Please confirm these absolute essentials for your trip:
This guide was orignally prepared by Stanford
University for students spending one year in Japan. I have adapted it
for Emory's summer study abroad program.
Dealing with US Customs
Visas
General List
Clothing
Other Items
How Much Money Should You Take?
How Should You Take Money to Japan?
Receiving Additional Money in Japan
Postal Service
Japanese Etiquette
Food and Dining
Legal Matters
Medical Services
Medicines
Immunizations
Psychological Issues
AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Contraception
Health Insurance
Personal Safety
Natural Disasters
Dealing with US Customs
Departing from the US: If you take expensive items out of the US that were not made in the US (e.g., personal computers, cameras, or watches) consider registering them with US Customs before leaving so they will not be subject to duty when you bring them back to the US. You must complete this registration in person and a Customs Officer must see the items. Call the Customs Office at the nearest international airport to check business hours. If you wait to do this on your departure day, allow at least one extra hour; the Customs Office may not be in the same area as the departure terminal.
If you purchase duty-free items in the airport or on your flight, be aware that there are limits on importing some items, such as liquor, perfume, or cigarettes, into other countries; check with the duty-free shop or cabin crew for the limits.
Returning to the US: You must declare the value of everything you get abroad that accompanies you, including gifts to you as well as new or used articles. You are allowed $400 duty-free. The next $1,000 usually will be charged a flat 10% duty. Duty is then figured by item at varying rates. Customs accepts travelers checks, cash, or personal checks as payment for duty. Congress occasionally changes Customs laws and you should consult a current Customs publication entitled "Customs Hints: Know Before You Go" (available from any Customs Office or by writing to: US Customs Service, PO Box 7407, Washington, DC 20044).
Visas
As a US citizen and a tourist, you do not need a visa for stays of under 90 days.
If you enter Japan on a different visa or on one obtained for another program, you MUST change it in Japan. However, DO NOT ARRIVE ON A TOURIST VISA and expect to change status! With a tourist visa, you must leave the country to change to the appropriate visa. Seoul, Korea is the nearest location and the trip is complicated and expensive (roughly $500).
If you purchase an International Student ID you may get reduced rates on transportation as well as occasional other discounts. This is less true in Japan than in other parts of Asia, however. If you buy the card in the US, you also get insurance for limited sickness and accident expenses including medical evacuation (flying you to the US if you are seriously sick or injured) and repatriation (returning your body to the US if you were to die overseas). If you purchase the card outside the US, insurance is not included. Contact the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) (http://www.ciee.org/) @ 205 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 (Phone: (010) 212-822-2600, 1-800-2-council), a local Council Travel office, or your college or university international students or overseas study office for more information. You need one photo to buy the card - this photo is in addition to those required by Overseas Studies.
General List
The list below is compiled from student suggestions and is intended as a reminder of things you might not have considered. However, not everyone will want to bring everything listed here. Tailor the list to yourself, and take only what you really need.
Clothing
The best advice is to take a basic wardrobe that you really like and feel comfortable wearing. Take as little as possible because closet space in Japan is very limited.
Though most clothing is available in Japan, it is very expensive. Finding clothing that fits can be difficult, even for average-sized students. For women it is hard to find anything larger than a size 10. Shoes beyond size 9 1/2 for men (27 cm. in Japanese sizes) or 7 1/2 for women (24.5 cm.) also are quite difficult to find. Bring underwear and pantyhose from the US.
A pair or two of sturdy comfortable walking shoes is essential. You will walk A LOT! Shoes that slip on and off are key, as you will be removing your shoes often. Bring comfortable sneakers for everyday--Japanese students prefer them--and a pair of comfortable and versatile loafers or low pumps.
Four factors help you figure out what clothing you take with you: weather, activities, and convenience.
Weather: The weather in Sendai is similar to Atlanta. Remember that we will be in Japan during rainy season.
Decorum: Japanese adults generally do not wear shorts in public, although jeans and shorts are acceptable attire for university students, with a few exceptions: torn jeans, short-shorts, or running shorts (unless you are jogging).
Activities: If you like sports, bring appropriate attire and gear for your sport. Sports often are an important social activity. You may be invited to practice with people at private clubs or other restricted facilities, so you will need to dress accordingly.
Convenience: Japanese are likely to "dress up" more than US college students, so bring at least one dressy suit or dress, especially if you plan to stay for an internship. Japanese women tend to prefer skirts to pants. Japanese often wear the same outfit several days in a row, especially on short trips. It is a good idea to bring versatile and durable clothes that can be worn in layers. Laundry and dry cleaning can be done at local cleaners or Laundromats.
Other Items
Toiletries: In general, Japanese brands can be found at reasonable prices at discount drugstores, and some American brands are made in Japan by Japanese affiliates. Imported brands are available at certain stores but are often much more expensive. Here's a good chance to practice your katakana reading skills!
American deodorant is hard to find and expensive, as are hair spray, body lotion, and sanitary napkins/tampons (except for slim size). Some brands of cosmetics are plentiful and of good quality, but expensive. Vitamin drinks (rather than pills) are popular. If there is a particular brand that you absolutely must have, take a supply with you.
American brands of contact lens solution are either unavailable or very hard to find. If you wear soft lenses, consult your optician or ophthalmologist about chemical sterilization methods. Also, bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses; a lost or broken pair of glasses can be difficult and very expensive to replace in a short time.
Electrical Items: Electricity for home use in the Kansai area (which includes Kyoto) and western Japan is 60 hertz (the same as in the US) and 100 volts (the US is 110 volts). US hair dryers and irons will run slightly slower. Electric clock radios won't work well, and American radios cannot pick up Japanese FM stations. Electrical appliances are available in Japan, but may be more expensive.
Newspapers/Magazines/Books: English-language newspapers and magazines are available in Japan; all three major Japanese dailies (Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri) publish English editions. Japan Times, the oldest English language daily, is popular. The Economist, Newsweek, Time, and The Wall Street Journal are available, but expensive.
Note: It is common in Japanese bookstores to browse leisurely and read books you may not intend to purchase.
Journal: Many students suggest keeping a journal while in Japan. A few lines every couple of days will give you an interesting and important guide to your personal growth. In small, thin, portable notebooks, make lists of likes, dislikes, of foods you tried (to amaze friends and relatives back home), and note interesting Japanese customs and people. Also jot down the names of the people you've met--it's amazing how quickly you can mix up Ichikawa, Tachigawa, and Ishibashi!
Souvenirs (omiyage) and Gifts: When visiting in Japan, it is customary to bring small gifts to acknowledge the hospitality of your host, or to give as a token of your friendship and appreciation. This custom helps define and preserve special relationships. The gift need not be extravagant since the Japanese place greater emphasis on the act of giving than the gift.
The best omiyage are ones that reflect you or your background; such as small tokens that are native to your home country, hometown, or university, or items you may have made. Bring a variety of presents to give to new friends, host family members, landlords, special teachers, your Cha-no-yu sensei, the neighbor who showed you how to make donburi, the homestay family of a fellow student who invites you to dinner, etc.
Former students suggest: postcards, photos or photo book about your hometown or state; university paraphernalia (a favorite among the Japanese) like tee-shirts, pens, notepads, pennants, small posters, and bottle openers; soaps, scented powder, small bottles of US-made perfumes for women; baseball-type hats or golf-paraphernalia for men; dried fruits and nuts, chocolate, unusual teas; beef jerky or smoked salmon; unusual stationery; cassettes of your favorite songs or of US pop radio stations; handmade crafts; or favorite recipes you can make (and pass along). Think about things that are small, lightweight, unbreakable, and native! Omiyage buying is tricky, since virtually everything available in the US can be purchased in Japan. Bring things that have meaning to you, so that the recipient will have something special to remember you by.
A note on gift-giving in Japan: It is sometimes considered rude to open a gift in front of the giver, so do not be surprised if people do not open your gifts right away. You may encourage them to open your gift immediately, and they may do the same for you, as many Japanese realize that it is our custom in the US. Always remember to acknowledge a present the next time you meet the giver. In Japan, it is customary to reiterate thanks. This is also true when someone helps you or does a service for you. People will appreciate your trying to understand and follow Japanese etiquette.
Luggage Allowance
Most transpacific flights allow two pieces of checked baggage per passenger free of charge (total dimension: length + width + height not exceeding 273 cm.; total weight not exceeding 32 kg.). Only one piece of carry-on baggage is allowed, although many airlines are flexible about this. You need to get specific information from the airline you will fly to Japan.
How Much Money Should You Take?
The SSA program will cover most of your basic expenses including:
You will receive an allowance from the program:
Your major out-of-pocket expense will be:
This table should give you a rough idea of expenses in Japan:
|
Airmail postage (1/2 oz. letter) |
110 |
|
Airmail postage (postcard) |
70 |
|
McDonald's Big Mac |
400 |
|
Shakey's Pizza lunch special/ all you can eat |
650 |
|
Bowl of Soba or Udon (noodles) |
550-1000 |
|
Cup of coffee in a coffee shop |
160-400 |
|
Nightclub cover charge (men) |
3000-4000 |
|
Nightclub cover charge (women) |
2000-3000 |
|
Movie |
2000 |
|
Bottle of shampoo |
700 |
|
Record album |
2800 |
|
Local bus fare |
220-290 |
|
Roll of 24-exposure film |
700 |
How Should You Take Money to Japan?
Cash: It is wise to have some yen on arrival in Japan; take $100-$150 worth to be safe (taxi, train, dinner?) or change some money at the airport - the rates are the same as at banks. Get it in 5,000 yen notes or smaller, since changing larger bills can be difficult. Most US banks with international operations can special-order yen, although you may not receive as many yen when you exchange dollars in the US as you will in Japan. Most people in Japan pay in cash and feel safe carrying significant sums around with them.
Traveler's checks (some in yen and some in dollars) are convenient and can be exchanged at most bank branches or hotels (you may be asked to show your passport for identification). They are not often accepted at stores.
Personal checks are NOT USED in Japan. Personal checks or bank checks (drawn against either a dollar or yen account) are difficult to cash at best, and the process takes five-six weeks. Where possible to cash, there will be a ¥ 3,100 handling charge per check. Japanese banks will not accept personal checks made out to students.
Credit cards such as JCB (Japan Credit Bureau), Visa, American Express, Master Card, Diner's Club, and Bank Americard are widely accepted (Visa more widely than Master Card) at major restaurants, hotels, and in department stores. Most purchases, including plane tickets, must be paid in cash, so don't expect to charge most of what you buy. Most banks will not allow you to withdraw cash with a credit card, but there are several credit card ATMs in Kyoto where you can withdraw cash (see credit card cash advances below).
Receiving Additional Money in Japan
International Postal Money Orders are a cheap and easy way to send money; for a $3.00 fee someone in the States can send you up to $700. It will take about a week if sent regular first class, or 3 days if sent express mail (for a fee). You will receive a money order slip, which you must take to the post office to cash at no charge. You will receive dollars, which you can change into yen at a bank.
Wiring money from bank to bank (bank transfer) also can be done but it is complicated. It can take a week or longer but is faster than cashing a check. During orientation you will be given all the information you need to have money wired to you from the US.
Credit Card Cash Advances can be made for a fee. With an American Express card and an AMEX Personal Identification Number (PIN), you can have cash advanced to you from an ATM at the Amex office in Kyoto. With a Visa or Master Card (and your passport) you can get cash advances at a Sumitomo Bank.
Depositing/Withdrawing from a US bank account con sometimes be arranged. If your US bank account can be accessed from ATMs in Japan, someone can make a deposit in dollars to your US account, and you can withdraw it from an ATM in Japan in yen. There is a service charge but it is comparable to using another bank's ATM in the US (about $1.50).
Postal Service
The Japanese postal system is efficient and expensive. Mail is delivered in Japan once daily, except Sundays. Mail takes about a week from Japan to the US.
Japanese post offices offer banking and insurance services, so be sure to choose the correct window. Post office hours vary according to type of office; information about hours is available in Kyoto.
Here is some useful post office terminology:
|
Express delivery |
Sokutatsu (add Y210 domestic) |
|
Post cards |
Hagaki |
|
Stamps |
Kitte |
|
Envelope |
Fuutou |
|
Mailbox |
Yubin Posuto |
|
Registered mail |
Kakitome (domestic Y250, overseas Y350) |
|
Registered cash |
Genkin kakitome (need to use Genkin Fuutou) |
|
Small parcel or packet |
Kozutsumi |
Several private takkyuubin companies (Kuroneko and Pelikanbin) deliver suitcases, packages, etc. Pickup points are local convenience stores that display the service's logo. In many cases they provide door to door service. At Y1,500 to Y2,500 a bag, this is still a bargain. Remember this for sending packages to the airport while on the road.
Telephones
Two public telephones are next to the student locker room; one is for domestic and the other for international calls. In addition, a credit card phone is in the locker room. Japanese public telephones are differentiated by color:
|
Green w/ gold: |
10, 100 coins, telephone cards |
|
Green: |
10, 100 coins, telephone cards |
|
Yellow: |
10, 100 coins |
|
Red, Pink, Blue: |
10 coins |
Pay phone charges are based on the length of the call. A beep will prompt you to put in another coin before your call is disconnected. You can avoid this by putting in several coins. Phone rates, even intra-city are quite expensive. Phones that take ¥ 100 coins do not give change for unused Y10 increments and return only unused Y100 coins.
Telephone cards, which look like credit cards with a magnetic strip, can be used in pay phones. They come in Y500, Y1,000, Y3,000, and Y5,000 increments and are available at convenience stores or vending machines by NTT offices.
Use the green and gold "international" telephones (kokusai denwa) for overseas calls. The least expensive time to call overseas is after 11:00 pm, Japan time. Most of these phones require KDD-issued prepaid cards, which can be purchased at convenience stores or KDD offices. To use a prepaid telephone card, dial direct to the US with 001-1, or use an English-speaking KDD international operator by dialing 0051. To direct-dial to the US through AT&T, dial 0039-111. You will be connected with an American AT&T operator, and then can call collect or can charge your calls if you have a US telephone credit card. MCI has a similar service. There are also many discount telephone companies which provide inexpensive phone services from Japan. You need to establish an account and using a calling prefix from Japan.
Do NOT make international calls from your homestay family's home without their approval. If you use their phone, please use a calling card or reverse the charges.
Japanese Etiquette
Invitations: When invited to someone's home, arrive on time, take an omiyage, and thank the host afterwards by telephone, postcard, or letter. Avoid bringing food that must be eaten immediately, so that your host does not feel obligated to serve it.
Names: As you probably already know, the Japanese use one's family name rather than one's first name. Since your family name may be difficult to pronounce in Japanese, use a nickname or your first name. Most Japanese use their surname followed by san, sensei (literally, "teacher" but also used in addressing politicians, physicians, and dentists), or the title of the person being
addressed (for example, Suzuki Kyoju=Professor Suzuki, Suzuki Bucho=Director Suzuki, and Suzuki Gakucho={university} President Suzuki).
Social Drinking: Drinking alcohol is acceptable social behavior in Japan and Japanese students frequent pubs or izakaya. Although the legal drinking age is 20, beer and whiskey are available everywhere, including in vending machines. Japanese usually are very tolerant of excessive drinking. An individual's actions while drunk are excused--even bad-mouthing the boss or fighting. We do not recommend you take advantage of this behavior however! Your status as a visitor makes you fall enough outside of the boundaries of acceptable Japanese social behavior that such actions are not considered proper and may reflect badly upon you and on Emory.
If you do not wish to drink in a social situation, it is fine to request a non-alcoholic substitute. However, do order something; your host may be uncomfortable if you do not order anything.
The Gaijin Syndrome: You will first be addressed in Japan as Gaijin or Gaijin-san. Literally translated as "outside person," it is commonly used as "that person who doesn't look (act, talk, whistle, choose your verb) like a Japanese." Kyoto has lots of foreign visitors every year, so you may not be referred to as gaijin as often as if you were living in the countryside. Put your energies into learning the language and customs and soon the gaijin-ness will be a non-issue.
General Politeness: Japanese are taught from childhood to observe the following customs:
At the entrance of a home (genkan):
Tokonoma: the place of honor in the house:
Zabuton: cushion for sitting in a tatami room:
At the table:
Use of hands and feet:
When walking:
Food and Dining
Japanese food quality and sanitation standards are high. Sendai has restaurants of every ethnic variety, size, and quality. Most shops have menus posted outside, and many have plastic models of their dishes in a show window. Tax sometimes will be included at fancier restaurants. Tipping is not a Japanese custom--which makes it much easier to pay betsu-betsu (everyone in the group pays for his/her own meal). It is a common practice among Japanese students for everyone to pay an equal share of the bill, not to divide it by who ate what. Fast food restaurants (McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken) can be found throughout Japan. Meals at these restaurants often cost more than a typical Japanese-style meal.
Legal Matters
You must obey all Japanese laws. Penalties for illegal drug use, unauthorized currency exchange, and disturbances of the peace often are tougher than in the US. What may seem to be a harmless prank can have serious consequences. Emory cannot intervene if you are arrested or prosecuted and use or possession of illegal drugs can lead to your expulsion from Emory. You CANNOT rely on US government agencies to assist you except in an advisory capacity. If you become involved in any legal problem, notify the Emory program director immediately.
In Japan, you may get sick more frequently than you do in the States. For many people, traveling brings on colds, sore throats, coughs, and the almost inevitable gastrointestinal problems associated with changing food and water. Many of the bugs floating around in other countries are not particularly worrisome, but you do not have years of protection built up against them. The risk of becoming seriously ill is generally no greater overseas than it is in the US if you exercise the same precautions there as you would here. Greater precautions are advisable in many parts of Southeast Asia.
Medical Services
There are foreign physicians practicing in most major cities in Japan. Contact the Emory program director for problems requiring a medical referal.
If there is anything in your medical or psychological history that might be helpful to a doctor seeing you overseas who will know nothing of your background, write it down and TAKE IT WITH YOU.
If you have a medical problem or condition that cannot be seen or easily recognized (i.e., severe allergies, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.) you should consider getting a medic alert emblem. For information, write to Medic Alert Foundation International, PO Box 1009, Turlock, CA 95380; or phone (209) 632-2371. You also may want to notify the Emory staff, and tell friends with whom you are traveling, in case they are called on to provide information in an emergency.
Medicines
If you require special drugs, both prescription and non-prescription (such as benadryl, birth control pills, allergy medications, eyedrops, vitamins, etc.), you may want to take ample supplies with you because it may be complicated to get the specific brand or drug overseas. However, Japanese medications for colds, upset stomach, sore throats, etc. are effective and can be purchased at any pharmacy (kusuriya). Prescription drugs are not sold in drugstores, but by doctors, doctor-owned pharmacies, and in hospitals at high prices; and some US-approved drugs, such as the birth-control pill, are not available at all, except for very special "medical reason" cases. In addition, it may be wise to carry a letter or prescription from your personal physician verifying the legitimacy of the prescription drugs in your baggage if Customs officials ask why you are carrying them into the country. Also take along the drug's generic name (not the trade name) and the dosages in case you must fill a prescription in Japan.
Immunizations
As of the writing of this edition of the handbook, there are no required special vaccinations or inoculations for US citizens entering Japan from the US. Some university health centers recommend that before leaving the US, you have a recent tetanus shot (within the last 10 years), and 1 injection of immunoglobulin to protect against hepatitis (5 days to 1 week before leaving the US). You should also have had two MMR (measles, mumps, and ruebella) vaccinations in your lifetime. Inoculations against smallpox, typhus, polio, cholera, and typhoid are recommended for visits to Third World countries. If you plan to travel to other Asian countries, find out before you leave the US what inoculations might be necessary, because it may be difficult to get the required immunizations in Japan. Contact the nearest representative of the US Public Health Service for more information. Also, if you are arriving in Japan from a country other than the US, please check with a Japanese consulate regarding special health clearance or immunization requirements.
Psychological Issues
If you have had psychological difficulties in the past or are hoping that time overseas will help you "solve" a problem facing you at home, you should talk to a counselor before deciding to study abroad. When you are overseas, stress may increase rather than diminish the added pressures of language difficulties, meeting a new group of students, meeting local students, and the inevitable time management demands of studying and traveling. It is natural to feel tremendous excitement at new opportunities and at the same time somewhat sad and lonely. Set aside time regularly to exercise, practice relaxation techniques, or whatever else is important to you in keeping your perspective on life intact.
AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
AIDS awareness is still somewhat less in Japan than in the US, although public health education measures are expanding. Lack of adequate precaution (barrier type measures, especially condoms in conjunction with foam, sponges or diaphragms) in situations where you could get a sexually transmitted disease can have serious effects. If you think you may have contracted something, seek help from a doctor immediately. Anonymous testing is available in Japan.
Contraception
Information on contraception overseas is probably going to be more difficult to obtain than in the US. It is impossible to buy oral contraception in Japan. Condoms, however, are available everywhere.
Health Insurance
Contact CIPA for details on your health insurance requirement and benefits.
Personal Safety
Although Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, you should still keep an eye on your possessions and lock your doors. Wallets get lifted in Tokyo as well as in New York and, since you will often be carrying important documents (such as your passport), BE CAREFUL.
You usually need not fear walking by yourself, even late at night. However, when you are in an unfamiliar area (or even in a familiar one), be alert.
Women are usually safe in Japan, even when traveling alone. Occasionally, you may be approached or propositioned (more likely if the man is drunk), but remember that for some Japanese, you are the manifestation of a movie or television image they have of American (Swiss, French, etc.) women. Most of the time the approach will be verbal, and will not become physical, so stay calm and in control of the situation. Tell him firmly to leave you alone. You may be more successful at getting rid of him if you pretend to speak no Japanese, and then switch over and surprise him if he is persistent. Almost always, the man will drop it and leave you alone. If not, go to the nearest police box (kouban) or draw public attention to the situation--shouting kaji (fire) is the quickest way to get attention. Fortunately, as more foreigners go to Japan, as more Japanese travel abroad, and as media images improve, fewer people assume that Western women are as "liberal" as they are portrayed, and such incidents are decreasing. Do not let fear prohibit you from going anywhere (within reason), but take your self-confidence and prudence along.
A note on safety: This "safeness" does not apply to other countries in Asia. If you are traveling outside of Japan, concerns for your own safety factor may be similar to the US or worse.
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes (jishin): Japan has an average of three to seven earthquakes a day but most are so small that you will not feel them. It is, however, essential to be prepared for a more serious quake.
What to do in case of a major earthquake: