Japan Guide Before Coming to Japan
If you are still outside Japan, good preparation will save you time, money, and stress after arrival. Japan has clear systems, but many of them are not explained well to foreigners. This section helps you prepare step by step.
Your visa determines what you are legally allowed to do in Japan, including work, study, and length of stay. Choosing the correct visa is the most important step.
Common visa types include student visas, work visas (such as engineering, humanities, or teaching), dependent visas for family members, and specified skilled worker visas for certain industries.
Always confirm visa details through official sources such as the Japanese embassy or the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Do not rely only on social media or unofficial advice.
Bringing the correct documents will make visa processing, city registration, and job or school procedures much easier.
Prepare your passport, Certificate of Eligibility (if required), academic certificates, job offer or school admission letters, and passport-size photos.
It is strongly recommended to bring both original documents and copies, as well as digital backups stored securely online. Many people face delays because documents were left in their home country.
The first few months in Japan are usually the most expensive. You should prepare enough money to cover housing, food, transportation, and daily expenses.
Renting an apartment often requires several months of rent in advance, including deposit and key money. You may also need money for a SIM card, internet, and health insurance.
It is recommended to bring savings for at least two to three months of living expenses, as your first salary or allowance may be delayed.
Packing smartly will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and trouble. Bring important personal items such as prescription medicine, glasses, electronics, and clothes that fit you well.
Avoid bringing large amounts of items that are easy to buy in Japan, or medicines that are restricted by Japanese law. Always check customs and medication rules before packing.
Japan has strict customs regulations, so declare items honestly and follow official guidelines to avoid problems at the airport.
Moving to Japan can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Preparing carefully before arrival will help you settle more smoothly and avoid many common problems.
Visa & Immigration
Visa and immigration rules in Japan are strict, but very clear. Understanding them early helps you avoid serious problems later.
A Japanese visa is not just permission to stay. It defines what activities you are legally allowed to do, such as working, studying, or living with family.
Each visa has conditions like job category, working hours, and length of stay. Doing activities outside your visa can lead to penalties.
- Student visa – For language schools and universities
- Work visa – For professional job categories
- Dependent visa – For spouses and children
- Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) – For certain industries
- Permanent Resident (PR) – For long-term residents
Tourist visas do not allow any kind of work.
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
In most cases, your employer or school applies for the COE. Once approved, you use it to apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy in your home country.
After arrival, you will receive a Resident Card. You must register your address at the city office.
Address registration is required for health insurance, taxes, and daily services.
Most visas are issued for a limited time. Apply for extension before your visa expires.
If you change jobs or visa type, you may need to notify immigration or apply for a status change.
Your First Days in Japan
The first few days after arriving in Japan are very important. Completing these steps early will help you avoid delays and problems later.
When you arrive in Japan, you will receive a Resident Card at the airport or later at the immigration office.
After moving into your accommodation, you must register your address at your local city or ward office. This is usually required within a short time after arrival.
Address registration is necessary for health insurance, taxes, opening a bank account, and most daily services.
The city or ward office is where many important registrations are done. This includes address registration, My Number issuance, and national health insurance enrollment.
Bring your Resident Card, passport, and address information. Some offices may not provide English support, so prepare in advance.
City office staff are usually helpful, but procedures can take time. Arriving early in the day is recommended.
Most residents in Japan must join the National Health Insurance system or an employer-provided insurance plan.
Health insurance allows you to pay only a portion of medical costs, which is very important in case of illness or injury.
Insurance registration is usually done at the city office after you register your address.
Opening a bank account is necessary for receiving salary, paying rent, and setting up utilities.
Some banks require proof of address and a certain period of residence before allowing foreigners to open an account.
Choose a bank that offers foreigner-friendly support and online banking options if possible.
Daily Life in Japan
Daily life in Japan follows clear rules. Once you understand them, living here becomes much easier.
Garbage disposal rules are strict and vary by city. Trash must be separated into categories such as burnable, non-burnable, plastic, and recyclable items.
You must follow collection days and use designated garbage bags. Incorrectly sorted trash may be left uncollected.
Trains and buses are the main transportation methods in Japan. They are punctual and widely used.
IC cards such as Suica or PASMO make travel easier and can also be used for shopping at convenience stores.
Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water usually require separate contracts.
Bills are often sent by mail and can be paid at convenience stores, banks, or online depending on the provider.
Health & Medical Care
Japan has a high-quality healthcare system. Understanding how it works will help you feel safe and prepared.
Most residents must join National Health Insurance or an employer-provided insurance plan.
Insurance usually covers 70% of medical costs, reducing your financial burden.
Clinics are often used for minor illnesses, while hospitals handle more serious cases.
Some facilities provide English support, but many do not, so preparation helps.
In emergencies, dial 119 for ambulance services.
Emergency treatment is available regardless of language ability, but carrying your insurance card is important.
Work Rules & Part-time Limits
Work rules in Japan are closely tied to your visa status. Breaking these rules can affect your future stay.
Your visa defines what type of work you can do. Working outside your visa category is illegal.
Students and dependents usually have a weekly work-hour limit. Exceeding this limit can lead to penalties.
Permission to engage in activities outside your visa is often required before starting part-time work.
Punctuality, respect, and communication are highly valued in Japanese workplaces.
Money, Tax & Pension
Money systems in Japan can be confusing, but understanding the basics helps you avoid problems.
Residents are required to pay income tax and local resident tax.
Even part-time workers may need to file a tax return.
Most residents must join the national pension system.
Some foreigners may apply for a partial refund when leaving Japan.
Japan still uses cash frequently, although cashless payments are increasing.
Common Mistakes in the First 6 Months
Many problems foreigners face in Japan come from small misunderstandings. Learning from common mistakes can save you stress.
Missing deadlines for registration, taxes, or visa extensions can cause serious issues.
Even unintentional overwork can be recorded and affect future visa applications.
Many people struggle silently. Asking early for help from city offices, support centers, or trusted people is important.