Travelling to Japan

Almost all the advice I was planning to offer has already been covered here, but on the gift-wrapping front it can be a problem going through (US) security with wrapped packages. I don’t think they’re actually prohibited, but if TSA has to inspect the gifts then they will open them: http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-holiday.shtm

So while the Japanese will be expecting gifts to be wrapped, it may be wiser to either buy wrapping paper and ribbons after arriving in Japan or cut some wrapping paper before you go and bring it with you.

Great point! I have so much steel in my legs that I always get searched with vigor.

Thanks again everyone for your great imput.