Packing

Travelers are responsible for carrying their own luggage...so packing light is a plus. Travelers are responsible for baggage fees, if any. EF recommends traveling with only a carry-on bag and personal item.

Clothing: Travelers should be conscientious of cultural differences and pack accordingly.

  • Face mask
  • Shirts (short and long sleeved)
  • Comfortable Shoes (2 pairs)/Socks
  • Underwear
  • Shorts/pants/jeans
  • Sleepwear/Pajamas
  • Umbrella or rain jacket or rain poncho
  • Sweatshirt or sweater
  • Jacket or light coat
  • Toiletries

  • Toothpaste & Toothbrush
  • Ear plugs
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Soap
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Sunscreen
  • Any medications (in addition to a copy of prescriptions) Tylenol/ advil/ iboprophin ; Immodium AD; Dayquil Severe
  • Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)
  • Zip-lock bags (small/large)
  • Money

  • Debit or Credit card (call the bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts) OR cash to change into Yen OR Yen
  • A little cash in case of an emergency
  • Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing (optional)
  • Electronics (not required)

  • Watch
  • Extra battery pack for phone
  • Phone with charger
  • Power converter: most tourists from the US do not need a converte
  • Documents

  • Passport—take a picture and email it to yourself (in case it is lost or stolen)
  • Visa (if applicable)
  • A list of important phone numbers and addresses to send postcards home
  • Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.)
  • Carry-on bag
    Here is a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in the carry-on in case the checked luggage is delayed.

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (remember, toothpaste needs to go in a one-quart ziploc bag, and can't be bigger than 3 oz)
  • Hairbrush
  • Contact lens case/glasses/sunglasses
  • A simple change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)
  • Medications
  • Pens/pencils
  • Reading material/snacks (during the flight)
  • Phone charger
  • Snacks!