Japan Study Tour 2006 Pre-Departure Information
1. Passport - You will be responsible for bringing your passport and looking after it.
2. Money – Do not purchase Travellers’ Cheques. Bring Japanese Yen Cash as there are not many banks nearby. You will be responsible for looking after your lunch money and pocket money. (Lunch money is 14000 yen.)
For the security of your own money and passport etc., it is recommended that you take a money belt or pouch that fits under your clothes. Do not take unnecessary cards in your wallet.
3. Booklet – This will be the student’s bible. Each student must carry this all the time while they are travelling. We will use this booklet for our meeting during the trip and you need to write your journal each day.
4. Overseas Calling cards number - I have a TelstraClear calling card number that I can use from overseas. If you have one of these cards, you do not have to ask your homestay to borrow a phone to call NZ.
5. Luggage – Do not take suitcases. BACKPACKS only please. We have to carry our luggage around (up and down all those stairs). We have to get onto trains fairly quickly and suitcases are very cumbersome and slow you down. There is not much space for suitcases in Japanese public transport. Please note that Air NZ limit luggage allowance is max. 20 kg. and they are very strict about this. Remember you will need space for your souvenirs on your way back to NZ.
You should also take an overnight bag or a daypack. We will use this almost everyday.
6. Souvenirs(Omiyge) – Japanese people are often very generous and although NZ students don’t like parting with their money for souvenirs to give to people they haven’t met yet. They are always glad they brought souvenirs so when they arrive. Having said that, it really is the thought that counts and students don’t need to go overboard.
Guide line – For High School homestay – 5 nights stay. $25 -50 .
My souvenir suggestion – food (chocolate, canned butter, honey, biscuits)
picture books on NZ, tea towels, lanolin products,
aroma therapy items, nature/outdoor related items
sports items (All blacks goods etc.)
small items – pins, pens, stickers, rubbers for students you meet at schools
Choose small and lightweight items as we have to carry them around for 1 week.
7. Clothing
Please note that Japanese are conservative when it comes to clothing – appearance is taken very seriously in Japan. Please do not bring anything outrageous or revealing.
The High School requested us to follow their dress code which is much stricter than ours. (No accessories, No make up, No hair colours and etc.)
Please make sure that you dress modestly and neatly.
l Uniform – There will be several formal welcome and farewell ceremonies at the schools. Make sure you bring at least 1 of summer uniform.
l Shoes – 1 pair of slip on shoes please. You will soon get sick of tying and untying shoelaces. But NO Jandals and NO high heels please. Sneakers are OK. A pair of light slippers might be useful.
l Summer clothes – T-shirts and lightweight long pants/skirts for 4 or 5 days change. There are coin operated washing machines available in the Youth Hostel but it would be wise if you have enough clothes. NO JEANS please. They are too heavy and take long time to get them dried.
Remember NOT too casual please. (Revealing clothing is not appropriate at temples and shrines.)
3Bs - NO BOOBS, NO BELLIES, NO BUMS!
l 1 or 2 long sleeve top or 1 light weight Jacket for nighttime – Nikko might be cold at night but jumper or sweatshirt might be still too hot.
l 1 cap (Black or Red) – it might be very useful for you not to get lost in Tokyo if everyone is wearing the same cap.
8. Other items
l Medication – You must take a sufficient supply of your medication to last the trip for your own medical conditions. In Japan it is not always possible to find medicine you are familiar with, so it is a good idea to take your own brand of medicine such as Panadol with you.
l Watch/Alarm clock – there are no excuses for not being at the bus or hostel on time!
l Photos/Postcards – these are excellent for you to use when making conversation with people you meet. A mini album would be perfect.
l Water bottles – A small size bottle. You can drink water in Japan but it saves your spending money at those vending machines.
l Towels – there are no towels in the youth hostels in Japan. Bring at least 1 medium size and a couple of small size hand towels.
l At least 1 nightwear – no Yukata at the youth hostels.
l Several plastic bags – seal one would be handy when you carry wet towels etc.
l Toiletry/Cosmetics – use small plastic bottles to carry shampoo and soaps etc. They can easily add 1 or 2 kilo to your luggage. Refill them in smaller containers.
l Do not bring expensive equipment – although we purchased the travel insurance, we do not have time to go to the police to make report. Japanese officials are not as flexible as New Zealand officers are and it might take a whole day to just make a claim. Of course, you may bring a camera but you must take full responsibility to take care of your own belongings.
l A light weight fold up umbrella – you can buy one at any 100 yen shops in Japan.
l NO i-pods/MP3 – please do not take them as they tend to shut others out.
l Electrical appliances: Japanese appliances use 110 volts.
l Homework, reading materials and etc.
l Padlocks for your luggage
8. Cultural Items/Speech – You might be asked to sing NZ songs or give a speech at school assemblies. Please be prepared! We will practise cultural items before we leave.
We will organize a packing practice day (afternoon) with your parents. You can show us how you are packing your luggage and check items you want to take to Japan. We will give you a packing list beforehand.