{"id":27023,"date":"2022-01-08T15:26:17","date_gmt":"2022-01-08T15:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=27023"},"modified":"2025-08-26T10:41:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T01:41:37","slug":"moving-to-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/moving-to-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Japan? These are your next steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have been through the process of moving to Japan already, you\u2019ll know that there\u2019s 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 \u2014 there\u2019s a lot to consider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve put together this article to help you have the best experience possible when moving to Japan<\/strong>. Come prepared so you have less to worry about when you arrive!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Complete all your visa requirements<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are entering Japan on a student visa<\/a>, 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. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you receive your <\/span>Certificate of Eligibility<\/a><\/strong> (COE)? Have you taken that to your local Japanese embassy to convert into your visa? Have you already collected that visa from the embassy?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read our <\/span>ultimate guide to the Japan student visa<\/span><\/a> to learn more about the process of obtaining your student visa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> Japanese Immigration now has a 150-hour Japanese language requirement<\/a><\/strong> for student visas, which can be satisfied through our 12-week Akamonkai online beginner course<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arrange accommodation<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go! Go! Nihon partners with a number of leading accommodation providers in Japan. From sharehouses, to private apartments, to homestays<\/strong>, there is an option for everyone. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about <\/span>finding accommodation in our article<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get your money in order<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 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. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about opening a bank account in Japan<\/strong> and how you can make international money transfers easy and cheaper in <\/span>our article<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan is still largely a cash-based society<\/strong>, although cashless payment options are gradually becoming more popular. Read more about this in <\/span>our article<\/span><\/a>. We recommend exchanging some cash before leaving so you have some money on hand when you arrive.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack the essentials<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sure, you need clothes and shoes, but that\u2019s not what we necessarily mean when we say \u201cessentials.\u201d Rather, you should ensure you have:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n