Coto School Finder | Study in Japan

You’ve finished your school application, received your COE, and confirmed your placement at your language school in Japan. Congratulations! Moving to Japan is an exciting and life-changing experience, but figuring out what to pack for the move can be daunting. Whatever the purpose of the move, it is important to pack wisely and bring only what you need. In this response, we have compiled a list of items that you may want to consider packing when moving to Japan. 

If you would like to learn more, check out our full guide on how to study in Japan.

If would like to live and study in Japan, Coto School Finder can consult with you about the best school options based on your criteria and support you throughout the application process. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Important Documents

These documents are essential ones that must be brought to Japan. Some are required for entering Japan, for the duration of your stay, and perhaps for extending your stay. Read the details and see if they apply to your situation.

Valid Passport, Certificate of Eligibility (COE) & Visa

For someone moving into Japan for work or study purposes, these 3 documents are a set that is required for entering Japan. To even apply for a COE and work or study visa, you will need to have a passport that will be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon entry into Japan. So, what is the difference between these 3 documents? 

  • Passport. If entering Japan on a short-stay (travel) visa, the validity should be for the full duration of your stay; if for a long-term visa, like student or work, the validity should be minimum 6 months of your stay, after which you will need to renew your passport at the embassy. 
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justice to prove that you have satisfied the conditions for your intended purpose in Japan. This is perhaps the most important document because this is what will allow you to get a student visa. Applying for a COE and a student visa sounds complicated, but you can check the full guide here. 
  • Your student visa is an official document that permits a foreign national to enter a country. To apply for a Japanese work or student visa, a COE is required. After obtaining the COE, the applicant needs to visit the Japanese embassy in their home country to apply for a relevant visa. The student visa will be printed inside the passport. 

These 3 very important documents must be brought with you when moving to Japan. You are required to show them at the airport immigration. At major Japanese airports, like Haneda or Narita Airports, you can receive your Residence Card (a form of identification in Japan) immediately at the counter.  

International Driving Permit (IDP) 

If you are planning to drive in Japan, you will need an IDP that can only be obtained in your home country. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has provided a list of countries whose IDP is valid to use in Japan. According to the Japan Automobile Federation, only drivers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco & Taiwan are allowed to drive in Japan without an IDP, provided an official Japanese translation is attached at all times. 

The validity of IDP and the select countries’ driving licenses is for 1 year from entry into Japan. For more details about driving in Japan, visit the Japan Automobile Federation website.

School Admission Letter

For students, make sure to bring your school admission letter which may be necessary to prove your acceptance into school. And if you are moving to Japan for work, your work contract or letter of appointment for the first day of work.

Copies of Graduation Certificates, Academic Transcripts, & Certifications

Whether you are moving to study or working in Japan, copies of these documents are good to have as you never know when you will need them. 

For students, your school may request to see these documents as proof of your achievements. Furthermore, they will become necessary if you decide to further studies, job hunt, or carry out any visa-related applications in the future. 

Finances

You will need money when living in Japan. And until you have opened a bank account and transferred money in, you will need to rely on your foreign country-issued credit card and/or debit card and cash. Assuming you have found accommodation in Japan, 50,000 to 100,000 yen is recommended to keep you going for the first few days. The expenses you need to consider are:

  • Transportation from Airport
  • School / Work Commute 
  • Food Costs
  • Move-In Costs (initial supplies like toilet paper) 
  • Utilities (internet, SIM card, etc.) 
  • Textbook Costs, School Supplies

Opening a bank account nowadays can be incredibly fast. However, you never know what can happen, so to be safe, we recommend preparing enough funds for 3 weeks. Other costs aside, budget for 1,000 yen a day for meals.

Personal Medication

If you are on prescription medication, know that you are only allowed to bring up to 1 month’s supply to Japan. For more than that amount, you need to apply for an import certificate called “Yunyu Kakunin-sho”, previously called “Yakkan Shoumei”. 

Additionally, certain types of medication cannot be brought to Japan at all, unless you apply for the permit. 

For your information, contact lenses are considered a “medical device”. For a supply of over 2 months, you need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho as well. For more details about bringing personal medication into Japan, check the Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare website

Keep in mind that you can find common OTC medicine in Japanese drug stores too, so for basic flu, allergies, and diseases, you should be good!

Seasonal Clothing

Japan is a country that enjoys the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Many countries have four seasons, but Japan’s four seasons are very distinct and the difference between each season can be described as harsh in change. Many people underestimate Japan’s weather and find it difficult to adjust to the abrupt change, so it is important to pack readily for whichever season you will be arriving in. Here’s a brief breakdown of what type of clothing to bring for each season.

Spring (March-May) 

  • Early spring is still quite cold with average temperatures in Tokyo around 15°C/60°F during the day and below 10°C/50°F at night, so a thick warm jacket is recommended. 
  • Come mid-spring or April, it will get warmer so a cardigan during the day and a regular jacket for night is sufficient. 
  • Late spring is near summer so it starts to get hot with daytime temperatures going over 20°C/68°F. A light cardigan or light jacket is still recommended as winds can still be chilly. 

Summer (June – August) 

  • Early June to mid-June is still quite bearable but very wet as this is the rainy season. Rainboots, raincoats, and umbrellas can be easily found in 100 yen stores for cheap or even convenience stores so save on luggage space and just get them in Japan. Also, the heavy rain and strong wind can be brutal so rain goods from your own country may not hold up. 
  • After the rainy season, there will be a brief reprieve of nice warm sunny days where T-shirts and jeans are comfortable before the intense heat kicks in. The average temperature in Tokyo will be around 30°C/85°F and in recent years seems to be going higher. Coupled with the high humidity, aim to wear as thin and breathable as possible and beware of heatstroke.  

Autumn (September – November) 

  • Early to mid-September in Tokyo is usually still quite warm but you can feel the weather gradually getting cooler near the end of September. 
  • By October, average temperatures are usually slightly around 20°C/68°F, so dress similarly as in late spring with light cardigans and jackets.
  • From the end of October onwards, have a thicker jacket ready as nighttime will be colder. There are also days that are extraordinarily cold. 
  • Near the end of autumn, it is time to get out of the thick warm jackets. 

Winter (December – February) 

  • January and February are the coldest months in Japan, so have winter jackets ready. Temperatures and snowfall vary greatly across Japan, so make sure to check how cold your area will be beforehand. 
  • For example, Tokyo rarely snows and the average temperature in these months is below 10°C/50°F during the day and below 5°C/40°F at night, but northern Japan and Hokkaido will have heavy snowfall with temperatures below freezing. Check here on how to stay warm in Japan.

Pack what you need for the season you are arriving. The rest of the items you can get in Japan or have them sent to you by international post.

Things that are Good to Bring

In this part, we will introduce some items that are good to bring with you when moving to Japan. It will help make the move a lot easier and reduce the stress of transitioning to a different life. 

Power Adaptor 

If you are planning to bring your own electronic devices to Japan, it is important you prepare the right power adapter to be able to use your devices. 

Japan uses a 100-volt electrical system with a frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. This is different from the 110-120 volt, 60 Hz system used in North America and the 220-240 volt, 50 Hz system used in many other parts of the world. In addition, Japanese power plugs mostly use 2 prong ones.

Bring a Japan-specific adaptor so that you can use your devices with no issues. 

Painkillers

Common knowledge is that over-the-counter Japanese painkillers are on the weak side. The most commonly available ones are acetaminophen (known as paracetamol in some countries) and ibuprofen. If you require a stronger painkiller, bring your own but keep in mind the regulations and restrictions on medication and do your research beforehand.

Undergarments

For ladies with large-size busts, finding good-fitting bras can be difficult or expensive in Japan, so bringing as many as you can is highly recommended. As for men, briefs can hardly be found in shops, the closest are boxer briefs, so if briefs are your choice of underwear, bring plenty.

Deodorant

Deodorant in Japan is on the weak side. Many people with strong body odor find the local deodorants don’t work or don’t last the day. If this is something that concerns you, bring a stock of unscented but strong deodorant that you know works for you to last your stay. Why unscented? Many foreign-produced deodorants (and perfumes) are too strong and considered offensive-smelling in Japan, called “smell harassment” here. 

Conclusion

Moving to Japan can be an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Bringing essential documents, season-suitable clothing, finances, and other good-to-have items will go a long way to ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in Japan.

Want to study and live in Japan for more than one year? Get free support from Coto School Finder!

Can I wear shorts in Japan?

Yes, you can wear shorts in Japan, but it depends on the occasion and location. While it’s acceptable to wear shorts in casual settings like parks, tourist attractions, or the beach, you may want to avoid wearing them in more formal settings like religious sites, business meetings, or fancy restaurants.

Can I use my credit card in Japan?

Yes, you can use your credit card in Japan. However, many smaller businesses and rural areas may not accept credit cards, so it’s always a good idea to carry cash with you. Some ATMs in Japan don’t accept foreign cards, so be sure to check with your bank before traveling.

What should I not bring to Japan?

There are some items that you should not bring to Japan, including illegal drugs, weapons, and pornography. Japan has strict laws and regulations regarding these items, and possession or distribution can result in severe penalties. Additionally, bringing fruits and vegetables into Japan is prohibited, and there are restrictions on certain medicines and supplements, so be sure to check before packing.

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With so many things to explore, are you considering living in Japan — perhaps to go to university or work? Enrolling at a Japanese language school might be the perfect option for you, as it will prepare you to get to your next goal.

If you are ready, let Coto School Finder assist you in finding the right program in the city of your choice and applying for a student visa — for free! Contact us by filling out the form!

Contact Us to
Get Started

With so many things to explore, are you considering living in Japan — perhaps to go to university or work? Enrolling at a Japanese language school might be the perfect option for you, as it will prepare you to get to your next goal.

If you are ready, let Coto School Finder assist you in finding the right program in the city of your choice and applying for a student visa — for free! Contact us by filling out the form!