Going to Japan on November 28th, and it'll be the first time I've ever flown. Anyone got tips that they've learned, and more ideas on what to pack? I ordered a laptop case, so I'll bring my laptop, a carry-on, and baggage. My friend is picking me up at the airport and has already reserved a hotel room for my initial few nights.

I wonder if there's any point in packing some miscellaneous things such as hairspray. I feel like it'd be more convenient to buy some stuff when I arrive.

I would actually recommend bringing all your toiletries, as you'll find that in Japan they are not usually sold in travel sizes, can be more expensive, and you might have some trouble navigating around stores easily because you're not used to the layout and what the products look like.

Keep in mind that American-style deodorant is not sold in Japan.

Most hotels will provide liquid body soap, shampoo, conditioner, and a razor, but general not shaving cream (or, if they do, it's just a small amount of crappy shaving gel). I would bring my own shaving cream (Barabasol sells travel sized ones). A canister of shaving cream goes for about ten dollars in Japan.

Hair gel and hair was can be pretty expensive in Japan, but I'm not sure about hair spray since I've never used it. Bring your own comb or brush--they're more expensive in Japan.

If you do forget any toiletries, try to look for them in 100 yen shops or 100 yen Lawson shops. Regular drug stores typically only sell full-sized products.

You're coming in winter, so remember that Japan does not have central heating. Although 本州 is not a particularly cold climate, you'll find that the inside of houses, apartments, or restaurants is much colder than in northern America. I used to wear short sleeves year-round in upstate New York, but find it impossible in Japan because it is so cold within buildings. Bring long sleeves, warm socks, and warm pajamas.

Tzadeck Wrote:A canister of shaving cream goes for about ten dollars in Japan.

No it doesn't. Even western brands like Gillette are like $4. If you have a thin beard just use 100yen crap (it is exactly the same as the more expensive Japanese brands - bad). If you have a thick beard you shouldn't use canned aerosol stuff anyways. I use a tin of shave cream that I whip up with a brush. Cost $10CDN but it lasts for almost a year with daily shaving. Similar stuff is sold in Japan for similar prices. Mach3/Fusion type replacements are expensive like everywhere, but if you're good at shaving you can switch to a safety razor which is like 10c per refill. They actually shave much closer than multiblade Gillette type stuff, but if you aren't steady handed you'll get a face full of blood.

Quote:Hair gel and hair was can be pretty expensive in Japan, but I'm not sure about hair spray since I've never used it. Bring your own comb or brush--they're more expensive in Japan.

Or as low as 100yen. I don't know if there is really a difference with pricey ones as I haven't used a brush in years. As for hair products, I use wax and it is cheaper than in Canada (since only high end wax seems to be sold - $30+ per tin) whereas in Japan there is cheap wax (the one I use is about 500yen which lasts over half a year) AND high end wax (I've seen up to 7000yen).

That said, I see no reason not to bring your own toiletries from home even if they are not travel size. Weight restrictions are pretty lax on international flights, especially if you fully take advantage of the permissible number of bags (such as two carryons - a small suitcase and a backpack).

Yes I will probably bring my own shaving cream and razors. I can't really grow facial hair, and so whatever hair I grow it takes about a week. I am considering buying hair wax in Japan just because I like that type (my Japanese friend brought me some once). I've got my own deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, and I'll of course bring whatever other personal stuff I feel fit.

I'm concerned with locking my luggage. My dad says no, some people say yes; I'd have my laptop and stuff with me on the plane, so I'm not quite sure. Also since I don't know how TSA checks work, I've heard about people that got their laptops stolen after they put it down on the belt or whatever? Probably worrying too much, I'll just try to not do anything stupid.

As for the cold, well I have a sweater. Going to get a new jacket tomorrow, possibly. I'll have to look into pajamas. Don't currently have a pair.

Jarvik7 Wrote:

Tzadeck Wrote:A canister of shaving cream goes for about ten dollars in Japan.

No it doesn't. Even western brands like Gillette are like $4. If you have a thin beard just use 100yen crap (it is exactly the same as the more expensive Japanese brands - bad). If you have a thick beard you shouldn't use canned aerosol stuff anyways. I use a tin of shave cream that I whip up with a brush. Cost $10CDN but it lasts for almost a year with daily shaving. Similar stuff is sold in Japan for similar prices. Mach3/Fusion type replacements are expensive like everywhere, but if you're good at shaving you can switch to a safety razor which is like 10c per refill. They actually shave much closer than multiblade Gillette type stuff, but if you aren't steady handed you'll get a face full of blood.

Where are you getting it for 4$? I use Nivea, Gillette, or Schwick--usually Nivea, and they each cost 700-850 yen, which is about ten dollars.

Schwick also comes in smaller cans, but I don't see it all that often.

100 yen stores sell little packs of shaving gel, and I've used it, but it's really awful stuff.

As for the gel/wax, I've actually never tried the cheap stuff, but you're right that 100 yen stores sell it.

For pajamas, I would just recommend a pair of cheap flannel pants.

Tzadeck Wrote:Keep in mind that American-style deodorant is not sold in Japan.

I don't know what "American style" deodourant is, but I buy deodourant here that is the same as what I use in the UK.

TheVinster Wrote:I'm concerned with locking my luggage. My dad says no, some people say yes; I'd have my laptop and stuff with me on the plane, so I'm not quite sure. Also since I don't know how TSA checks work, I've heard about people that got their laptops stolen after they put it down on the belt or whatever? Probably worrying too much, I'll just try to not do anything stupid.

Don't put anything you checked luggage that someone might want. It can get stolen and you'll never see it again. If you are looking to cut down on carry on luggage, try putting your power adapters in the checked luggage.

You can lock your suitcase, but more than likely, if they need to check it they will simply break the lock. I believe the checks are somewhat random, however if you have a lot of stuff packed in a suitcase I have found they will sometimes check. If they check one of your bags then they will check all of them (You can usually bring 2 bags on Intl' flights for free). If TSA checked the bag there will be a slip in the bag when you open it saying they did so.

fakewookie Wrote:I don't know what "American style" deodourant is, but I buy deodourant here that is the same as what I use in the UK.

He means deodourant with antiperspirant in it. Japanese deodourants do not have antiperspirant in it so they don't stop you from sweating, they just try to mask the smell.

As soon as you get past security and into the terminal, buy a couple big bottles of water. It's a long flight, and it's also flu season, and it's easy to catch something when you're dehydrated (and you can get super dehydrated on a plane!). You may also want to order drinks without ice as they can contain a lot of germs. Trust me, I've learned the hard way, picking up the flu on two different flights.

Yeah, in my experience Japanese deodorant is usually spray-type, not antiperspirant, and isn't very strong.

deodorant is a pointless waste of money unless you play a lot of sports.

Strange advice: Take off our shoes! I was told about this before my flight, and I had never heard of this happening before. Apparently some people's feet swell on international flights due to the high altitude or something. After the flight there, my feet hurt for weeks. The flight back, I took off my shoes and it helped immensely.

And I agree with what was stated above- drink all the water they offer. Every single time they come around, take it.

Have a nice trip! I loved my stay in Japan. I'm so jealous you get to go!

EDIT: oh one more thing- on the flight back, I felt really light headed. I had enough to eat and enough to drink, so I wasn't 100% sure what the problem was. It really concerned me and I felt really weird and wanted to ask the flight attendant for help. It went away eventually and I didn't pass out like I feared I would! Haha so if you feel light headed, don't fret
EDIT2: They're super strict on baggage weight. do not go over

stehr Wrote:As soon as you get past security and into the terminal, buy a couple big bottles of water. It's a long flight, and it's also flu season, and it's easy to catch something when you're dehydrated (and you can get super dehydrated on a plane!). You may also want to order drinks without ice as they can contain a lot of germs. Trust me, I've learned the hard way, picking up the flu on two different flights.

Drinks are free on international flights, including alcohol. Another way to remain hydrated is to wear a flu mask, as it effectively increases the humidity of the air you breathe by preventing exhalation of moisture.

Surprisingly no one has mentioned this, but bring ear plugs, noise isolating canalphones or noise cancelling headphones. Jets are quieter than they were just a few years ago, but still noisy. Buy an airline adaptor in advance. You do not want to rely on their provided crap headphones and many airlines do not have standard headphone jacks.

Sit in an aisle seat. People don't use the restroom as much as you'd expect, and it gives your outside leg effectively infinite legroom.

Don't sit in the absolute rear of the plane, the seats don't recline as much if at all.

Chew gum on takeoff and do not sleep until you are at cruising altitude. This will prevent a potential buildup of pressure in your ear which will cause you pain like you have never known before until the altitude decreases again. This depends on the airplane model though since not all maintain the same cabin pressure.

Quote:EDIT2: They're super strict on baggage weight. do not go over

Most airlines will let you do about 2-3 pounds over for free on each bag. Put all your heavy stuff in your carryon since it will not get weighed. You are typically allowed 2 carry-ons (small suitcase and a backpack) but many people don't know this. I typically travel about 20-30 kilos over the weight limit, for free. My record is about 70 kilos over (I've moved by airplane a few times).

Do your best to clear your sinuses before landing. If your sinuses are blocked, it can cause really sharp pain around your eye sockets, much worse than any pain you'll feel in your ears.

nadiatims Wrote:deodorant is a pointless waste of money unless you play a lot of sports.

Wrong.

Body chemistry and diet are just as important as activity level. Everyone sweats all day to some level, but whether it smells or not is dependent on the makeup of your sweat and what kind of bacteria live on you to feed on it.

In fact, the more active you are and regularly sweat, the less your sweat will smell normally as you are regularly flushing your pores.

people get sick on flights and that would suck if you get quarantined at the gate. I always have those immune boosters before I leave and pop two Tylenol or the like a couple hours before landing to lower any fever I may have developed. Because I'm here for a year i brought 290 capsules and it helps so much better than japanese overpriced medicine.

Jarvik7 Wrote:Most airlines will let you do about 2-3 pounds over for free on each bag. Put all your heavy stuff in your carryon since it will not get weighed. You are typically allowed 2 carry-ons (small suitcase and a backpack) but many people don't know this. I typically travel about 20-30 kilos over the weight limit, for free. My record is about 70 kilos over (I've moved by airplane a few times).

No no no no no. Tokyo Narita made me open by bag and shift everything around because I was a couple kg over. This is horrible advice to give lol do not think you can go over!!

travisv10 Wrote:

Jarvik7 Wrote:Most airlines will let you do about 2-3 pounds over for free on each bag. Put all your heavy stuff in your carryon since it will not get weighed. You are typically allowed 2 carry-ons (small suitcase and a backpack) but many people don't know this. I typically travel about 20-30 kilos over the weight limit, for free. My record is about 70 kilos over (I've moved by airplane a few times).

No no no no no. Tokyo Narita made me open by bag and shift everything around because I was a couple kg over. This is horrible advice to give lol do not think you can go over!!

I fly 10-15 times per year (economy) and have no problems... A couple kg is up to 5 pounds. I said 2-3 pounds which is about 1kg. I've never had a single flight that insisted that my luggage be exactly the weight allowance, even on budget airline $45 flights.

Anyways, if you're just a tourist there should be no way for you to exceed the weight allowance of 23kg + 23kg + 10kg (actually infinite as long as it fits in the bag) + 10kg (actually infinite as long as it fits in the bag) + whatever you can fit in your pockets.

Jarvik7 Wrote:

travisv10 Wrote:

Jarvik7 Wrote:Most airlines will let you do about 2-3 pounds over for free on each bag. Put all your heavy stuff in your carryon since it will not get weighed. You are typically allowed 2 carry-ons (small suitcase and a backpack) but many people don't know this. I typically travel about 20-30 kilos over the weight limit, for free. My record is about 70 kilos over (I've moved by airplane a few times).

No no no no no. Tokyo Narita made me open by bag and shift everything around because I was a couple kg over. This is horrible advice to give lol do not think you can go over!!

I fly 10-15 times per year (economy) and have no problems... A couple kg is up to 5 pounds. I said 2-3 pounds which is about 1kg. I've never had a single flight that insisted that my luggage be exactly the weight allowance, even on budget airline $45 flights.

You fly 10-15 international flights per year or 10-15 domestic flights per year? Domestic is very different from international.

Make sure your baggage is under weight. Do not take the risk.

Mix of both. Domestic is usually much more strict since the planes are smaller. It depends on the airline though. Westjet always lets me take a third checked bag (guitar case) for free for example, even though it's not part of the allowance.

Planes are also usually freezing, so you'll definitely want to bring a sweatshirt or something. And as someone else mentioned, you'll want to take off your shoes but you'll need some thick socks or travel-type slippers so your tooties don't freeze, too. And as others have mentioned the air is very dry so I always bring cough drops, eye drops and a small bottle of lotion. Be sure you don't go over your limits of allowable liquids. I'm sure you already know this but, anything even romotely sharp will not be allowed. I've had a skimpy pair of manicuring scissors with about a 1/2 inch, rounded-tip blade that I didn't realize I put in my carry-on bag taken away before.

I fly a decent amount - including US domestic as well as international destinations like Japan.

Earplugs / canalphones (like etymotics or shure) is great advice. I wear them on almost every flight, although I find I have to take them off a couple times on longer flights otherwise *that* gets tiring as well. Helps to reduce travel fatigue.

I always use aisle seats unless I'm lucky enough to be in first class. Use seatguru.com to look up the exact plane and they give details on every seat on the flight - which ones are in bad locations, don't recline all the way, etc. Amazing resource I use all the time.

Don't lock your suitcase. Japan has very little theft, and if you do lock it you'll need a TSA-approved lock that they'll open anyway. They open quite a bit of luggage (you'll know because they leave a flyer saying they searched your bag and I get them all the time). I've never had something stolen out of my checked bag. That said, I'm sure it happens - I just wouldn't worry about it. You could get mugged in Tokyo - unlikely enough that I'll walk through Yoyogi park at 2am alone, but I'm sure it happens.

I like Gatorade or similar for a flight if I can find it at the airport. Flights are super dehydrating and as people mentioned make you more likely to get sick. Flu mask is a good idea although I've never done it. Bring books, magazines, etc - it's a long flight and only so many movies I can watch in a row.

Mostly just enjoy. The first trip to Japan is amazing - even more so if you've never flown before.

(also I wouldn't care about toiletries - unless money is very tight, I think it'll be fun to try to find or fail to find appropriate Japanese products. just bring medication or vitamins if you need them - that's less fun to find)

I usually use a cheapo TSA lock on my suitcase. According to some TSA documentary I saw, TSA doesn't actually trust foreign countries with the keys, so apparently Japanese airports cannot open them. In any case, I've never gotten one of those flyers (though I'm pretty sure my suitcases have been searched a few times, possibly during a transfer).

Canalphones do get tiring after a few hours if you use silicone tips. Get some foam ones for the trip (note they are disposable since they get gunky after a couple months). As a bonus they increase isolation over the silicone ones.

vix86 Wrote:

TheVinster Wrote:I don't know what "American style" deodourant is, but I buy deodourant here that is the same as what I use in the UK.

He means deodourant with antiperspirant in it. Japanese deodourants do not have antiperspirant in it so they don't stop you from sweating, they just try to mask the smell.

I don't think that's what he means. He's talking about stuff like Old Spice or whatever; the standard "stick" type deoderant that you get in the states. Most stores here only have either spray types, or the liquid roll-on type with the plastic balls. You can order old spice from amazon.

Another factor in favor of bringing your own stuff is that the exchange rate is so bad right now. I still feel like 100 yen = $1 is pretty accurate in terms of actual purchasing power, but that means you're going to be paying 25% more for stuff if you're changing dollars to yen in order to do it.

(As for deodorant not being necessary if you don't play sports....uh, you might want to ask people around you if you smell bad.)

I just buy a lot when I go back every 1.5years or so. People at Walmart look at me funny when I buy 20+ at a time, and they probably look like plastic explosives in an x-ray machine.