Preparing the luggage to study in Japan can become quite a dilemma. I asked myself: What are the essential items I should take in my luggage? (Especially given its limitations.) For example, electronic devices like connection converters (especially for my laptop), and of course, how many garments should I bring? (Being more than 80% of all luggage) How many pairs of pants? Shirts? Underwear?…

At that moment, a friend who had already experienced living in the country as a student told me that bringing too many clothes isn’t necessary, considering that Japan (as many of us know) has it all, offering a plethora of clothing and electronic possibilities. With this advice in mind, and despite a hint of uncertainty, I decided to pack my luggage and embark on the adventure.

After a couple of months of living in Fukuoka, I realized how right my friend was. Japan boasts an incredible variety of options and brands, both local and international. When it comes to electronics, as you can imagine, every city offers an incredible array of options in technology, from the tiniest cables to complete computing and photography setups. Personally, I brought my laptop charger, cameras, and smartphone, refraining from excessive tech packing, which turned out to be a good decision. As time went by, I found myself needing various things, all of which I’ve been able to find at economical prices and of high quality.

Regarding clothing and prices (which is always a travel priority), something I found quite beneficial and cost-effective is UNIQLO and second-hand clothing stores. As many know, the Japanese have a reputation for taking good care of their surroundings and belongings, a sentiment reflected in second-hand shops.

In my home country, UNIQLO wasn’t available, but discovering it here opened a world of possibilities. It’s a well-known clothing retail chain that offers quality apparel at affordable prices. UNIQLO is famed for its focus on basic and functional clothing, as well as minimalist and practical designs. On the other hand, second-hand stores like “2nd Street Reuse Shop” are fantastic sources of affordable, high-quality garments (given the Japanese reputation for meticulous care, even with clothing). These stores are widespread across the country, especially near Ohashi Campus (about 10 minutes by bicycle) and stations like Ijiri and Takamiya. Moreover, specialized second-hand stores like “Favol!” (which you can find on Instagram) provide a wide variety of women’s clothing, while “Birthday” caters to children.

Personally, I find second-hand shops in Japan advantageous, offering a wider variety of items and I must clarify that these stores are not junk or antique shop (like what we have seen in other countries). In Japan, we need to pay to throw away stuff, especially for people who are moving or have a small house. So usually, people “sell” (only get back a small gesture amount) to the second-hand shop to minimize their expenses to clear away good stuff that they don’t use. Japan’s disposal system involves charges, especially for those moving or with limited space, prompting people to sell items to second-hand shops to reduce expenses. These shops offer not only garments but also appliances, furnishings (perfect for when you move from a dorm to an apartment), household items, shoes, toys, and much more.

So, there you have it—don’t stress about bringing too many clothes or tech. Just pack the essentials, and if you find yourself needing more, rest assured there are plenty of excellent options to choose from.

About the Writer
I am an international master’s student from Guatemala. I have a passion for design, photography, and writing. I enjoy storytelling and making new friends, which I find incredibly interesting. Join me and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Japanese culture.

Hector Alejandro Palomo Reyes
Graduate School of Design
Media Design Course