like the photo below. Most electronic devices these days come with a power adapter and/or USB power supply without a need for a voltage transformer (if so, the label should say 100-240V) but if you want to use a device made for 220-240V, you will need a voltage transformer also as their voltage is only 100V.