Moving to Japan Checklist

Though you'll be able to find deodorant in pharmacies, the ones you find will not be as strong as you're used to and tend to be spray types.

Though the food in Japan is delicious, it may take some getting used to for you and your family. Activated charcoal is a natural way to treat food poisoning.

There is no fluoride in the water in Japan, so be sure to purchase fluoride fortified toothpaste.

Medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc. If you are on international insurance then you might want to bring a supply as you will have to pay out of pocket. If you are on Japanese national insurance, children under the age of 17 are covered and most places in Tokyo doctor's visits and all medication (including most vaccines) are free!

Antacids, including TUMS, Pepcid Complete or Pepto-Bismol are not available over the counter in Japan.

Japanese tampons are not as absorbent. Though tampon selection in pharmacies is limited, the variety of pads is extensive.

Although you’ll be able to find floss in pharmacies, it's harsher than what you’re used to in U.S./U.K. Save you and your gums the trouble and bring some from home.

The vitamins available in Japan are smaller than what you can buy in your home country and a lot more expensive. The dosage tends to be smaller, so you would have to take more to get what you’re used to. Some vitamins also require a prescription, so double-check what you can and cannot bring into the country.

It is best to check whether the medication you or any of your family members take is available in Japan, including contraception. Most medication is easily accessible in Japan by going to the doctor; however, there are some medications that are not available. Check with your doctor prior to moving to Japan.

Note: Certain medications are illegal to bring into the country in bulk. If you are thinking of bringing in a year’s supply at one time, this is something you should also check with your doctor about before doing so.

Computers in Japan come with a Japanese keyboard and therefore can be difficult to use.

Clothing, in general, is difficult for westerners to find in Japan. There is Uniqlo, which offers extended sizes online, but overall the average clothing size in Japan is very small. Shoes are also very small. If you wear size U.S. 7 or larger it can be difficult to find what you are looking for.

If you wear a suit to work or plan on wearing a suit at any time while in Japan, bring one from home. Suits in Japan are tailored to fit the Japanese frame, which is more slender than you may be accustomed to.

Although you may not need this in the bigger cities, it’s a good idea if you live in the countryside. It is valid for up to one year which helps with not needing to buy a Japanese driver's license right away.

“As of June 2002, foreigners are only able to drive on an international driver license for up to 12 months. After that, foreign drivers must apply for and receive a Japanese driver license. Long term foreign residents in Japan who attempt to avoid taking a driving test by continually renewing their international driver license abroad every 12 months will now be required to prove that they obtained the international permit at least three months before re-entering Japan,” according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan.

Either bring a dictionary or download Google Translate on your phone. We suggest you do both. There are also many apps out there that can help too!