How do I separate PET bottles correctly in Shibuya-ku?

Remove the cap and label, rinse the bottle, and crush it flat. In Shibuya-ku, PET bottles are collected on the designated recycling day. Place them in a transparent or semi-transparent bag separate from other recyclables.

Best mobile carrier for foreigners in Japan with English support?

Ahamo by NTT Docomo is popular among foreigners because the app is available in English, plans start at 2,970 yen per month for 20GB, and no Japanese credit card is required. Other foreigner-friendly options include Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio.

How to open a bank account in Japan without a Japanese phone number?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most foreigner-friendly option. They accept applications with just your residence card and do not strictly require a Japanese phone number at all branches. Visit a larger post office branch for the best experience.

How do I separate PET bottles correctly in Shibuya-ku?

Remove the cap and label, rinse the bottle, and crush it flat. In Shibuya-ku, PET bottles are collected on the designated recycling day. Place them in a transparent or semi-transparent bag separate from other recyclables.

Best mobile carrier for foreigners in Japan with English support?

Ahamo by NTT Docomo is popular among foreigners because the app is available in English, plans start at 2,970 yen per month for 20GB, and no Japanese credit card is required. Other foreigner-friendly options include Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio.

How to open a bank account in Japan without a Japanese phone number?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most foreigner-friendly option. They accept applications with just your residence card and do not strictly require a Japanese phone number at all branches. Visit a larger post office branch for the best experience.

How many hours can international students work in Japan?

International students with a student visa can work up to 28 hours per week during school periods. During officially recognized long vacations, the limit is raised to 40 hours per week. You must have a 資格外活動許可 (work permission) sticker on your residence card before starting any job.

When should I renew my student visa in Japan?

Apply for renewal at least 3 months before your visa expires. Required documents include: passport, residence card, enrollment certificate, attendance record, financial proof, and application fee. Use this dashboard Visa Tracker for automatic reminders.

Can international students open a bank account in Japan?

Yes. Japan Post Bank is the easiest for new students. Most banks require 6 months of residence and a valid residence card. Bring your residence card, passport, and enrollment certificate.

What happens if a student exceeds the 28-hour work limit in Japan?

Exceeding the 28-hour limit is a visa violation. Consequences include visa renewal denial or deportation. Immigration checks employment records through tax filings. Use the Work Hour Tracker in this dashboard to stay within limits.

When should I renew my student visa in Japan?

Apply for renewal at least 3 months before expiry. The Immigration Services Agency recommends 3 months to avoid delays. Required documents include: passport, residence card, photos, enrollment certificate, attendance record, financial proof, and application fee (収入印紙). Use this portal's Visa Tracker to get reminders at 90, 60, and 30 days.

Can an international student open a bank account in Japan?

Yes. Most major banks require you to have lived in Japan for at least 6 months and have a valid residence card. Recommended options: Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) — most flexible for newcomers; Shinsei Bank — accepts new residents with proper ID; 7 Bank (セブン銀行) — simple online setup. Bring your residence card, passport, and a 在学証明書.

What happens if I work more than 28 hours per week as a student?

Exceeding the 28-hour limit is a violation of your visa conditions. Consequences can include: visa renewal denial, deportation order, or forced departure. Immigration can check employment records through tax and social insurance filings. Use the Work Hour Tracker in this portal to stay safely within limits.

🏛️ Citizenship Rule Change (April 1, 2026)

Japan now requires 10 years of continuous residence to apply for citizenship (帰化), up from 5 years. Tax records for 2 full years are now required. Health insurance compliance is now strictly reviewed. Source: Ministry of Justice, March 27, 2026.

Student Life Dashboard

Visa · Work Hours · Budget · Documents · All in one place

⏱ Work: 0.0/28h💰 +¥5,000

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Hard Worker

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Japan Explorer

💡 Yamada Hack: First Month in Japan Checklist

✓ Register at city hall 転入届 (within 14 days of arrival)
✓ Get NHI 国民健康保険 card
✓ Open bank account (Japan Post Bank is easiest)
✓ Get a cheap SIM card (IIJmio, Mineo)
✓ Get 資格外活動許可 before starting any job

Student Life in Japan — FAQ

Students with a student visa can work up to 28 hours per week during school periods. During officially recognized long vacations (summer, winter, spring), the limit is raised to 40 hours per week (8 hours/day). You must have a 資格外活動許可 (permission to work) sticker on your residence card before starting any job.

Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a Japan student visa, you must first receive acceptance from a recognized Japanese educational institution, which then applies to the Regional Immigration Bureau for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf. You will need to demonstrate financial capability (typically ¥2 million or more in savings or a credible sponsor), academic qualifications matching the program level, and clean immigration history. The COE process takes 1 to 3 months, after which you apply at the Japanese embassy in your home country.

Yes, transferring to a different school while on a student visa in Japan is permitted but requires prompt immigration notification. You must notify the immigration bureau of the change in your enrolled institution within 14 days using the online reporting system. If you leave one school and fail to enroll in a new institution within 3 months, your student visa may be invalidated. When changing to a significantly different type of institution (for example from a language school to a university), a change of status of residence application may be required.

International students on student visas in Japan may work up to 28 hours per week during regular school terms and up to 40 hours per week during official school break periods, provided they have obtained the Resource Activity Permission stamp (shikakugai katsudo kyoka) in their residence card. This permission is normally granted automatically at the time of visa issuance for full-time students, but must be applied for separately if not stamped. Working without this permission, or exceeding the hours limit, is a visa violation.

Yes, all international students with a valid Japan residence card are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) system and pay premiums based on their reported income. Students with very low income (under approximately ¥300,000 per year) qualify for a significant premium reduction, often 70% to 100% off the standard rate, through the student exemption (gakusei tokubetsu mensho) program available at city hall. NHI covers 70% of all approved medical costs at any registered clinic or hospital in Japan.

International students in Japan have several housing options in approximate order of affordability and ease: university dormitories (most affordable, often ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 per month, but limited spaces), share houses operated by companies like Oakhouse or Sakura House (¥40,000 to ¥70,000, no guarantor required), UR Housing (no guarantor, no key money), and private apartments using a foreigner-friendly guarantee company like GTN or JHF. Begin searching 2 to 3 months before your enrollment date as university dormitory applications and UR housing selections fill quickly.

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Student Life in Japan — FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the visa requirements for international students coming to Japan?

Can I change schools on a student visa in Japan?

How much can international students work in Japan?

Do international students get health insurance in Japan?

How do international students find housing in Japan?

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