Packing list for Japan

[Paul Asimow]

Recommended packing list for Japan Enrichment Trip 8/15/12-8/31/12

General considerations:
• Best to pack as light as possible, since we will be moving around a lot. Not necessary to go strictly carry-on, though. Recommend either a rolling suitcase or duffel, in case we have walks of a few 100m to or more from trains and hostels here and there. Frame pack would work too. Plus a day-pack for our various expeditions. Day-pack needs to be big enough for an all-day hike (two meals, snacks and water).
• Expected weather is highs near 90 °F and lows near 75 °F, very humid, and 25-35% chance of rain every day. We may have a typhoon. So, you want light, breathable and comfortable clothes, and quality rain gear -- good enough that light to moderate rain won't stop our outdoor work. A compact umbrella is a good idea too. You can buy one there for ¥450 or so.
• There will be some hiking (as much as 22 km on at least one day, the second day ), but probably nothing requiring heavy boots. However, my experience is that sport sandals are not appropriate for climbing around on volcanoes (lots of small, sharp rocks), so ideally closed-toed light boots or trail shoes. Tennis shoes probably adequate.
• Atsuko has confirmed a washing machine (but no dryer -- and hang-dry is iffy in this weather) at August 20th hostel. Other opportunities for laundry on August 23, 25, and 27. So I think general guideline is pack for 5-7 days between washing opportunities. We will be tossing all our laundry together into shared machines, hence the laundry net specified below.
• Check out international voice, text, and message plans to avoid surprises on your phone usage. For electrical stuff, plugs are mostly compatible with US appliances, but some run at 100 V, 50 Hz. Usually won't find grounded 3-prong outlets.
• Not a packing item, but it is a good idea to check on your insurance coverage overseas. Caltech's graduate health plan is fine, but perhaps not all of you are on it. Also, Caltech participates in an international airlift rescue network, you may have to do something to be signed up for it (I will check on this).

Specific Items:
• Shoes as described above
• Rain gear -- pullover or jacket, pants, hat
• Under and outerwear for ~7 days. Emphasize shorts, T-shirts, casual
• Some of our hosts will treat us to nice dinners or University visits, so how about at least one thing you'd wear to a nice dinner. Not full dress, but cool and neat (and for an event like this, flip-flops are not appropriate … buckled sandals or actual shoes)
• Toiletries -- hotels will supply soap and shampoo, hostels will sell these for ¥100, so you probably don't need to carry these
• Towel – bring a small towel that might actually dry in totally humid weather. Not a big old bath towel.
• Laundry net ( small). This is important !!
• Camera gear -- pictures are great, I hope everybody will take a lot and share them, but unless you're a real fanatic don't bog yourself down with a 2000 mm lens and industrial-strength tripod
• We will be covering all lodging, transportation and meals, but you'll want some cash here and there. Usually best way to do this is just to withdraw Yen from an ATM there. Right now $100 = ¥7900

Questions?

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Paul Asimow asi...@gps.caltech.edu
Professor of Geology and Geochemistry
California Institute of Technology M/C170-25
Pasadena, CA 91125 USA
(626)395-4133 FAX (626)568-0935
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