- Japan Student Visa – Quick Guide
| Step | Details |
| Type of Visa | Japanese Student Visa – mandatory for stays longer than 90 days |
| Where to Apply | Japanese Embassy / Consulate in India → VFS Global |
| Duration | Issued for course duration, renewable in Japan |
| Apply Timeline | At least 2–3 months before departure |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks |
| Fees | ₹5,500–₹7,000 approx. |
| Interview | Embassy may call for interview if required |
- Visa Checklist
| Requirement | Notes |
| Valid Passport | Minimum 6 months validity beyond stay |
| Visa Application Form | Online / offline submission depending on embassy |
| Passport-size Photos | 2–4 photos (4.5 × 4.5 cm) as per Japanese guidelines |
| Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) | Provided by the Japanese university; mandatory for visa |
| University Admission Letter | Official acceptance from university |
| Proof of Accommodation | University dormitory booking / Airbnb / rental agreement |
| Proof of Financial Means | Approx. ¥120,000 per month (~₹80,000) |
| Health & Travel Insurance | Must cover entire stay in Japan |
| Academic Documents | Transcripts & certificates |
| Flight Ticket | Recommended but not mandatory |
- Flight Booking Hacks
| Tip | Details |
| Booking Time | Best 2–3 months in advance for lowest fares |
| Platforms | Skyscanner, StudentUniverse, MakeMyTrip (student discounts) |
| Compare | Round-trip vs one-way tickets |
| Smart Search | Use VPN / Incognito mode for better prices |
| Arrival Airports | Tokyo Narita (best), Osaka Kansai, Nagoya Chubu (cheaper options) |
- Best Airlines for Students
| Airline | Student Baggage Allowance | Special Notes |
| ANA | 2×23kg + 1 cabin bag | Student fares available |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | 2×23kg | Occasional student discounts |
| Emirates | 2×23kg | 10% student discount sometimes |
| Qatar Airways | Up to 40kg total | Student deals |
| Singapore Airlines | 2×30kg | Student offers on long-haul flights |
- Must-Carry Documents
- Passport
- Visa
- Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
- Admission Letter
- Vaccination Certificates
- Health & Travel Insurance papers
- University fee receipts
- Accommodation proof
- Financial proof (bank statements, loan letters, forex card)
- Photocopies & Digital copies (Google Drive / USB backup)
- Emergency Cash: ¥20,000–¥30,000 (~₹10,000–₹15,000)
- Forex Card / International Debit-Credit Card
- Useful Apps for Students in Japan
Local & Transport Apps
| App | Purpose |
| Japan Transit Planner | Train schedules, transfers, route planning |
| Hyperdia | Compare train times and prices |
| Suica / Pasmo | Rechargeable transport cards for Tokyo & surrounding areas |
| Google Maps | Walking, buses, trains, shops, restaurants |
| Citymapper | Navigation in major cities |
Shopping & Food
| App | Purpose |
| Rakuten / Amazon Japan | Online shopping |
| Mercari | Buy/sell second-hand items |
| Lawson / 7-Eleven / FamilyMart apps | Convenience store deals & delivery |
| Uber Eats / Demae-can | Food delivery |
| IKEA Japan | Furniture & essentials for student housing |
Banking & Finance
| App | Purpose |
| Wise (TransferWise) | International money transfer |
| Revolut / PayPay / Rakuten Bank | Student-friendly online banks |
| PayPal | Online purchases |
| Indian Bank Apps (ICICI, SBI) | Manage accounts back home |
Japanese Language & Daily Life
| App | Purpose |
| Duolingo / LingQ / Babbel | Learn Japanese basics |
| Google Translate | Quick translations (menus, signs, conversations) |
| DeepL | Academic & long-text translations |
| Japan Post | Track parcels & mail |
| Doctolib / Clinic Appointment Apps | Book doctor appointments |
- Must-Carry from India
Clothing
| Category | Items |
| Winter Wear | 2–3 Winter jackets (heavy, medium, waterproof), 5–6 thermals, woolen sweaters, hoodies, scarves, gloves, caps |
| Casual & Daily Wear | 10–12 T-shirts, 5–6 shirts, 5 jeans/cotton trousers, 2–3 joggers, 3–4 shorts |
| Formal Wear | 1–2 business suits/blazers, formal shirts, ties |
| Ethnic Wear (Optional) | 1–2 kurta sets/sarees for events |
| Other Clothing | 12–14 undergarments, 10–12 socks, nightwear, swimwear |
| Rain Protection | Raincoat / Umbrella |
Shoes
| Type | Items |
| Daily Wear | 1 pair sports/running shoes, 1 pair casual sneakers |
| Formal | 1 pair formal shoes |
| Winter | 1 pair waterproof winter boots |
| Indoor | 1 pair slippers/flip-flops |
Medicines
| Category | Items |
| Prescription | 6-month supply with prescriptions |
| General | Paracetamol, cold & cough syrup, Vicks, antacids, band-aids |
| First Aid | Cotton, antiseptic liquid, ointments, pain relief spray |
| Supplements | Multivitamins, eye drops |
Electronics
| Item | Notes |
| Laptop + Charger | Keep invoice for customs |
| Mobile Phone + Charger | Unlocked phone |
| EU / Japan Plug Adapters | 3–4 pieces |
| Extension Board | With Indian + Japanese sockets |
| Power Bank | 20,000 mAh recommended |
| Headphones/Earphones | Essential |
| Storage | External HDD, USBs, pen drives |
| Optional | Portable speaker, calculator |
Kitchen Essentials
| Category | Items |
| Utensils & Cookware | Small pressure cooker, frying pan, small saucepan, tawa, rolling pin + board, small mixer grinder, rice cooker (optional) |
| Cooking Tools | Spatulas, tongs, wooden spoon, knife set, peeler, chopping board, strainer, grater, can/bottle opener, measuring cups & spoons, whisk |
| Eating & Storage | Plates, bowls, glasses, coffee mugs, lunch box, water bottle (steel 1L), storage boxes, ziplock bags, foil & cling wrap |
| Spices & Food | Spice box (8–10 compartments), turmeric, chili, garam masala, coriander, cumin, mustard seeds, tea/coffee, salt, sugar, pickles, ready-to-eat items |
| Cleaning | Dishwashing soap, scrub pads, kitchen cloths, gloves |
Personal Care
| Category | Items |
| Oral Care | Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash |
| Bathing | Soap, shampoo, conditioner, towels (2 bath + 2 hand) |
| Skincare | Face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm |
| Grooming | Shaving kit / trimmer, hair oil, comb |
| Hygiene | Nail cutter, earbuds |
| Fragrance | Perfume / deodorant |
🇯🇵 Japan Study Abroad – Miscellaneous & Extras
Packing & Travel Essentials
- Backpack (daily use)
- Cabin bag (for weekend trips)
- Strong suitcase with lock & name tags
- Travel pillow, eye mask, ear plugs
- Stationery: pens, notebooks, files
- Sewing kit (needles, thread, buttons)
- Portable umbrella (wind/rain resistant)
- Small gifts/souvenirs from India (for Japanese/international friends)
Packing & Travel Tips
- Always check airline baggage allowance before packing.
- Use vacuum bags to save space.
- Carry essential medicines in your cabin luggage.
- Mark all luggage with name tags & contact info.
- Keep digital copies of documents in Google Drive/USB.
- Carry a set of clothes & essentials in your cabin bag in case main luggage is delayed.
- Buy heavy items like blankets, cookware, and small appliances from IKEA/Don Quijote/Loft in Japan instead of carrying from India.
Must-Carry from India – Kitchen Items (Consolidated)
(Lightweight, multipurpose, saves money)
- Pressure cooker (3–5 L) – #1 essential, costly/hard to find in Japan
- Idli stand / Dhokla stand – fits inside cooker
- Chapati roller & small board – if you make rotis
- Spice box (masala dabba) – with basic spices
- Small kadai / fry pan – if cooking Indian food
- Tava / dosa pan – flat, medium-sized
- Muslin cloth / Paneer maker – muslin is enough; paneer mould optional
- Stainless steel plates, tumblers, small bowls – at least 1–2 sets (Indian-style)
- Reusable lunch box + water bottle – handy for university days
Spices & Ingredients (small packs)
- Chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, mustard seeds, hing (hard to find in Japan)
- Ready mixes (Upma, Poha, Dosa, Pulao, etc.)
- Pickles, dry chutney powders
- Tea / coffee
Buy in Japan (cheap at Don Quijote, IKEA, Aeon, or local supermarkets)
- Cutlery (forks, spoons, knives)
- Non-stick pots & pans
- Cooking spoons, spatulas, ladle
- Strainer, chopping board, scissors
- Oven-safe dish
- Dish rack, cleaning stuff
Jobs & Internships in Japan (For Indian Students)
| Platform / Source | Type | Notes / Usage |
| Internship / Part-Time | Search “Student Japan” or Japanese-English roles | |
| GoAbroad | Internship | International programs & guides |
| Mynavi / Rikunabi | Full-Time / Internship | Popular job portals for students & grads |
| GaijinPot Jobs | Part-Time / Internship | English-speaking roles; teaching, hospitality |
| Indeed Japan | Part-Time / Full-Time | Use keyword “English” + city (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) |
| Pasona | Part-Time / Internship | English-friendly work placement |
| Facebook / WhatsApp Groups | Part-Time / Networking | “Indians in Japan” for leads & guidance |
Tips for Indian Students in Japan:
- Legal work limit: 28 hours/week on student visa (~¥1,000/hr minimum wage)
- Focus on English-demand roles: tutoring, IT, cafes, restaurants
- Always get a written contract; avoid cash-only jobs
- Networking via student groups, uni boards, and expat groups helps more than just online applications
Student SIM Card Comparison – Japan
| Provider | Plan Type | Data & Calls | Validity | Price (approx.) | Where to Buy |
| Sakura Mobile | Prepaid | 5–20 GB, calls optional | 30 days | ¥2,500–¥6,000 | Online / major airports |
| b-mobile | Prepaid | 5–15 GB | 30 days | ¥3,000–¥5,500 | Online / convenience stores |
| IIJmio | Prepaid | 5–50 GB | 30 days | ¥2,500–¥8,000 | Online |
| NTT Docomo SIM | Prepaid | 5–50 GB | 30 days | ¥3,000–¥7,000 | Docomo store |
| Rakuten Mobile | Prepaid / Postpaid | 5–20 GB | 30 days | ¥2,980–¥5,000 | Rakuten store / online |
| eSIM options | eSIM | 3–10 GB | 30 days | ¥1,500–¥3,000 | App store download |
Pro Student Tips:
- Cheapest long-term option: Sakura / IIJmio
- Easy English setup: Sakura, Rakuten, b-mobile
- Short stay / first month: Airport SIMs (Narita/Osaka Kansai)
- eSIMs: Good if you don’t want a physical SIM
- Carry passport when buying SIM in store (mandatory)
Indian Grocery Stores in Japan
| Store / Source | Type | What You Can Buy |
| Dookan Japan | Online delivery | Indian groceries: spices, snacks, paneer, dals; delivers to major cities |
| Annachi Japan | Online delivery | Indian staples: flours, snacks, instant mixes, spices |
| Local Indian / Asian stores (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) | Brick & mortar | Fresh produce, dals, rice, spices |
Pro Tips:
- Order essentials ahead using Dookan or Annachi for your first week.
- Use local stores for quick buys (spices, sauces).
- Compare prices and check online reviews.
Things to Do Immediately After Arrival in Japan
Legal & University Formalities
- Validate student visa (COE + embassy instructions)
- Register at university → collect student card, Wi-Fi access, library card
- Apply for Japanese National Health Insurance (mandatory) → city hall
- Optional: Student health insurance (Mutual aid / Gakkensai) for extra coverage
Accommodation & Housing
- Sign rental contract; get house insurance (mandatory, ¥3,000–¥6,000/year)
- Open electricity/internet accounts if private housing
Banking & Finance
- Open a Japanese bank account (MUFG, SMBC, or online banks like Revolut / Wise)
- Get a Forex card / Revolut / Wise account for India ↔ Japan transfers
- Keep ¥20,000–¥30,000 cash for initial expenses
Mobile & Connectivity
- Buy a SIM card (Sakura, Rakuten, b-mobile)
- Install essential apps: Google Maps, Hyperdia, Japan Transit Planner, Mercari, PayPay, Wise
- University Wi-Fi setup
Transport & Mobility
- Get Suica / Pasmo card for buses, trains, metro → student discount applies
- Long-distance trains: JR Pass (if traveling extensively)
- Use services like BlaBlaCar Japan (ride-sharing) for cheaper intercity trips
Shopping & Daily Essentials
- Buy cheap essentials at Don Quijote, IKEA, Aeon, or 100 yen shops
- Check Mercari / Yahoo Auctions → second-hand furniture, cycles, clothes
- Carry or buy a pressure cooker → saves money and cooking time
- Stock Indian spices locally or online
Jobs & Internships (English-Speaking)
- University career portals (JobTeaser, LinkedIn groups)
- Part-time jobs: GaijinPot, Indeed Japan, Mynavi, Pasona
- Network via “Indians in Japan” groups on Facebook/WhatsApp
- Legal limit: 28 hours/week → minimum wage ¥1,000/hr (~¥110,000/month)
Community & Support
- Join Indian/French student WhatsApp groups → housing, jobs, events
- Join university clubs (sports, cultural, entrepreneurship) → networking & cheap/free activities
- Register at Indian community in major cities (Tokyo, Osaka)
Study & University + Social Apps
| Category | App / Platform | Purpose / Use Case |
| Study & University | Google Drive / Docs / Sheets | Assignments, group projects, file sharing |
| Study & University | Microsoft Teams / Zoom | Online classes, collaboration |
| Study & University | Notion / Evernote | Note-taking, organizing study material |
| Study & University | Moodle / Blackboard | Course management (if applicable) |
| Social & Community | WhatsApp / Telegram | Student groups, Indian community |
| Social & Community | Meetup | Networking, events, hobbies |
| Social & Community | Tandem / HelloTalk | Practice Japanese with locals, language exchange |
| Social & Community | Groups like “Indians in Tokyo/Osaka” |
First Month Survival Planner – Japan (for Indian Students)
Week 1 – Essentials & Setup
- Validate student visa (COE / local city hall)
- Register at university, collect student card
- Buy SIM card → stay connected
- Buy transport card (Suica/Pasmo) → unlimited student fares
- Arrange temporary accommodation (Airbnb / dorm check-in)
- Buy basic groceries & starter kit
Week 2 – Banking & Housing
- Open Japanese bank account (MUFG, SMBC, online banks)
- Apply for housing subsidy (if applicable) → city hall
- Get house insurance (~¥3,000–¥6,000/year)
- Shop cheap second-hand items → beds, tables, jackets, cycles
- Join student WhatsApp/Facebook groups
Week 3 – Health & Daily Life
- Apply for National Health Insurance → city hall
- Optional: Student health insurance (Mutual aid / Gakkensai)
- Register local GP via Doctolib (or clinic app)
- Buy winter wear locally if needed
- Explore apps like Too Good To Go → cheap food
Week 4 – Career & Settling In
- Start part-time job search (Indeed Japan, GaijinPot, Pasona)
- Prepare Japanese-style CV & cover letter (English + Japanese)
- Attend university career workshops
- Join student clubs/societies → networking & social life
- Set up bank transfer apps (Wise / Revolut) for India ↔ Japan transfers
Quick “Survival Musts” in First Month:
- SIM card + Internet
- Transport card (Suica / Pasmo)
- Japanese bank account
- Housing subsidy + insurance
- National Health Insurance + optional student coverage
- Basic Indian spices, pressure cooker
- Start part-time job hunt