🇯🇵 Travel & Living in Japan
A practical arrival and living guide for students heading to Japan — IC cards, cash culture, housing, health insurance and your first week.
So you're moving to Japan to study. The country runs on precision, quiet social rules and — still — a lot of cash. Get these foundations right in week one and everything else becomes easy.
Getting there & around
Most international students land at Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), Osaka Kansai (KIX) or Nagoya Chubu (NGO). From the airport, buy or pick up a Suica (Tokyo/East Japan) or ICOCA (Osaka/West Japan) IC card — these rechargeable smart cards work on nearly every train, subway, bus and even convenience stores across the country. Top them up at any ticket machine with cash or via the Suica app on a compatible iPhone. Japan Rail (JR) runs the intercity Shinkansen bullet train network; a Tokyo–Osaka Nozomi takes 2h 30m and costs around JPY 14,000. For students staying longer, a JR Pass (purchased abroad before arrival) covers unlimited JR trains for 7, 14 or 21 days and pays off quickly. Domestic flights (ANA, JAL, Peach) are worth checking for Hokkaido or Kyushu routes.
Where to live
Universities typically offer international dormitories (gakusei ryou) at JPY 30,000–60,000/month, usually including utilities — apply as early as possible since spaces fill fast. Off-campus, share houses (e.g. Sakura House, Hana Hostel's longer-stay options) are foreigner-friendly and need no guarantor or key money, unlike traditional apartments. Standard private apartments (1K or 1R) run JPY 55,000–100,000/month in central Tokyo; cheaper in regional cities. Traditional rentals require a guarantor (hoshounin) — your university's international office often provides a guarantor service for students.
Cost of living & budgeting
Japan is more affordable than its reputation suggests if you cook at home and use convenience stores strategically.
| Item | Rough monthly (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Dormitory room | 30,000–60,000 |
| Share house or private flat | 55,000–100,000 |
| Groceries & convenience stores | 25,000–40,000 |
| Eating out (ramen, teishoku, etc.) | 20,000–40,000 |
| IC card transport | 5,000–15,000 |
| Phone plan (MVNO) | 1,500–3,000 |
Tip: convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) sell fresh, hot meals for JPY 400–700 — genuinely good food and open 24 hours. They are also ATMs that accept foreign Visa/Mastercard.
Money, SIM & admin
Japan is heavily cash-based — carry JPY at all times; many small restaurants and shops do not take cards. Withdraw cash at 7-Eleven ATMs or Japan Post ATMs, which reliably accept international cards. Open a Japan Post Bank or Shinsei Bank account once you have your residence card (Zairyu card) and student ID — this takes a few weeks after arrival. For a SIM, IIJmio, Mineo or Rakuten Mobile offer affordable MVNO plans (around JPY 1,500–3,000/month) — buy online or at an electronics store (Yodobashi, Bic Camera). You must enrol in National Health Insurance (kokumin kenko hoken) at your local city/ward office within 14 days of registering your address — premiums are income-based and typically very low for students.
Safety & health
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Lost wallets are routinely returned; crime against foreigners is rare. Know your earthquake procedure — your university will brief you, but install the Safety tips app (multilingual earthquake and tsunami alerts). The 120 or 119 number covers ambulance and fire; 110 is police. Student health insurance covers 70% of treatment costs at any enrolled clinic — keep your health insurance card with you.
Culture & student life
Japanese social culture values harmony, punctuality and indirect communication. Bowing is the default greeting; a slight bow for peers, deeper for professors and staff. Take your shoes off when entering homes and some traditional spaces. Being on time means arriving a few minutes early. Silence on public transport is expected — no calls, keep music in earphones. Clubs (bukatsu and university circles) are the main social engine: joining one is the fastest route to real friendships. Cherry blossom (late March/April) and autumn foliage (November) are prime seasons to travel domestically.
Your first week
- Visit the city/ward office to register your address and receive your Residence Card (Zairyu card) — required for almost everything else.
- Enrol in National Health Insurance at the same ward office visit.
- Buy or charge a Suica/ICOCA card and learn your nearest station.
- Get a Japanese SIM (IIJmio or Rakuten Mobile counter at an electronics store).
- Withdraw JPY cash and familiarise yourself with the convenience store near campus.
- Attend university orientation and ask about the guarantor service and student circle fair.