The items you will need to prepare before you leave for Japan are as follows:
Passport
Student visa (College Student or Pre-college Student visa)
I.D. photos (Five or Six 4.5cm by 3.5cm or 4cm by 3 cm photos) Most of the I.D. photos that you will need for various applications and certificates after you arrive in Japan are of the sizes mentioned. We suggest that you bring at least 5 or 6 such photos since there will be many instances when you will need to supply a photograph of yourself. For example, you will need I.D. photos to apply for an alien registration card, to apply or register at your school, and sometimes to apply for accommodations.
Medicine There is a tendency for foreign students to become easily indisposed when they first arrive in Japan from the stress of living in an unfamiliar environment. Although medicine is of course available at Japanese pharmacies, it may be difficult for you to determine which medicine is most suitable for you. Therefore, we suggest that you bring such items as cold medicine, headache pain relievers and other household medicine with you.
Suitable clothing Temperatures can vary greatly in Japan depending on the location and season, so you will need to bring some clothing that is suitable for the region where you will be staying. You will especially need to bring warm clothing with you (sweaters, coats, etc.) if you will be arriving in autumn since temperatures begin dropping from around that time.
Average temperatures in Tokyo
(in Celsius)
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
4.7
5.4
8.4
13.9
18.4
21.5
25.2
26.7
22.9
17.3
12.3
7.4
(Source: 1990 Science Chronology)
Japanese currency The amount of Japanese currency that you will need to bring with you will depend on what type of accommodations you will be staying in. However, we suggest that you bring about ¥100,000 (Japanese yen) with you in addition to your accommodation expense fee so that you will be able to purchase daily necessities and other items for settling in and living in Japan.
1) Registration related
Alien registration card Under the Alien Registration Law, all foreigners who reside in Japan are obligated to register as an alien. The initial alien registration must be made within 90 days of arrival in Japan at a municipal office in your area of residency. Those living in a city ward should go to the municipal ward office, and those living in a city should go to the municipal city office to apply for alien registration. After your alien registration card is issued to you, you must carry it with you at all times in place of your passport. (For details, please refer to the FAQ page.)
National Health Insurance card By subscribing to the National Health Insurance, foreign students will only need to pay a small portion of the fee for receiving medical treatment. Therefore, make sure to subscribe to the National Health Insurance. (For details, please refer to the FAQ page).
Bank or Postal savings account In order to open a bank or postal savings account, you will need your passport or alien registration. Japanese nationals usually affix a seal impression, but foreigners can use their signatures instead.
2) Daily life related
Telephone In order to get a registered telephone number in Japan, you need to buy a telephone subscription right from NTT. However, this is rather expensive. University co-ops often have a system whereby you can purchase a telephone subscription right on credit such as through a monthly installment plan. Recently, there seem to be an increasing number of students who buy a cellular telephone instead. Choose whichever suits your needs most, depending on the intended use and frequency of use. There are many different companies that offer cellular phone services, and pricing plans vary. Some pricing plans may even offer student discounts. Therefore, we suggest that you visit different cellular phone shops to compare phone and service prices before your subscribe.
Public utilities (water, gas, electricity) Public utility fees for water, gas and electricity are not included in your rent. Therefore, you will need to subscribe to and pay for the services yourself. If you will be living in an apartment, you can check with your landlord, etc. for contact information.
Bedding, kitchen supplies, tableware, etc. Japanese accommodations (dormitories and apartments) are generally not furnished. Although some dormitories may supply beds, you will usually have to buy such items as a bed and/or bedding, refrigerator, microwave, television, etc. Prices for such items have become quite inexpensive as compared to the past at discount shops, etc. You can also check the bulletin boards at your university or school for notices regarding sale of inexpensive items.
Washing machine, dryer Unlike Europe and the United States, apartments in Japan do not have a laundry room equipped with washing machines and dryers. Therefore you will have to either buy your own washing machine or go to a neighborhood coin-operated laundry.
