How should I pack my luggage? What items are difficult to find or expensive in Japan?

Hey, heading to Japan soon? Packing can definitely be a headache. I remember dragging two huge suitcases myself back in the day, feeling all jittery. Don't worry! Based on my experience and what friends agree on, I've put together a super practical packing guide for you. Guaranteed to help you avoid pitfalls.

I. Core Packing Philosophy: Don't Move Your Whole House, Pack an "Emergency Starter Kit"

First thing to remember: Japan isn't some undeveloped island; it's a highly developed country with an abundance of goods. Pretty much anything you can think of is available here, and the quality is usually good.

Therefore, your packing strategy should be:

Bring things you "can't buy immediately upon arrival."
Bring things that are "especially expensive or hard to find in the right size in Japan."
Bring things with "special personal meaning or that fit your specific habits."

Think of your suitcase as an "emergency starter kit" to get you smoothly through the first week or month after landing. You can gradually add locally sourced items later.

II. Highly Recommended Items to Bring from Home (Saves Money & Hassle)

These items are either more expensive or harder to find in Japan. Bringing them is definitely worth it.

1. Electronics & Accessories

Laptop/Phone/Tablet: Goes without saying, bring your own.
Power Strip (Extension Cord) from Home: Highly Recommended! Japan's voltage is 100V (compared to 220V in China), but most modern chargers are universal voltage (100-240V compatible), so you don't need a transformer. However, Japanese outlets are all two-prong (no ground pin). Bringing a two-prong power strip with USB ports from home lets you charge all your devices at once. It's way more convenient than buying a bunch of adapters in Japan.
Various Cables/Power Banks: Bring spares! Data cables and power banks are significantly more expensive in Japan, with fewer choices.
Phone Screen Protectors/Cases: Same as above – they tend to be more expensive and, in my opinion, less stylish here (haha). Buy a few favorites on Taobao beforehand to last you a year or two.

2. Personal Care/Medication

Personal Regular Medication: Must bring! Must bring! Must bring! Things like your go-to cold medicine, stomach medicine, anti-inflammatories, allergy meds, pain relievers, etc. While Japanese drugstores have tons of medicine, you might not be familiar with their effects, and some prescription drugs are hard to get. Having your trusted meds when you first arrive brings peace of mind.
Glasses and Contact Lenses: If you wear glasses, definitely bring an extra pair! Getting glasses in Japan requires a "処方箋" (prescription), the process is cumbersome, and prices are generally higher than in China. Same for contact lenses – bring a six-month to one-year supply; it's much more cost-effective.
Your Trusted, Irreplaceable Skincare/Makeup: Especially certain domestic brands or niche international brands that might not have counters here or are very expensive. Of course, Japanese skincare is heaven here, but if you have sensitive skin or specific needs, bring your own stash.

3. Clothing

Underwear/Socks: Bring plenty. Mainly due to sizing – Japanese sizes generally run small, and you might not be used to the styles here initially. Bring enough to last you a while, then shop locally later.
One Well-Fitting Suit/Formal Wear: If you're coming to study and plan to do "就活" (job hunting), or if your work requires it, bring a well-fitting suit. Buying suits in Japan isn't cheap, and alterations cost extra.
Special Size Clothing/Shoes: If you are taller/larger or have bigger feet (e.g., men's size 44+/EU 44+, women's size 39+/EU 39+), consider bringing these from home. Options for larger sizes in clothing and shoes are relatively limited in Japan.

4. Miscellaneous Items

Personal Seal (Hanko/Inkan): Super Important! Needed everywhere in Japan for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, receiving packages, etc. While you can get one made here, it's much more convenient to get a basic round or square surname seal (simplified characters are fine for non-official use) made on Taobao for about 10 RMB. Avoid ones with cartoon designs.
Small Amount of Hometown Specialties/Seasonings: E.g., a small jar of Lao Gan Ma, hotpot base, Chinese five-spice powder, etc. These can be lifesavers when you're craving familiar flavors and adjusting to Japanese food. Don't bring too much – just enough for cravings. Many Chinese grocery stores sell these now too.
ID Photos (Various Sizes): Get 1-inch and 2-inch ID photos taken at a photo studio back home. Keep both digital copies and physical prints. Getting photos taken in Japan is expensive (hundreds or even over a thousand yen per session), and you'll need them for your residence card, student ID, bank card, etc., when you first arrive.

III. Items You Really Don't Need to Bring (Lighten Your Load!)

These items are very easy and affordable to buy in Japan. No need to haul them over.

Most Daily Necessities: Shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc. These are heavy and bulky. You can easily find them at any drugstore or 100-yen shop (like Daiso, Seria) with tons of choices at low prices.
Household Appliances: Rice cookers, electric kettles, hair dryers, etc. Definitely don't bring these! Appliances from China are 220V. On Japan's 100V system, they either won't work, will be underpowered, or pose a safety hazard if forced to work. Buying new ones here isn't expensive, and finding one at a "中古店" (secondhand store) is dirt cheap.
Large Quantities of Books: Too heavy! If you have specific Chinese books you want, bring a few favorites. For others, use e-books or have family ship them later by sea freight.
Excessive Snacks: Japan is a snack paradise itself. Convenience stores and supermarkets offer more than enough to explore.
Bedding (Quilts, Mattress Pads, etc.): Takes up huge space! Unless you have specific requirements, it's easy and reasonably priced to buy a set at Nitori or MUJI after arriving. You could bring one set of sheets/pillowcases in a vacuum bag for emergencies.

IV. Some Packing Tips

Vacuum Compression Bags are Magic! Use them for clothes, duvet covers, etc. Saves a ton of space.
Make full use of your airline's baggage allowance. Check if it's weight-based or piece-based, and maximize it.
Carry Important Documents On You! Passport, Certificate of Eligibility (COE), Letter of Admission/Employment Certificate, flight tickets, a small amount of cash, etc. MUST go in your carry-on bag. NEVER check them!

In short, relax and don't stress too much. Japan is an incredibly convenient place to live; anything you're missing can be easily found later. The packing process itself is a step towards "decluttering" and starting your new life.

Wishing you all the best for your life in Japan!