Konnichiwa! The Essential Packing List to Japan for International Students

Are you planning to move to Japan? If so, make sure you check out our packing list for Japan to avoid missing any essential items. This blog lists everything you must take with you to this beautiful country. You will learn about crucial travel and academic documents, clothing, electronics, and personal care items. Japan attracts students and expats from around the world every year due to its great living conditions and the career opportunities offered there. 

Moreover, the Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MEXT) regulates all Japanese universities, making their degrees globally recognised. So, we are glad that you are about to embark on your glorious academic journey. Now, let’s begin discussing the packing list Japan without any further ado. 

Study Abroad Packing List Japan: Important Items

You must be very excited to move to Japan and embark on your new academic journey. However, make sure you don’t forget to carry some essential documents and items with you to avoid any hassle later on. So, see below what to include in the packing list Japan. 

Essential Documents

Here are the travel and academic documents required for Japan:

• Valid Passport
• Proof of identification and residence (Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID card, municipality bill, utility bills)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Details of flight tickets, accommodation and duration of stay
• Duly filled and signed visa application form
• Financial documents, i.e., bank statements, salary slips, credit card statements
• Academic transcripts
• Letter of recommendation
• Birth certificate
• Motivation letter
• Japanese Student Visa

Clothing

See the list of outfits that align with the fashion sense and climate of Japan:

• Sweater
• Coat
• Shirt
• Hat
• Skirts
• Trousers
• Pyjamas
• Shorts

Electronics

It’s impossible to imagine a day without our electronic gadgets. See the list of electronic items below that you shouldn’t forget to carry:

• Smartphone
• Camera
• Charger
• Plug Adapters
• Power Bank
• Laptop
• Tablet

Personal Care

Here are the personal care items crucial to carry:

• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Soap / Shower gel
• Moisturiser
• Deodorant
• Cosmetics
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush

Miscellaneous

See below the miscellaneous items you have to carry:

• Medications
• Cash and credit cards
• Comb
• Shaving kit/trimmer
• Nail cutter
• Bedding

Also Read: Heading to Australia? Here’s Your Complete Study Abroad Packing List

Download the PDF below to know more specific items to include in your packing list for Japan.

Study Abroad Packing List Japan: Travel Finance

Apart from the packing list Japan, you should also be aware of the budget costs you can expect to bear while moving here. See below the estimated expenses for your journey. 

Average Cost of Flight from India to Japan for an individual	JPY 44,630
Student Visa application fee	JPY 3,295 – JPY 5,493
Average monthly cost of living without rent for a single individual	JPY 129,520

What Not to Add to Your Packing List Japan

Now that you know what you have to include in your packing list Japan, let’s see what you should not include. Here are the items you are not allowed to carry to Japan:

• Explosives
• Illegal Drugs
• Animals
• Fake Products
• Fireworks and firecrackers
• Plants

Baggage Limit for International Students Going to Japan

First-class and business-class passengers are allowed to carry three pieces of check-in baggage with a maximum weight of 32 kg/piece. On the other hand, premium economy class and economy class travellers are allowed to check in two pieces with a maximum weight of 23 kg each. Moreover, the sum of the length, width and height of each bag must not be over 203 cm. Please note that these figures are according to the Japan Airlines and the baggage limit may vary according to the airline you choose to travel. 

Also Read: Study Abroad Packing List Korea: What to Pack?

Study Abroad Packing List Japan: Additional Tips

Now that you are familiar with the study abroad packing list Japan, let’s look at some other things you should know before moving to the country. Here are the additional tips you need to know before jumping onto the aeroplane: 

Budgeting: Make sure you have planned out your budget well in advance before taking off to Japan to avoid any financial hassle later on. 

Get your Certificate of Eligibility: Anyone who wishes to stay in Japan for over 90 days requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Open a Japanese Bank Account: It’s a good idea to open a local bank account when you get to Japan. It helps you with getting paid, paying your bills, and taking out money. 

Learn Japanese: Many locals have a limited knowledge of English. So, learning Japanese can be very helpful in getting around the town, communicating with the residents, and reading public transportation signs and getting around town will be much easier.

Relevant Reads:

Top 20 Animation Schools in Japan: Everything You Need to Know	Japan Student Visa Rejection
Japan Education System: Know All About It!	💵Cost of Living in Japan: A Guide
Study in Japan for Indian Students	Top 4 Japan Scholarships for Indian Students You Never Knew Existed!

FAQs

We hope this blog gave you a complete overview of what to include in your packing list Japan. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!