Eight months ago, I packed my life into a suitcase and carry-on and moved from Canada to Japan. Since then, I’ve spent time in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kumamoto, living out of short-term rentals.
Because I knew I’d be moving around, I needed to keep my belongings light enough for easy transportation — and, of course, I wanted to leave room for the things I’d inevitably buy along the way.
Going from my two-bedroom apartment, packed closet, and bathroom full of products to a small rotation of outfits, toiletries, and necessities has definitely been an adjustment.
Despite that, I’m glad I downsized my belongings. The experience has taught me to live with a lot less, and I made some pretty good choices about what to bring abroad.
Still, there are also a few things I didn’t think I’d need that I’m really missing now.
These are the three things I’m glad I packed — and a few I wish I’d brought.
I did a great job creating a capsule wardrobe.
Before moving, I spent a long time thinking about which clothing items to bring.
I didn’t want to use up my entire suitcase, because I knew I’d need room for any new clothes I bought in Japan. I also wanted to be able to mix and match outfits.
Eventually, I landed on two pairs of jeans, a pair of jean shorts, sneakers, waterproof boots, two long-sleeve shirts, two sweaters, a dress, two skirts, four tank tops, and a few jackets.
I love having basic, neutral black-and-white clothes that all pair together, so it’s easy to stay functional and stylish without looking like I wear the same thing every day.
I’m glad I brought a folding toiletry bag.
I’ve always packed separate bags for my makeup, hairbrushes, toothbrush, and all my jewelry.
Instead of doing that this time around, I decided to try a folding toiletry bag, and it’s been a total game changer.
Now I can fit my accessories, makeup, razors, and everything else into one place. It folds up easily, fits into my suitcase, and I can just open it up and hang it in the bathroom whenever I’m getting ready.
My portable monitor was a smart investment.
This was a purchase I made specifically for Japan, and I would’ve had a much harder time using my laptop without it.
I got my first monitor when I was a teacher, and it completely changed how I worked. I always have a million tabs open so I can do multiple things at once, and a second screen makes a huge difference.
My portable monitor is super slim, and it fits easily in my computer bag or carry-on. Plus, it came in handy when I stayed at an Airbnb in Tokyo without a TV — my husband and I used it as a screen so we could play our Nintendo Switch.
I’m definitely glad I brought it, and I plan to keep using it when I’m back home.
On the other hand, I should’ve packed more of my go-to hair product.
There are a few things I wish I’d packed more of, mainly because I underestimated how expensive or difficult they’d be to find in Japan.
I have naturally thick, curly hair, and I can’t just use any product on it. Curly-haired people get it.
I’ve been loyal to my favorite curl gel for years, and it’s the only product I really need after my wash days — but because it’s so popular, it usually sells out for months at a time.
I got my hands on some before moving and brought a dupe product with me, but that only lasted a few months. Since then, I haven’t found anything similar that works for my hair type in stores.
I’ve also noticed that curly hair products are significantly more expensive on Amazon Japan. One product I’ve used as a dupe costs around CA$29 on Amazon Canada, but almost CA$50 on Amazon Japan.
In hindsight, giving up the extra suitcase space for more product would’ve been well worth it.
Antiperspirant deodorant has been difficult to find.
Back in Canada, I was used to summer days that reached 85 degrees Fahrenheit or more, but I always found the heat somewhat dry. Here in Japan, I’ve spent time in the Kyushu region when most days were about 95 degrees Fahrenheit with lots of humidity.
When I stepped outside, it genuinely felt like I was walking into a wet wall of heat.
Before coming here, I figured I’d be able to find Western-style deodorant. I tried a few, but found them to be a lot lighter than the products I was used to, and I’d sweat them off immediately.
Luckily, my sister-in-law came to the rescue with a couple of sticks when she visited — but if I had a do-over, I’d definitely pack more.
I wish I’d brought better running shoes.
Before coming to Japan, I bought a new pair of sneakers online. Unfortunately, within a few months of daily walking, they broke down, and I had to get rid of them.
That wouldn’t normally be a huge deal, but finding shoes in my size here is pretty difficult. I’m usually a size 9 US, sometimes a 10, and I’ve found that most Japanese stores don’t carry above an 8.
I was able to find my size at Onitsuka Tiger, so that’s where I’ll probably go for my next pair of runners. Still, I wish I’d either bought two pairs of sneakers or invested in better-quality ones from the get-go.
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