Matt Does Japan

My flight departs in about 12 hours.

Contrary to your expectation, the bag on the right is the heaviest (pair of large ski boots). The empty Fresca can is included for size comparison.

My ad-hoc packing list (subject to change in the next couple of days):

internal-frame hiking backpack
extra backpack for carrying home the swag
pair of size 28.5 ski boots
ski goggles and other ski paraphernalia
compressible synthetic sleeping bag
handheld GPS receiver
digital camera, memory cards, extra battery
iPod with noise-cancelling headphones
travelers cheques, bank cards
travel alarm clock
passport
rail pass exchange order
Japan guide book, Japanese-English […]

After arriving at Narita airport outside Tokyo on January 19, I’ll take a train to Tokyo to stay at a youth hostel. The next day, Friday, I’m going to north of Nagoya to visit a friend and see Japan’s ancient capital of Nara. What I do the week of January 23 depends on […]