Due to strict immigration regulations and complex application process, we would like to redirect you to our school partner. If you meet all their requirements, they will help you with your application. To proceed with getting in touch with our school partner, please use the following link: https://gogonihon.kinsta.cloud/en/school-partner-contact-form/
If you have dual citizenship and hold another passport, please try filling in our form again using those passport details. We thank you for your interest and we wish you all the best with finding a way to study in Japan.
Due to the strict immigration regulations and the complexity of the application process, we regret that we cannot assist students of your nationality as we do not have familiarity with the process for people from your country.
If you do have dual citizenship and hold another passport, please enter those details and try again. We thank you for your interest in our business and wish you luck in finding a way to come to Japan.
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If you have been through the process of moving to Japan already, you’ll know that there’s a lot to prepare in advance and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. From ensuring you have a valid visa, to deciding what to pack, to registering your information – there’s a lot to consider.
We’ve put together this article to help you have the best experience possible when moving to Japan. Come prepared so you have less to worry about when you arrive!
Complete all your visa requirements
Whether you are entering Japan on a student visa, work visa, or other long-term visa, always make sure you have completed all the requirements in order to be able to enter the country.
Did you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)? Have you taken that to your local Japanese embassy to convert into your visa? Have you already collected that visa from the embassy?
If you are entering on a work or other visa, please consult with an immigration lawyer, your visa sponsor, or your local Japanese embassy for the best advice.
Arrange accommodation
Accommodation options in Japan might be different to your home country. We recommend researching your options to see what will fit your budget. And if possible, arrange permanent accommodation before moving to Japan.
Go! Go! Nihon partners with a number of leading accommodation providers in Japan. From sharehouses, to private apartments, to homestays, there is an option for everyone.
Remember too, that regardless of where you are staying when you first arrive in Japan, you need to provide the address to immigration. Therefore, keep the address handy for when you board your flight!
Get your money in order
It’s impossible to open a bank account in Japan before moving here and using your bank cards from home will incur currency exchange fees. Added up, those fees will make a huge dent in your bank balance.
Learn more about opening a bank account in Japan and how you can make international money transfers easy and cheaper in our article.
Japan is still largely a cash-based society, although cashless payment options are gradually becoming more popular. Read more about this in our article. We recommend exchanging some cash before leaving so you have some money on hand when you arrive.
Pack the essentials
Sure, you need clothes and shoes, but that’s not what we necessarily mean when we say “essentials”. Rather, you should ensure you have:
A valid passport with at least six months remaining
Copies of all your important documentation, including copies of your passport, visa, school information
Any particular medications you need – note that Japan has strict rules regulating the entry of medication into the country. Please read our article for more information.
When it comes to clothes and shoes though, we recommend bringing a range of options that will be appropriate for every season. As clothing and shoes in Japan run on the smaller side and it’s rare to find larger sizes, we highly recommend you bring items from home if you feel this applies to you.
Read our article on the top things to pack for Japan from the perspective of someone moving from the United Kingdom.
Know what you need to do after arriving
We know that once you enter Japan, all you want to do is enjoy your time and get on with your new life. But, there are a few more things you need to do to ensure a smooth and comfortable stay.
It’s important that you visit your local ward and municipality office to register your permanent address, sign up for the National Health Insurance, and also sign up for the National Pension Scheme. All of these are necessities and cannot be ignored or skipped.
If you’re moving to Japan as a Go! Go! Nihon student, we welcome you to join our online student communities. This is a great way to connect with others arriving at the same time as you, meet students from the same school, and ask any questions you might have.
We will send you an invitation to join in our email correspondences.
Overall, moving to Japan is an exciting and rewarding experience that will only bring you closer to your dreams of living in Japan. We hope this article has been helpful to help you prepare for your own move!
Make sure to follow our blog for the latest articles about life in Japan, learning Japanese, Japanese culture, and more.
