Pre-Departure Checklist

Passport with valid student visa + CoE original

💡 Never pack these in checked luggage.

School admission letter + payment receipts

Academic certificates + notarised translations

10+ passport-size photos (Japanese spec, 3x4cm)

💡 Needed for residence card, bank, phone, part-time jobs.

Carry ~¥200,000 cash for the first month

💡 Opening a Japanese bank account takes 1–2 weeks.

Declare cash over ¥1,000,000 at customs

Plan how your sponsor will send monthly funds

💡 Keep remittance receipts — useful for visa renewal.

Confirm dorm/apartment address + move-in date

💡 Inochi arranges airport pickup for Saitama-area students.

Get a SIM / pocket wifi at the airport

Buy a transport IC card (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA)

Season-appropriate clothing (winters are cold)

💡 You can buy cheap winter wear in Japan too.

Prescription medicine + doctor's note (English)

💡 Some medicines are restricted — check before packing.

No power adapter needed for most devices (Japan 100V, Type A)

Register your address at the city hall within 14 days

💡 Mandatory — bring your residence card.

Enrol in National Health Insurance (Kokuho)

💡 Covers 70% of medical costs; ~¥1,500–2,000/mo for students.

Open a bank account + apply for the part-time work permit

💡 The work permit can be requested at the airport on arrival too.