|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
 |
