Packing List

Clothing Suggestions for Men:

Be prepared to bring about one week's worth of clothing, you will probably not need more than this.
· Shoes: 1 pair of sports shoes, 1 pair of good walking shoes, maybe 1 pair of sandals.
· Shirts:  4-6 t-shirts and 2-3 long-sleeved t-shirts
· 1 pair of jeans
· Shorts: 3-4 pairs.
· Athletic Clothing:  2 sets.  You'll probably play of sports this summer.  
· Swim trunks.
· One nice outfit for going to a concert or something (khakis, belt and shirt)
· Long Sleeves:  Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket; sometimes it gets chilly in the evenings.  Bring clothes that you can layer to save space in your luggage.  
· Some clothes you don't mind ruining (for work projects)
· PJs
· Underwear and socks (for about one week)

Clothing Suggestions for Women:

Be prepared to bring about one week's worth of clothing, you will probably not need more than this.
· Shoes: 1 pair of tennis shoes, 1 pair of good walking shoes, and 1 pair of sandals.
· Shirts:  4-8 tops.  Short sleeve t-shirts are good.  If you bring sleeveless shirts, it might be a good idea NOT to bring spaghetti strap ones.  Most Japanese women are very modest in their clothing selections.
· 1 pair of jeans
· Pants or capris: 3. You can bring some skirts if you want to, but you will be biking in most areas, so make sure you can ride a bike in whatever you bring.  Japanese women do not wear shorts.  You can probably bring shorts for sports, but even for exercising it might be more appropriate to wear capris.
· Workout Clothing:  Something you can exercise in.  
· Swimsuit: Japanese women are much more modest than Americans, a one-piece swimsuit is recommended.
· One nice outfit for going to a concert or something (dress or a skirt/top)
· Long Sleeves:  Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket; sometimes it gets chilly in the evenings.  It would be very helpful to have a waterproof or water-resistant jacket as it is the rainy season while you are in Japan.  A long sleeved t-shirt or a cardigan is also recommended.  Bring clothes that you can layer to save space in your luggage.  
· Some clothes you don't mind ruining
· PJs
· Underwear (for about one week)

Definitely Bring

· Bible
· Towel: a thin towel
· Medication: Tylenol, allergy medication, cold/flu medication etc.
· 3 prong to 2 prong adapter for any electric appliances you bring.  You will not need a transformer.
· Camera (digital is best)
· Backpack or Shoulder bag for everyday use
· Toiletries - don't forget your deodorant, it's hot & humid most of the summer

Gift Suggestions

· Bring fewer, nicer, small, meaningful gifts.
· T-shirts (Don't bring XL ones)
· University related merchandise (hats, key chains, postcards, folders etc.)
· Postcards
· License Plates
· Christian book store items
· Christian CDs
· Something you made….

Other Suggestions

· Bring a personal photo album so you can share pictures of your family, friends, childhood, hometown, home, university etc. with students.  This could lead to some good conversations.
· Insect Repellent and Sun Screen
· A backpack or small duffel bag (other than your suitcase) for traveling to Tokyo for retreats or other trips

Tips

· Bring a suitcase with wheels instead of a large duffel bag.  Pack light.  It is much easier to travel with wheels since you might be traveling by train or subway.  Also think about extra space to bring gifts back to the U.S.
· Japan Rail Pass (Check with local staff and teammates about whether or not you will need this.  The JR pass can only be purchased OUTSIDE of Japan, so you want to get this before you arrive in Japan.  A one-week rail pass is probably sufficient for a short tour of Japan and traveling to Tokyo for retreats.  However, NOT all summer workers will need this.)
· If you journal, bring your journal.  However, you can easily find unique books/notebooks at reasonable prices here in Japan.  
· Please bring sufficient medicines that you regularly use.  Especially remember prescription drugs that you need.
· International Drivers License- Very convenient for those in smaller cities.  You will not be asked to drive in Tokyo.  Please contact the local staff in your assigned area about this.
· Japan, of course, is a very modern country and most things can be purchased here. 

Do NOT Bring:

· Umbrella (Because you can get them cheaply in Japan)
· Pillow
· Stereo Speakers
· Batteries
· Computers (For those joining the Tokyo team this is fine but for all other areas please check before bringing one.)
· Converters/transformers
· Cell phone
· Phone card
· Video game systems
 
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