I moved to Japan with one suitcase and a carry-on. There are 3 things I'm glad I packed — and a few I wish I'd brought.

6 hours ago 5

The writer wearing a black skirt and white top, and posing in front of a white wall and trees in Japan.

Eight months ago, I packed my life into a suitcase and carry-on and moved from Canada to Japan. Since then, I've spent time in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kumamoto, living out of short-term rentals.

Because I knew I'd be moving around, I needed to keep my belongings light enough for easy transportation — and, of course, I wanted to leave room for the things I'd inevitably buy along the way.

Going from my two-bedroom apartment, packed closet, and bathroom full of products to a small rotation of outfits, toiletries, and necessities has definitely been an adjustment.

Despite that, I'm glad I downsized my belongings. The experience has taught me to live with a lot less, and I made some pretty good choices about what to bring abroad.

Still, there are also a few things I didn't think I'd need that I'm really missing now.

These are the three things I'm glad I packed — and a few I wish I'd brought.

I did a great job creating a capsule wardrobe.

The writer wearing a black skirt and white tank top, standing with suitcases in front of a train.

Before moving, I spent a long time thinking about which clothing items to bring.

I didn't want to use up my entire suitcase, because I knew I'd need room for any new clothes I bought in Japan. I also wanted to be able to mix and match outfits.

Eventually, I landed on two pairs of jeans, a pair of jean shorts, sneakers, waterproof boots, two long-sleeve shirts, two sweaters, a dress, two skirts, four tank tops, and a few jackets.

I love having basic, neutral black-and-white clothes that all pair together, so it's easy to stay functional and stylish without looking like I wear the same thing every day.

I'm glad I brought a folding toiletry bag.

A folding toiletry bag with hair products, makeup items, and more hangs on the writer's dresser.

I've always packed separate bags for my makeup, hairbrushes, toothbrush, and all my jewelry.

Instead of doing that this time around, I decided to try a folding toiletry bag, and it's been a total game changer.

Now I can fit my accessories, makeup, razors, and everything else into one place. It folds up easily, fits into my suitcase, and I can just open it up and hang it in the bathroom whenever I'm getting ready.

My portable monitor was a smart investment.

The writer's desk setup, with a laptop, keyboard, portable monitor, mouse, and paperback book.

This was a purchase I made specifically for Japan, and I would've had a much harder time using my laptop without it.

I got my first monitor when I was a teacher, and it completely changed how I worked. I always have a million tabs open so I can do multiple things at once, and a second screen makes a huge difference.

My portable monitor is super slim, and it fits easily in my computer bag or carry-on. Plus, it came in handy when I stayed at an Airbnb in Tokyo without a TV — my husband and I used it as a screen so we could play our Nintendo Switch.

I'm definitely glad I brought it, and I plan to keep using it when I'm back home.

On the other hand, I should've packed more of my go-to hair product.

The writer posing for a selfie, wearing black sunglasses and showcasing curly hair.

There are a few things I wish I'd packed more of, mainly because I underestimated how expensive or difficult they'd be to find in Japan.

I have naturally thick, curly hair, and I can't just use any product on it. Curly-haired people get it.

I've been loyal to my favorite curl gel for years, and it's the only product I really need after my wash days — but because it's so popular, it usually sells out for months at a time.

I got my hands on some before moving and brought a dupe product with me, but that only lasted a few months. Since then, I haven't found anything similar that works for my hair type in stores.

I've also noticed that curly hair products are significantly more expensive on Amazon Japan. One product I've used as a dupe costs around CA$29 on Amazon Canada, but almost CA$50 on Amazon Japan.

In hindsight, giving up the extra suitcase space for more product would've been well worth it.

Antiperspirant deodorant has been difficult to find.

A checkered bag next to Suave deodorant and curl-enhancing gel.

Back in Canada, I was used to summer days that reached 85 degrees Fahrenheit or more, but I always found the heat somewhat dry. Here in Japan, I've spent time in the Kyushu region when most days were about 95 degrees Fahrenheit with lots of humidity.

When I stepped outside, it genuinely felt like I was walking into a wet wall of heat.

Before coming here, I figured I'd be able to find Western-style deodorant. I tried a few, but found them to be a lot lighter than the products I was used to, and I'd sweat them off immediately.

Luckily, my sister-in-law came to the rescue with a couple of sticks when she visited — but if I had a do-over, I'd definitely pack more.

I wish I'd brought better running shoes.

The writer wearing a blue dress and white sneakers and sitting on a ledge in Japan.

Before coming to Japan, I bought a new pair of sneakers online. Unfortunately, within a few months of daily walking, they broke down, and I had to get rid of them.

That wouldn't normally be a huge deal, but finding shoes in my size here is pretty difficult. I'm usually a size 9 US, sometimes a 10, and I've found that most Japanese stores don't carry above an 8.

I was able to find my size at Onitsuka Tiger, so that's where I'll probably go for my next pair of runners. Still, I wish I'd either bought two pairs of sneakers or invested in better-quality ones from the get-go.