Job Discussion Forums

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

I'm in the process of deciding what to pack and/or get here in Oz and what to leave until I go to Japan. One thing the wife and I plan on doing a bit of is hiking and some camping.
One item is a tent, get one here on sale and lug it over or wait and get one there? Can they be found there second hand?

More later

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Look at www.outdoorjapan.com for some helpful info on camping and hiking. Where are you planning to live?

If you want info on what OTHER things to pack, look at www.eltnews.com or on http://thejapanfaq.cjb.net

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

bluestar · Joined: 08 Nov 2004 Posts: 19 Location: Kobe

Hello,
There are plenty of beautiful outdoors places in Japan for camping and hiking etc. Beautiful rivers and oceans aren't too bad either. Away from the larger cities that is. They can be a short or long train ride from where you are living or working. I was suprised to find so much beauty over here.

Have fun.. The Japan Sea and Wakayama and Okayama and Tottori are great.

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

I can tell you what you won't easily find in Japan (BRING IT WITH YOU!):

1. Deoderant, multiplyed by 4.
2. Vegemite.
3. Dryer sheets.

If you are a tall man, or wide:

4. Pants.
5. Shoes.

You can find everything else relatively easy. Those were the items I had trouble with (I'm 6'2" - and if anyone reading this is American, substitute Vegemite with Peanut Butter).

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Cereal, red licorice, hazelnut flavoured coffee beans. Those are what I try to ship to Japan that I can't find "affordably" here.

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

Ahh yes, Gordon - the cereal. You'll have a selection of about 5 cereals at the average Japanese supermarket, and 4 of them are either chocolate flavored or sugar smacked. I found one good cereal (don't remember the name), but it offered a whopping two (2!) bowls before the box was empty. I just learned to eat rice with furikake for breakfast.

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 7:09 am Post subject:

UniQlo shops have clothes for tall people. But shoes are a problem, yes.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

here we go again
Oh Fudge it, I wrote a lenghty reply of thanks but it looks like its now out in the ether

keep the replies coming

melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

COSTCO is the way to go for p-nut butter. They have huge jars of Skippy for around 800 yen which is a much better deal than the tiny jars at the grocery for 400. It does not have the same concistency as the p-nut butter from home, but it tastes about the same.
Kobe is the place to go for other "western" foods that you can't find in your local supermarket. Imagine my delight when I stubled upon numerous store with shelves full of food with nothing but English writing on them! I don't eat vegemite, but I saw it in 2 stores.
One thing I have yet to find is grape jelly. Anyone seen it anywhere? I'm going home for a visit next week so I may just have to bring it back with me.
Also, what is the story with bringing in food- I know it all has to be processed, but I have heard stories of things being taken away by customs... I'm only going to have one suitcase so it will obviously not be enough that I am going to try to sell it on the black market! I will just be highly upset if the confiscate my Jiff!!! Very Happy

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

kitano · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Posts: 86

Aspirin, it is very expensive here. If you are not picky and you live in a big city you can get anything you want and the internet is a good backup. Really I don't know what you need that you can't get here.

melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

I'm not bringing in any meat products or plants, just totally processed things like candies, Jiff- the BEST p-nut butter in the world!, and dry mixes for things like pasta and beverages. Maybe I'll keep the stuff in my carry on and when I get the "anything to decrare?" bit I'll smile and say no and head on through customs.

Markle- it's not so much about not being able to get what you need, it's a matter of being able to get exactly what you want. I prefer grape jelly but there isn't any in Japan, so I just eat strawberry. I brought certain things that I felt no other brand was acceptable of and certain meds in case I got sick so that I wouldn't have to try to find the Japanese equivilent.