What do you need to prepare for studying abroad in Japan?

Many people wonder what they need to prepare for studying abroad in Japan when they have the desire to experience the education system in this country. In this article, HeyJapan will provide answers on what you need to prepare for studying abroad in Japan, including necessary documents and items before taking off to ensure a smooth and well-prepared experience.

Airline Regulations Regarding Necessary Items when Traveling to Japan

 

Airlines have specific regulations regarding baggage allowances for flights.

Before embarking on your study journey in Japan, understanding the baggage regulations of the airline you choose is crucial. This not only helps you avoid unexpected fees but also ensures the smooth and safe transportation of necessary items. Below, HeyJapan summarizes some basic information about these regulations:

Baggage Weight

• Carry-on luggage: Most international airlines allow carry-on luggage weighing between 7-10kg, with dimensions typically around 56x36x23cm. Exceeding this weight limit may result in fees or having to leave items at the airport.
• Checked luggage: The weight allowance for checked luggage usually ranges from 20-46kg, depending on the airline and ticket type. However, it's essential to check the exact allowance before arriving at the airport to avoid inconvenience.

Requirements for Checked Baggage Weight 

Personal Items

When it comes to essentials for studying abroad in Japan, personal items are indispensable, including:

• Cosmetics and toiletries: You are permitted to carry a bag of liquids under 100ml for each product, totaling no more than 1 liter. Place this bag in a transparent pouch for easy inspection at security.
• Electronic devices: Laptops, phones, cameras, and other devices should be carried in your carry-on luggage for easy inspection and use during the flight.

Pets and Health

• Medication and medical products: You are allowed to carry a necessary amount of personal medication during the flight. Bring a medical prescription or health certificate (if available) to avoid hassle at security.
• Pets: For those traveling with pets, contact the airline in advance to inquire about specific regulations and required documents.

Attention to medication and medical products is necessary when studying abroad in Japan.

What to Prepare for Studying Abroad in Japan?

Preparing Necessary Documents

When deciding to study abroad in Japan, preparing the necessary documents is the first and most important step to ensure a smooth and legally trouble-free journey. So, specifically, what do you need to prepare for studying abroad in Japan? Below is a list of documents you need to organize and prepare carefully:

• Passport: Your passport needs to have a minimum validity of 6 months from the intended date of entry.
• Study visa application: This is an official form that you need to fill out with complete information and sign to be able to go to Japan.
• Financial capability documents: Copies of evidence of income (salary invoices, income certificates from assets, insurance...), bank account statements, and/or copies of savings account books.
• Proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses in Japan.
• Letter of introduction from the university: This letter needs to be provided by the university you are applying to, confirming that you have been accepted into the study program at the university.
• Identity card: Copies of ID card or passport with photo.
• 4x6 cm photos: Prepare a quantity of photos to attach to the visa application and other application forms.
• Health certificate: A copy of a health confirmation certificate, usually a simple document confirming that you do not have any infectious diseases that require isolation.
• Educational history documents: Copies of diplomas, transcripts, and relevant certificates.
• Japanese language documents: If you have Japanese language proficiency test results such as JLPT, you should attach them to your application.
• Study and research plan: A brief description of why you chose the university, study program, and your plans after graduation.

Preparing Necessary Documents When Studying Abroad in Japan

Preparing Clothing

Next, preparing clothing is another equally important factor that helps you integrate into the new environment and respect the local culture. Here is a detailed guide on what clothing you should bring when studying abroad in Japan.

• School attire

Uniform: Some schools in Japan require students to wear uniforms during class hours. Contact the school in advance to understand the regulations and purchase the necessary quantity of uniforms.

Casual wear: To participate in extracurricular activities and outdoor excursions, you should have a few sets of comfortable clothing, such as t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers.

•  Outing and party attire

Traditional attire: During festivals or parties, traditional attire such as kimono for women and yukata for men and women are highly favored. If you have the opportunity, invest in a kimono or yukata to participate in traditional cultural activities.

Party attire: For attending parties or special events, you should have a few sets of formal attire, such as shirts, trousers or dresses, and high heels.

• Seasonal clothing

Summer: During Japan's hot summer, prepare thin t-shirts, shorts, and breathable shoes.

Winter: For the chilly winter, thick coats, sweaters, long pants, and warm scarves are essential. Don't forget to bring a cozy scarf.

• What to avoid

Avoid wearing overly revealing or flashy clothes when going to school or going out to respect Japanese culture and etiquette.

Avoid wearing clothes that are too loose or too tight. Choose outfits that are fitted, comfortable, and appropriate.

Properly preparing clothing not only helps you integrate better into Japanese society but also leaves a good impression on friends and teachers. Always pay attention to dressing appropriately for the environment and circumstances, and respect and learn from the culture of the country you are studying abroad in.

Clothing is an essential part of preparing for studying abroad in Japan

Preparing Personal Items

Preparing personal items is an important step to help you feel comfortable and confident in your new life. Here are some HeyJapan tips for preparing personal items when studying abroad in Japan:

• Luggage and storage:

Choose durable suitcases or luggage to store your personal items. Prepare small bags or backpacks to carry study and leisure items.

You should bring basic Japanese clothing such as shirts, t-shirts, jeans, trousers, and dresses (if you are a female). The weather in Japan is much colder than in Vietnam, so prepare thick coats, sweaters, and windbreakers to protect your body.

For footwear, you should bring sneakers, Mary Jane shoes, or loafers suitable for your activities and attire.

• Personal hygiene and grooming:

Basic personal hygiene items to prepare include toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and makeup brushes. Don't forget to prepare personal skincare products such as moisturizers and your favorite cosmetics.

• Study tools and stationery:

You can bring textbooks, exercise books, and necessary documents for studying from Vietnam to avoid situations where you need them but have not bought them in Japan.

Laptops or tablets are essential for international students, so make sure your computer has all the necessary software and documents.

• Other tools and accessories:

You should bring an alarm clock to ensure you do not miss classes or important events.

Your study abroad experience will be unforgettable if you can prepare a camera or camcorder to capture moments in Japan.

• Medical supplies and insurance:

Prepare other necessary medical supplies depending on each person's health condition. Also, bring health insurance cards and related documents in case of need.

Some personal items to prepare when studying abroad

Preparing Fast Food

Fast food will be an optimal solution when you don't have much time. Especially when you miss the taste of your homeland, Vietnamese fast food will bring you a familiar feeling of home. Here is a list of fast food items you can prepare:

• Seasoning: cooking oil, soy sauce, etc.
• Snacks and dried food: biscuits, french fries, snacks, chips.
• Instant noodles, ready-to-eat food that does not require cooking.
• Bottled beverages: bottled fruit juice, coffee, tea, boxed milk.
• Other specialty foods.

When preparing fast food, you need to pay attention to Japan's customs regulations to avoid violating laws and causing unnecessary trouble. In addition, preparing fast food also helps you save time and money in the first few days in Japan, making it easier for you to integrate into your new life.

Notes when preparing essential items when going to Japan

Prohibited items for carry-on baggage to Japan

Understanding what to prepare for studying abroad in Japan and what to avoid bringing is extremely important. When preparing carry-on baggage to Japan, there are some items and items that are prohibited or restricted on board. HeyJapan has found some items that you should avoid bringing as follows:

• Weapons:

Guns, knives, swords, scissors, sharp objects, or any other weapons.

Firearms, chemicals, and explosives.

• Prohibited substances:

Drugs, opiates, and other prohibited substances.

Liquids, gels, and solutions exceeding 100ml (if not placed in leak-proof and sealed bags).

• Animals and plants:

Live animals, plants, or products thereof are not allowed to be imported without official permits.

• Counterfeit identification and documents:

Any type of counterfeit or invalid identification documents.

Fake stamps and seals.

Copyright infringement products:

Goods, books, discs, and software that infringe copyright.

• Other hazardous chemicals, tools, and materials must comply with specific safety regulations and requirements.

Before preparing your luggage, check the specific regulations of the airline you are flying with and the regulations of the Japanese consulate to ensure that you do not bring any prohibited or restricted items. This helps you avoid inconvenience and penalties upon entering Japan. If you are unsure of what to bring when studying abroad in Japan, you can refer to information about prohibited items on the website of each airline.

Attention to Prohibited Items When Flying

Items Prohibited for Checked Baggage to Japan

• Weapons and Weapon Manufacturing Tools: Guns, knives, weapon manufacturing tools, and any other types of weapons.
• Explosives, fireworks, and other explosive materials.
• Prohibited and Addictive Substances:
• Drugs, narcotics, and other addictive substances: Medications without contracts or prescriptions from doctors.
• Hazardous Materials: Toxic substances, corrosive substances, various hazardous chemicals, flammable and explosive substances.
• Animal and Plant Products: Food not permitted for import or not compliant with Japanese regulations, products from animals and plants that pose disease transmission risks.
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Self-defense tools such as pepper spray containers.
• Certain types of lithium batteries and batteries that may cause fires or explosions.
• Pollution-Causing Products
• Types of waste and waste materials not permitted for export.
• Copyright Infringement Products: Counterfeit goods, counterfeit goods.
• Locally Regulated Goods: Goods prohibited or restricted according to Japanese regulations and local regulations.

Regulations on prohibited items may vary depending on Japanese regulations and international regulations. Before preparing checked baggage, carefully check the laws and immigration regulations of Japan to ensure that you do not bring any prohibited items. If necessary, you can contact the embassy or government agency for further advice.

Prohibited Items with Lithium Batteries When Checking In

Some Smart Ways to Pack Your Study Abroad Suitcase

Packing your suitcase intelligently and efficiently is an important skill when preparing luggage for your study abroad journey. Below, HeyJapan introduces readers to some effective ways to pack luggage:

• Sort by item type:

Arrange clothes by type (shirts, T-shirts, pants, dresses) and neatly stack them to save space.

Wrap small items like jewelry, belts in small bags or boxes to avoid tangles and make them easy to find.

To avoid soiling clothes and save space, place shoes in separate plastic or fabric bags.

• Use small bags and containers:

Use small bags or boxes to store items such as cosmetics, nail clippers, chargers, electronic accessories, and other personal items. A useful tip is to place small bags and boxes in the gaps in the suitcase to maximize space.

• Use vacuum compression bags:

Vacuum compression bags compress clothing and minimize luggage volume. Not only that, vacuum compression bags help save space and preserve clothes best.

• Stack systematically from top to bottom:

To optimize space, start by stacking lightweight items like shirts and dresses on top, followed by clothes, and finally heavy items like shoes, books, and laptops. This helps distribute the weight of the luggage evenly and avoids excessive compression on clothes and personal items.

• Place books and heavy items in the middle:

This helps create stability and prevent damage to belongings. Around heavy items, you can stack clothes and other items to protect them.

• Pack personal items carefully:

Use ziplock bags to pack items such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and other liquids to prevent leaks and damage to clothes.

Place liquid bottles in small bags and wrap them carefully in nylon bags to prevent leakage issues.

When packing your suitcase, remember to check the baggage weight and quantity regulations of the airline you are using to avoid fines or other issues during airport procedures. Be careful and meticulous in packing so that you can bring enough items and save space in your suitcase.

Smart suitcase packing optimizes space usage.

Above are the answers provided by HeyJapan regarding what to prepare for studying abroad in Japan. With this article, we hope that you will have more information to prepare thoroughly for your study abroad journey in Japan