- Japan Student Visa – Quick Guide
| Step | Details |
| Type of Visa | Japanese Student Visa (College/University Student) – mandatory for stays longer than 90 days |
| Where to Apply | Japanese Embassy / Consulate in India → VFS Global (if applicable) |
| Duration | Issued for course duration (usually 1 year), renewable in Japan |
| Apply Timeline | At least 3–4 months before departure |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks |
| Fees | ₹3,000–₹5,000 (approx. for visa) |
| Interview | Embassy interview may be required; usually documentation-only for long-term visa |
- Visa Checklist
| Requirement | Notes |
| Valid Passport | Minimum 6 months validity beyond stay |
| Visa Application Form | Online / Embassy submission |
| Passport-size Photos | 2–4 photos as per Japanese specifications |
| COE (Certificate of Eligibility) | Mandatory from the university before visa submission |
| University Admission Letter | Official acceptance from Japanese university |
| Proof of Accommodation | University dormitory / Airbnb / rental agreement |
| Proof of Financial Means | Approx. ¥150,000 per month (~₹90,000) |
| Health & Travel Insurance | Must cover entire stay in Japan |
| Academic Documents | Transcripts & certificates |
| Flight Ticket Booking | Recommended but not mandatory |
- Flight Booking Hacks
| Tip | Details |
| Booking Time | Best 2–3 months in advance for cheaper fares |
| Platforms | Skyscanner, StudentUniverse, MakeMyTrip, Kayak |
| Compare | Round-trip vs one-way |
| Smart Search | Use VPN / Incognito mode for better prices |
| Arrival Airports | Tokyo Narita (NRT – main), Haneda (HND – closer to city), Osaka/Kansai for western Japan |
- Best Airlines for Students
| Airline | Student Baggage Allowance | Special Notes |
| Japan Airlines | 2×23kg + 1 cabin bag | Student fares sometimes available |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | 2×23kg | Offers student discounts on long-haul flights |
| Emirates | 2×23kg | ~10% student discount |
| Qatar Airways | Up to 40kg total | Student deals available |
| Etihad Airways | 2×23kg | Special student offers |
- Document Checklist
Must-Carry Documents:
- Passport & Visa
- COE & Admission Letter
- University fee receipts
- Accommodation proof
- Vaccination certificates
- Insurance papers – Travel + Health
- Financial proof (Bank statements, Loan letters, Forex card)
- Photocopies & Digital copies (Google Drive/USB backup)
- Emergency Cash: ¥20,000–¥30,000 (~₹12,000–₹18,000)
- Forex Card / International Debit/Credit Card
- Useful Apps for Students in Tokyo
Local & Transport Apps
| App | Purpose |
| Tokyo Metro / Toei Subway | Metro schedules, tickets, maps |
| Japan Transit Planner / HyperDia | Plan train trips across Japan |
| JR East App | Shinkansen & regional trains |
| Google Maps | Essential for walking, buses, shops |
| Citymapper | Navigation in Tokyo, Yokohama, etc. |
Shopping & Food
| App | Purpose |
| Mercari | Buy/sell second-hand items |
| Rakuten / Amazon Japan | Online shopping, groceries, books |
| Uber Eats / Demae-can / DoorDash | Food delivery in Tokyo |
| Don Quijote | App to check local store inventory |
Banking & Finance
| App | Purpose |
| Wise / Revolut | International money transfer |
| PayPay / LINE Pay | Popular Japanese digital wallets |
| Japanese Bank Apps (MUFG, SMBC, etc.) | Local banking |
Language & Daily Life
| App | Purpose |
| Duolingo / LingQ / Babbel | Learn Japanese basics |
| Google Translate | Quick translation (menus, signs, conversations) |
| DeepL | Academic & long-text translation |
| Japan Post App | Track parcels & mail |
| Clinic Appointment Apps | e.g., M3Clinic, Doctolib Japan alternatives |
- Must-Carry from India
Clothing
| Category | Items |
| Winter Wear | 2–3 Winter Jackets (1 heavy, 1 medium, 1 waterproof), 5–6 Thermals, Woolen sweaters, Hoodies, Gloves, Scarf, Cap |
| Casual / Daily Wear | 10–12 T-shirts, 5–6 Shirts, 5 Jeans/Cotton pants, 2–3 Joggers, 3–4 Shorts, Light shirts |
| Formal Wear | 1–2 Business Suits / Blazers, Formal shirts, Ties |
| Ethnic Wear | 1–2 Kurta sets / Sarees (optional) |
| Other Clothing | 12–14 Undergarments, 10–12 Socks, Nightwear / Pyjamas, Swimwear |
| Rain Protection | Raincoat / Umbrella |
Shoes
| Type | Items |
| Daily | 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 doctor’s prescription |
| 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 | Indian + Japanese sockets |
| Power Bank | 20,000 mAh recommended |
| Headphones / Earphones | Essential |
| Storage | External Hard Drive, USBs, Pen drives |
| Optional | Portable Speaker, Calculator (if allowed for exams) |
Kitchen Essentials
| Category | Items |
| Utensils & Cookware | Pressure Cooker (2L + 3L, induction safe), Frying Pan, Small Kadai, Saucepan, Tawa, Rolling Pin, 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 (2), Bowls (3), Glasses (2), Coffee Mugs (2), Lunch Box, Water Bottle (1L), Storage Boxes (4–5), Ziplock Bags, Foil & Cling Wrap |
| Spices & Food Items | Basic Indian spices (Turmeric, Chili, Garam Masala, Coriander Powder, Jeera, Mustard Seeds), Ready-to-eat items (Upma, Poha, Noodles, Instant Mix), Tea/Coffee, Salt, Sugar, Pickles, Snacks |
| 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 |
Tokyo Study Abroad – Miscellaneous & Extras
Packing & Travel Essentials
- Backpack – daily use, campus & commuting.
- Cabin Bag – for weekend trips or short travels within Japan.
- Strong Suitcase – with lock & name tags, for checked luggage.
- Travel Pillow, Eye Mask, Ear Plugs – for long flights & trains.
- Stationery – pens, notebooks, files.
- Sewing Kit – needles, thread, buttons.
- Portable Umbrella – wind-resistant, compact.
- Small Gifts / Souvenirs from India – for Japanese friends / classmates.
Packing & Travel Tips
- Check airline baggage allowance before packing.
- Use vacuum bags to save space.
- Carry essential medicines in cabin luggage.
- Keep all luggage tagged with name & contact details.
- Keep digital copies of documents on Google Drive/USB.
- Carry a set of clothes in cabin bag in case main luggage is delayed.
- Buy heavy items like blankets, quilts, pans, or rice cookers in Japan (IKEA, Nitori, Muji, Don Quijote) instead of carrying from India.
Must-Carry from India – Kitchen Items (Lightweight & multipurpose)
- Pressure Cooker (3–5 L) – essential, expensive/difficult to find locally.
- Idli/Dhokla Stand – if frequently used; fits inside cooker.
- Chapati Roller & Board (Chakla Belan) – for making rotis.
- Spice Box (Masala Dabba) – with basic spices.
- Small Kadai / Fry Pan – for Indian cooking.
- Tava / Dosa Pan – medium-sized flat pan.
- Paneer Maker / Muslin Cloth – muslin cloth sufficient; strainer can substitute paneer mould.
- Stainless Steel Plates, Tumblers, Small Bowls – 1–2 sets.
- Reusable Lunch Box + Water Bottle – campus use.
Spices & Ingredients (small packs)
- Chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, sambar powder, rasam powder, cumin, mustard seeds, hing (hard to find).
- Ready mixes – Upma, Poha, Dosa, Pulao, etc.
- Pickles, dry chutney powders.
- Tea / Coffee powder.
Buy in Tokyo (Cheaper & Easy)
- Cutlery: forks, spoons, knives.
- Non-stick pots & pans.
- Cooking spoons, spatula, ladle.
- Strainer, chopping board, scissors.
- Microwave-safe dishes, oven-safe plates.
- Dish rack, cleaning supplies.
Quick Reference – Jobs & Internships in Tokyo (For Indian Students)
| Platform / Source | Type | Notes |
| GaijinPot Jobs | Part-Time / Full-Time | English-friendly jobs, cafes, teaching, IT |
| Jobs in Japan | Part-Time / Full-Time | English-language jobs, internships |
| CareerCross | Internship / Full-Time | Professional roles requiring English |
| Indeed Japan | Part-Time / Full-Time | Use keywords “英語” (English) |
| LinkedIn Japan | Internship / Full-Time | Networking + company listings |
| Hello Work (ハローワーク) | Part-Time / Full-Time | Govt. job board for students & foreigners |
| Facebook / WhatsApp Groups | Networking | Join “Indians in Tokyo” / “Tokyo Student Jobs” |
Tips for Indian Students in Tokyo:
- Legal work limit: 28 hrs/week (student visa) during term, full-time during vacations.
- English-demand roles: English teaching, tutoring, cafes, tourism.
- Always get written contract; avoid underpaid cash jobs.
- Networking (WhatsApp/Facebook/University portals) often leads to better opportunities.
Student SIM Card Comparison – Tokyo
| Provider | Plan Type | Data & Calls | Validity | Price | Where to Buy |
| IIJmio | Prepaid | 4G LTE, 5–20 GB | 30 days | ¥2,000–¥4,000 | Online / convenience stores |
| b-mobile | Prepaid | 4–30 GB | 30 days | ¥1,980–¥4,980 | Bic Camera / online |
| NTT Docomo | Prepaid | 20–30 GB | 30 days | ¥3,000–¥5,000 | Docomo stores |
| SoftBank | Prepaid | 20–30 GB | 30 days | ¥3,000–¥5,500 | SoftBank shops |
| Rakuten Mobile | Postpaid / Prepaid | Unlimited 4G LTE | Monthly | ¥1,000–¥3,000 | Rakuten stores / online |
| eSIM (Ubigi / Airalo) | eSIM | 3–10 GB | 30 days | ¥800–¥2,000 | App store download |
Pro Student Tips:
- Cheapest long-term: Rakuten Mobile (cheap data + calls).
- Tourist-friendly: Prepaid IIJmio or b-mobile SIM.
- eSIM: AloSIM / Ubigi for instant activation without store visit.
- Always carry passport when buying SIM in-store.
Indian Grocery Stores / Online Options in Tokyo
| Store / Source | Type | What You Can Buy |
| IndiaStore.jp | Online | Indian staples: dals, flours, spices, pickles |
| Namaste Japan | Online | Snacks, instant mixes, paneer, spices |
| Tokyo Indian / GoIndia | Brick & mortar | Fresh vegetables, rice, atta, spices |
| Asian Supermarkets | Local | Limited Indian ingredients, pricier than India |
Pro Tips:
- Order essentials online ahead for first week.
- Use local stores for daily needs.
- Compare prices across stores; some items cheaper online.
Things to Do Immediately After Arrival in Tokyo
Legal & University Formalities
- Validate Student Visa at Immigration office (if required).
- Register at University → student card, course schedule, Wi-Fi, library access.
- Apply for Japanese Health Insurance (National Health Insurance – NHI).
- Consider extra student insurance (optional).
Accommodation & Housing
- Sign rental contract; obtain house insurance (mandatory in Japan).
- Apply for student dorm / shared housing if university-provided.
- Set up electricity, gas, Internet for private apartments.
Banking & Finance
- Open a Japanese bank account (Mitsubishi UFJ, SMBC, Mizuho, or online NeoBanks).
- Set up Forex / transfer app (Wise, Revolut) for India ↔ Japan money transfers.
- Keep ¥20,000–30,000 cash for initial expenses.
Mobile & Connectivity
- Buy SIM card / eSIM.
- Install essential apps → Google Maps, Suica / PASMO, Line, Mercari, Uber Eats, convenience store apps.
- Get student Wi-Fi from university if available.
Transport & Mobility
- Get Suica / PASMO card for metro, trains, buses → student discount available in some cases.
- Look for JR Pass (if traveling intercity, e.g., Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka).
- Use JapanTaxi / Uber for short trips if necessary.
Shopping & Daily Essentials
- Buy cheap essentials at Don Quijote, Daiso, IKEA, Muji.
- Use Mercari / Facebook Marketplace → second-hand furniture, bikes, clothes.
- Stock Indian spices locally or online.
Jobs & Internships (English speakers)
- Check university career portal.
- Search part-time jobs on GaijinPot, Hello Work, LinkedIn.
- Network via WhatsApp/Facebook “Indians in Tokyo” groups.
- Legal work: 28 hrs/week during semester (~¥1,100–1,200/hr).
Community & Support
- Join Indian / international student groups.
- University clubs & societies → networking + cheap/free activities.
- Register at local Indian associations (ICWA Japan) for cultural events.
Study & University + Social & Community Apps
| Category | App / Platform | Purpose |
| Study | Google Drive / Docs / Sheets | Assignments, group projects, file sharing |
| Study | Microsoft Teams / Zoom | Online classes, group calls |
| Study | Notion / Evernote | Notes & study organization |
| Study | Moodle / Blackboard | Course management (if applicable) |
| Social | WhatsApp / Telegram | Student & Indian community groups |
| Social | Meetup | Networking, hobbies, events |
| Social | Tandem / HelloTalk | Practice Japanese with locals |
| Social | Groups: “Indians in Tokyo”, “Tokyo Students” |
First Month Survival Planner – Tokyo (for Indian Students)
Week 1 – Essentials & Setup
- Validate Student Visa (if required).
- Register at University → student card, Wi-Fi, library, orientation.
- Buy SIM card (IIJmio / b-mobile / eSIM).
- Get Suica / PASMO transport card.
- Arrange temporary accommodation (Airbnb / dorm check-in).
- Buy groceries & basic cooking starter kit.
Week 2 – Banking & Housing
- Open Japanese bank account → needed for rent, stipend, payments.
- Set up house insurance (~¥3,000–5,000/year).
- Apply for student dorm / shared housing if not already done.
- Buy second-hand essentials → Mercari, Facebook Marketplace.
- Join student WhatsApp/Facebook groups.
Week 3 – Health & Daily Life
- Apply for Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI).
- Consider extra student insurance (optional).
- Register local GP (for easier reimbursements).
- Buy winter wear if needed → check second-hand stores & Decathlon.
- Explore food-saving apps →g., Retty, local bakery discounts.
Week 4 – Career & Settling In
- Start part-time job search → GaijinPot, CareerCross, Indeed Japan.
- Prepare Japanese-style CV & cover letter.
- Attend university career center workshops.
- Join clubs/societies → networking + social life.
- Set up bank transfers / Forex app (Wise, Revolut) for India ↔
Quick “Survival Musts” in First Month
- SIM card & Internet
- Transport card (Suica / PASMO)
- Japanese bank account
- Health Insurance (NHI)
- Housing contract & insurance
- Basic Indian spices & pressure cooker