What you should really bring when you move to Japan

The core ID for entry, picking up your residence card, and every procedure. Check it has plenty of validity left.

A few photocopies are handy for paperwork. Verify.

The core document for your student visa application and entry; always carry the original.

Usually issued via your school. Don't lose it; keep a copy as backup. Verify.

May be requested at entry and for various registrations; carry the original plus copies.

Check the required documents against your school's guidance. Verify.

Originals may be needed for transfers, graduate applications, and various procedures. Issuing takes time, so prepare several copies early.

Some countries require a Japanese/English translation plus notarization (especially for applicants from China). Formats differ by recipient; verify.

Visa procedures and school checks may ask for documents showing you can cover tuition and living costs.

Required format, account holder, and validity vary by procedure; prepare early and verify.

Used repeatedly for your residence card, student ID, and applications. Bringing several saves a reshoot once you arrive.

Required dimensions differ by use (e.g. 4x3cm, etc.). Confirm the spec for each recipient. Verify.

The seal you'll use most day to day, for signing for deliveries and routine paperwork. One makes daily life smoother.

Around 10-12mm is common (a convention, not a legal size; verify). Usually cheaper and faster to make at home.

Used to open and register a bank account; best kept separate from your everyday seal. By convention it's made a touch larger than the mitome-in to tell them apart.

Rough sizes: women 12-13.5mm / men 13.5-15mm (convention; varies by bank and shop, verify). Some banks don't require one or accept a signature.

Until your account is open, cash is what you rely on; cover move-in costs and daily purchases right after arrival.

Carrying large amounts of cash may require declaration; check the entry/exit rules. Verify.

Bridges the gap until your Japanese account is ready and backs up unexpected costs. A card that works abroad and at ATMs is safest.

Check overseas-use settings, fees, and limits before you leave. Verify.

Japan is 100V / Type A. Before you leave, check whether your chargers and appliances are compatible; most laptop and phone chargers are global-voltage.

Devices rated only for 220-240V won't work and can be unsafe; use 100V-compatible gear or buy in Japan. Verify.

Unlock your phone before leaving so a Japanese SIM/eSIM works right away; essential for contact, maps, and procedures on arrival.

Supported bands and eSIM availability vary by phone; consider arranging a Japanese line in advance. Verify.

Bring a plug adapter if your home plugs differ; consider a voltage converter only if you must use a mismatched-voltage device.

Mind a converter's wattage; generally 100V-compatible gear or buying in Japan is safer. Verify.

Cold, pain, and stomach remedies you know suit you are a comfort right after arrival; the same product may not exist in Japan.

Roughly, no import certificate is needed for about a 2-month supply of oral meds and up to 24 standard-size units of topical meds; larger amounts or some ingredients may be restricted or require paperwork. Verify.

Bring enough of your regular prescriptions, with an English/Japanese doctor's note or prescription to ease entry and seeing a doctor here.

Some ingredients require an import certificate (Yakkan Shoumei) or advance procedures; check the health bureau/customs rules before travel. Verify.

Remaking eyewear in Japan tends to be pricier and slower; a spare pair plus a prescription with your numbers is reassuring.

Buying contacts may require a prescription or eye exam; bring your usual supply. Verify.

Climate differs sharply between Hokkaido and Kyushu/Okinawa. Pack for your school's region and arrival season, enough for the first stretch.

Bulky items like winter wear can be topped up in Japan. Verify.