WHAT TO BRING 

Below are some suggestions, based on our experience. While Japan has many of the common resources you’re likely used to at home, specific comforts may be limited or non-existent, so please keep this in mind when you’re planning and packing. Japan has a typically more conservative dress style, this often includes preferring loose or layered clothing, and avoiding revealing attire like low-cut tops, short shorts and short skirts.

General

• PASSPORT and consider bringing a photocopy and/or passport photos. In the (hopefully!) unlikely event your passport gets lost or stolen, an extra set of passport photos can make it easier for you to get a replacement) 

• Travel plug adapters depending on the country you are traveling from. In Japan, they use power sockets (outlets) of type A and B, like in the North America. Be mindful that if you require a ground plug for any of your devices, 3 prong outlets may be less common.

• If you are planning to shop, consider leaving space in your luggage or packing a spare duffle bag you can fill later. It may also be possible to buy extra luggage in Tokushima if needed. Please note it is currently unclear if shipping to the US from Japan will be possible as Japan Post has temporarily suspended package shipments to the US.

Clothing

• Layering pieces, including a light jacket, and scarf or shawl, for cool mornings and evenings, with warmer daytime temperatures. It can be very breezy when riding the ferries between the Art islands, layers are recommended.

• Rain shell and/or small umbrella (rain showers are always a possibility!)

• Comfortable, supportive walking shoes that are easy to remove and get back on

• A zippered day pack and/or a small-ish bag you can safely carry around each day 

Footwear

• Please bring comfortable, supportive footwear. This Ace Camps Travel Trip includes considerable walking tours and you may be on your feet for several hours at a time. You will need to remove your shoes at times during this trip to enter certain establishments - often needing to remove and replace your shoes in a standing position. This is a customary practice throughout Japan and wherever you’re required to remove footwear, this is non-negotiable.

  Consider slip on footwear or shoes that are not time consuming to slip on or off easily and keep an extra pair of socks in your daypack if needed.

Personal Items

• Glasses and/or prescription sunglasses if needed

• Earplugs (high quality foam or sleep focused noise dampening, such as Loop) if you are a light sleeper - our hotels are located in the middle of towns and there can be noise in the early morning hours.

• Toiletries kit, including your own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, if you are particular or there are certain brands you prefer to use while traveling

• Sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher, sunhat, sunglasses, and lip balm with sunscreen

• High quality bug spray

• Small packet of tissues

• Refillable water bottle

• Hand sanitizer

• Personal supply of COVID rapid tests

• KN95 masks–in an effort to keep our group as safe as possible, you may be asked to wear a mask

Luggage Shipping Around Japan

When traveling around Japan it is likely that you may take a train or bus. It is important to know that not every train station has accessible escalators or elevators. Even some of the major stations in Tokyo lack elevators, and if they do have them they can be very tricky to find. It’s a good idea to be comfortable carrying your luggage up or down stairs just in case. Most Shinkansen trains now prohibit large suitcases unless you purchase specific tickets with a seat that includes extra luggage space. If you want to ride the train without worry it’s best to ensure your luggage will fit in the overhead compartments or between your legs/on your lap. 

For an easier travel experience on long distance trains + buses, we recommend you use luggage delivery services available throughout the country such as Takkyubin. This is a very common and convenient option if the timing can work for you. Ask your hotel front desk if they can help you organize this. Be sure to allow a couple of days for delivery depending on how far your bags have to travel.

To prepare for luggage shipping, you need to know the name and address of the hotel or airport you need your luggage to be sent to, as well as your personal arrival date. The cost varies based on the size of your bag and usually ranges from $20-30. If you are forwarding your bags to a hotel, be sure to contact them and let them know your luggage is being shipped. The name you put on your luggage shipping tag should be the same as the name you use for your room check in as some hotels will not hold luggage without corresponding names.

We also suggest putting AirTags in your luggage so you can track their location.

Weather 

November is one of the best months to travel in Shikoku. The weather is usually warm and sunny skies predominate. The daytime temperature normally fluctuates between 58F /15C to 75F/24C, while the nighttime temperatures range from 50F to 60F. It’s a difficult time of year to predict the weather perfectly, but you can hopefully expect days of sunshine, however there is always the possibility of a day of rain. Plan your footwear with this in mind.

On past trips, we have seen temperatures change considerably in November over the course of a few days from hot summer like weather to crisp chilly days. We recommend you check the local Takamatsu weather just before you are leaving for Japan to help you plan your clothing and footwear.