Congratulations on your admission to school in Japan and on receiving your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)! You must be thrilled about starting your new life in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
But at the same time, are you feeling a little anxious, wondering, “Where do I even start preparing?” or “Will I be okay after I arrive in Japan?”
Don’t worry. In this article, we’ve created the perfect checklist for international students like you to get off to the best possible start, covering both “things to do before you come to Japan” and “things to do right after you arrive.”
Let’s tackle them one by one and get you ready for your new life in Japan with peace of mind!
Part 1: Things to Prepare Before Coming to Japan
First, let’s go over the most critical tasks you need to complete in your home country before you depart.
✅ 1. The Top Priority: House Hunting
It might seem surprising, but right after applying for your visa, the very first thing you should do is start looking for a place to live. This is because without an address in Japan, you can’t proceed with any of the other necessary procedures.
Many students think, “I’ll just find a place after I get to Japan,” but this is a huge risk. With Japanese contracts and the guarantor system, finding an apartment as a foreigner is very complicated. Many students end up spending weeks in expensive hotels because they couldn’t find a home.
【Advice from a Senpai (Senior Student)】
These days, there are real estate services that allow you to do everything online from overseas. In particular, real estate agencies that specialize in helping foreigners, like us at willow, not only offer multilingual support but also handle properties that do not require a guarantor—the biggest hurdle for students. You can check every corner of a room with a “virtual tour” via video call, so you can confidently decide on your ideal home in Japan.
✅ 2. Final Check of Your Residence Card and Visa
Once you receive your COE, you will apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. When you arrive at the airport in Japan, you will present your passport and visa to receive your Residence Card (Zairyu Card). This card is your official ID in Japan, so it’s extremely important. Make sure you never lose it.
✅ 3. Booking Your Flight
Once your new home is secured and you have a move-in date, it’s time to book your flight. By setting your move-in date first, you can search for the cheapest and best flights with plenty of time and peace of mind.
✅ 4. Packing Your Luggage
You can buy almost anything in Japan, but it’s important to pack what you need for the first few days.
- Must-Haves: Passport, Residence Card, Certificate of Admission, cash (around 100,000 JPY is safe), credit cards.
- Nice-to-Haves: Any personal medication, a plug adapter, several ID photos, some snacks from your home country.
It’s best to pack minimal clothing and buy more once you’re in Japan.
Part 2: Things to Do Within 14 Days of Arriving in Japan
Welcome to Japan! The moment you arrive, there are important procedures to take care of. The first two weeks are crucial.
✅ 1. Procedures at the City/Ward Office (Resident & Health Insurance)
Once you’ve moved into your new home, you must go to your local municipal office within 14 days to complete these two procedures:
a. Resident Registration: Bring your Residence Card to register your address. Your address will then be printed on the back of the card.
b. National Health Insurance: All foreigners staying in Japan for over three months must enroll in the National Health Insurance program. With this insurance, you only pay 30% of medical costs at hospitals.
You can usually do both of these at the same counter at the office.
✅ 2. Opening a Bank Account
A Japanese bank account is essential for paying rent and receiving salary from a part-time job. Once your address is on your Residence Card, you can open an account. Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko) is popular among foreign students as a place to open their first account.
✅ 3. Getting a Smartphone/SIM Card
A smartphone is indispensable for life in Japan. With a bank account, you can easily sign up for a monthly phone plan. There are many low-cost SIM companies that offer easy contracts for foreigners.
✅ 4. Finding a Part-Time Job (Permission to Engage in Other Activities)
Once you’re settled in your studies, finding a part-time job is a great experience. To do so, students need “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” by their visa status. You can often apply for this at the airport when you receive your Residence Card. Check for a sticker on the back of your card that confirms this permission.
Conclusion: Master Your Preparation, Master Your Study Abroad!
You might be surprised by how many things there are to do for your new life in Japan. But if you tackle them one by one, nothing is too difficult.
Especially if you can overcome the biggest hurdle—finding a home before you arrive—your preparations will go incredibly smoothly.
We want your amazing story in Japan to begin the moment you arrive at the airport. We at willow are here to fully support you on your journey. Whether it’s about finding a room or life in Japan, please feel free to ask us anything.
Let’s start your best study abroad experience from the best home!
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