What to Bring
Easy care clothes: You will be teaching children and sitting on tatami mats during some of your classes.  Also Japanese washers are rough on clothes and most families don’t have dryers.
 
Light cotton tops:  Summer is hot, rainy and humid. (Morning approx. 20 degree C. & Day 32 degree C.)
 
Sweaters:
Most houses are not heated completely.  Tights or warmer nylons to wear under skirts are recommended for the winter months.  Bring warm clothes to sleep in as well.
 
Skirts:
Most Japanese women wear skirts at all times.  Looser skirts are best for teaching.
 
Pantyhose:
If you are tall, it is difficult to find suitable sizes.
 
Socks/ Pantyhose / Slippers:
You will be wearing slippers at home, in the office, and when you teach.
 
Shoes: 
Walking shoes
Shoes which are easy to slip off and on
If your feet are bigger than 7, you will have a hard time finding shoes.
 
Scarf, (gloves may be needed if you go hiking):  It can be very cold and damp during the winter.  It might snow. (Morning approx. 5 degree C. & Day 15 degree C.)
One nice dress:
For the speech contests and the Christmas party.
 
Light wind breaker / Jacket:
 
Watch / Alarm clock: A towel and wash cloth:
Blow dryers and other small plug-in appliances require adapters due to the differences in voltage and cycle. (American vs. Japanese 100 volts 50 cycles)
 
Pictures of you / your family / hobby / hometown.  Favorite music tapes.  American / Canadian style cards, pins, stickers for presents & thank you cards.
 
Most special items and cosmetics are difficult to find or expensive,  i.e. contact lens supplies, birth control pills, certain types of soap or lotion, and some deodorants.  Please bring a good supply of products that you need or like.
 
Generally speaking it is not necessary to bring more than two large suitcases and a carry on bag.  The school will provide a briefcase and tote bag for use during the contract period.