✈️ Before Coming to Japan — Complete Preparation Guide
Quick Answer
Moving to Japan requires preparation in 6 key areas: visa and documents, housing, finances, essential documents, phone/apps, and packing. Start preparing at least 3 months before your planned departure. Your employer or school often handles the visa process.
⚠️ Legal Notice
Please consult a professional regarding residence status matters.
📄1. Visa Application & Documents
Before entering Japan, you typically need a valid visa matching your purpose of stay. Common visa types include:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer/Specialist | Office work, IT, translation | 1-5 years |
| Technical Intern Training | Skills training program | 1-5 years |
| Specified Skilled Worker | 14 designated industries | 1-5 years |
| Student | Japanese language/university | 1-2 years |
| Dependent | Family of visa holder | Same as sponsor |
⚠️ Important
Your employer or school in Japan typically handles the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application. This process can take 1-3 months. Start early.
🏠2. Finding Housing from Abroad
Securing housing before arrival can be challenging but is highly recommended. Options include:
🏢 Company Housing
Many employers provide dormitories or subsidized apartments. Ask your employer first — this is the easiest option.
🏠 Share Houses
Furnished rooms with shared facilities. Low upfront cost (no key money). Oakhouse, Borderless House are popular choices.
🏨 Temporary Stay
Weekly mansions or Airbnb for the first 1-2 weeks while you search for permanent housing after arrival.
🔍 Online Platforms
GaijinPot Apartments, Real Estate Japan, and Suumo (Japanese) allow searching from abroad. Some agents handle contracts remotely.
💴3. Money & Financial Preparation
Having enough cash and the right financial setup makes your first weeks much smoother.
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 💰 Cash to bring | ¥200,000-¥500,000 (for initial housing costs + first month living expenses) |
| 💳 International card | Visa/Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees. Wise card is recommended. |
| 🏦 Remittance account | Set up Wise or PayForex before departure for lower transfer fees. |
| 📋 Travel insurance | Cover the gap before Japanese health insurance starts (typically 1-2 weeks). |
💡 Tip
Japan is still heavily cash-based. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept most international cards. Always carry some cash.
📋4. Documents to Prepare
Gather and organize these documents before departure. Bring originals AND copies.
Valid for your entire stay + 6 months
Original, issued by Immigration
Bring 10+ for various applications
Translated into English or Japanese
Especially for children enrolling in school
With English names of medications
📱5. Phone, Apps & Useful Contacts
Set up your phone before departure so you are ready from day one.
Google Maps
Download offline maps for your city
Safety Tips
Multilingual disaster alerts
Google Translate
Camera mode for reading Japanese
LINE
Main messaging app in Japan
Wise
International money transfers
AMDA Helpline
03-5774-0992 (multilingual medical)
Consider purchasing a Japan eSIM or pocket WiFi before departure so you have internet immediately upon arrival. Providers like Ubigi, Mobal, and Sakura Mobile offer plans you can activate before landing.
🧳6. Packing Checklist
Japan has everything you need, but bringing these items saves time and stress in the first weeks.
✅ Bring
- • Passport photos (10+)
- • Cash (¥200,000-500,000)
- • International credit/debit card
- • Medications (with prescriptions)
- • Power adapter (Type A, 100V)
- • Pocket WiFi or eSIM
- • Warm clothes if arriving in winter
- • Comfortable walking shoes
❌ Don't worry about
- • Toiletries (excellent at convenience stores)
- • Bedding (provided in most housing)
- • Kitchen supplies (100-yen shops)
- • Clothing (affordable everywhere)
- • Electronics (available but 100V)
📅 Preparation Timeline
Start visa/COE application process
Research housing options, set up Wise account
Book flights, arrange temporary housing, buy travel insurance
Pack, download apps, exchange currency, prepare documents folder
Get Residence Card at airport → Go to housing → Rest!
FAQ
How much money should I bring to Japan?▼
It is generally recommended to bring ¥200,000-500,000 in cash for initial expenses (housing deposit, first month essentials). If your employer provides housing, you may need less. ATMs at 7-Eleven accept most international cards for additional withdrawals.
Do I need to speak Japanese before coming?▼
While not strictly required for many visa types, basic Japanese (greetings, numbers, directions) can be very helpful. Many administrative offices in major cities have multilingual support, and this site provides guides in multiple languages.
Can I bring my pet to Japan?▼
Yes, but it requires advance preparation including microchipping, rabies vaccination (at least 180 days before arrival), and an import permit from the Animal Quarantine Service. Start the process at least 7 months before your planned move.
What should I do at the airport when I arrive?▼
Go through immigration, present your passport and COE, receive your Residence Card (在留カード), collect your luggage, and go through customs. Your Residence Card is the most important document — keep it with you at all times.
What to do after arrival →
※ The information on this site is for reference only. Please confirm procedure details at your local municipal office.