Packing

Packing for a whole year away has been a challenge! Between the two of us, Graham and I have one large duffel bag, one hiking backpack, one large, wheeled duffel, and one wheeled duffel with straps. I find that bags with wheels are easier to move around, but you should consider the weight of a bag and how much you need to pack. Bags with wheels and frames are normally heavier.

For most airlines, the weight limit per checked bag is 23kg or 50lbs. It's surprising how much clothes weigh! Thankfully, we're under the limit on each of our bags. As far as what to pack, we had to do a little bit of research beforehand:

Some of the things to consider when deciding what to pack include weather, sizes, and availability of your favourite products.


Kumamoto has a climate that is very different from Nova Scotia. Half of the year is hot and humid, the rainy season is long, and winters are mild and short (no snow!). Other parts of Japan have more severe winters, with lots of snow. Check out your destination well before packing, so you know what to expect.

You can find large clothes and shoes in Japan, but the availability is limited compared to Canada. I've heard that Uniqlo is a good store for larger clothes, but if you wear large shoes, pants, bras, etc., I get the impression that it's wise to bring a little extra when you pack. Of course, there's always online shopping if you can't find what you need in the stores around you. 

If you have certain products that you can't live without, you might want to bring a little extra in case it's not easy to find in Japan. Many Canadian/American cosmetic/toiletry brands are available in Japan, but the prices can be higher. OTC medications are similar to what's available in Canada, but painkillers are often in lower doses. Check the generic name of any OTC medicines you need, as brand names will differ. For prescription medications, you can check my previous blog post. For food, if you have the luggage space, consider bringing a couple of your favourite snacks for the times you get homesick.

NOTE: Make sure to pay attention to airline regulations and customs regulations to be sure you aren't bringing anything prohibited. 

Once you're packed, all you have to worry about is dragging all your bags around the airport and to your destination! In my opinion, that's one of the most aggravating things about travelling. Though, once my bags are checked, I'm a "happy camper".