It is difficult to know what one will need for life in a foreign country. Here are some suggestions that should be helpful.

1. Bring you own medications, but first check with this site to see if anything you might want to take is restricted in Japan. It could be a serious problem if you try to bring banned medicine into the country. It is a good idea to bring even such simple things as cold medicine because you know what works for you and it may take time to find medicine in Japan.
2. You will need warm clothes for the winter. Sweaters, long underwear, hats, gloves and coats will be needed.
3. If you have space in your baggage, bring national clothing or items which represent your country and culture. There will be chances to introduce your culture to local groups and schools and in campus activities. If you do not have space, a few coins or bills of your currency is interesting.
4. Bring spices or foods that can be used for your 'comfort' food. Many things are available in Matsuyama now, or can be ordered from shops in Tokyo or Osaka, but it might take time before you can find them.
5. Bring some small, inexpensive gifts to give to people when you visit their homes or as a present. Tea, coffee, a decoration showing traditional crafts or scenes, small dolls, key chains, etc. are all a fine way to express your thanks and to introduce your culture.
6. If you need especially large sizes in clothing, you should bring extra, because it can be difficult to find large sizes in Matsuyama, especially shoes for women.
7. Nowadays one of the most difficult things at the beginning is trying to get a cell phone. It can take up to two or three weeks and before that you will want to contact your family to let them know you arrived safely. If you have an email connection, there should be no problem in sending email. If not, you may be able to borrow a phone to call to let your family know you are fine. Please let your loved ones know that if they don't hear from you immediately that there is nothing to worry about.
8. Before coming, make sure you have the address of where you will stay and the phone number of one or two people you can contact when you arrive.
9. If you are coming for a short stay, do not forget to get traveler's insurance Preparing to Come . It is not possible to get it for a short term once you get to Japan and medical fees alone can be very expensive.

local navigation

バナーエリア