Your first time in Japan will be exciting, but you will also be expected to complete essential processes before you have time to settle in. The moment you get off that long flight, you’ll need to complete a few simple immigration tasks. Afterward, your first week at a Japanese language school will go smoothly as long as you complete what you need to.
Orientation is more than placement testing; they will cover everything you need to know to get set up. We at Coto School Finder have the know-how to share with you so you can step into your new journey with complete confidence.
What to Bring Before Coming to Study in Japan
Japan is notorious for its bureaucratic stubbornness and fondness for snail mail. There are a few documents you absolutely cannot forget to bring when boarding your flight to Japan.
- Passport with entry visa
- COE (certificate of eligibility)
- Work visa application (optional)
First, and easiest, is your passport with your student visa stuck to one of the back pages. Second is a printed copy of your certificate of eligibility (COE) issued by your school. Third is obtaining permission to engage in part-time work, which you can apply for at your local embassy or at a major airport when you first arrive. This is only necessary if you plan to do any part-time work in Japan; otherwise, this step is optional.
While you can buy everything else you may need in Japan, it might be worth bringing a few items to be prepared, like pens to fill out forms at the airport or complete orientation processes. Here are some other things we recommend bringing:
- Pencils, pens, and notebooks
- Printed academic transcripts or official Japanese language certificates (JLPT or other official exam scores)
- Passport-sized photos: You’ll often need a few for things like student IDs, commuter passes, and various applications, so it’s handy to bring several.
- Some cash in yen: Many places in Japan are still cash-only, and you may need it for transport, food, and small purchases in your first few days before you set up a bank account.
- Prescription medicine and a doctor’s note: Bring enough for your first few weeks and a note from your doctor. Some common medications are restricted or banned in Japan, so check the rules for yours before you fly.
- An unlocked phone and a travel adapter: An unlocked phone lets you get a Japanese SIM or eSIM, and Japan uses two-pin plugs as the US, so you will need an adapter if your computer uses three-pin plugs.
- Small gifts (omiyage) from your home country: It’s a nice gesture for teachers, classmates, or a host family, and a good icebreaker in your first week.
Ultimately, the two most important items you need are your passport and COE, which are absolutely necessary to enter Japan and get into your language school.
Before Starting Your First Week at a Japanese Language School
Hopefully you arrive a few days or a week before orientation, because Japan is so exciting and irresistible to get out and explore at any hour. However, when orientation week arrives, make sure to bring a black, non-erasable pen for official documents, the residence card issued to you at the airport by immigration, a passport-sized photo of yourself for your school ID, and some Japanese Yen for any miscellaneous fees. Going forward, we will break down what to expect during that first week, phase by phase.
Orientation Week: What to Expect
This is a crucial step for setting yourself up for success in Japan. All institutions operate differently; however, they will all offer some sort of fresh-to-Japan student orientation. If your school says that some of these days are optional, do not skip them! Every bit of information is important, as living in Japan is very different from any other country, and information is not easily accessible in foreign languages. The usual topics covered for new students are as follows:
- Academic calendar
- Campus facilities
- Emergency protocols.
- Dormitory rules
- Trash sorting
- Ward office
- Commuting
- And more…
Speaking of emergencies, we highly recommend preparing an emergency kit and have a guide on what to include. During orientation week, if not already covered, be sure to ask about the student-discounted commuter pass, for which your school will provide you with a form. This tip will save you a lot of money.
Placement Testing During Your First Week at a Japanese Language School
Placement testing is a standard practice of Japanese language schools. Don’t stress about it, since it isn’t recorded on your academic transcript. If you are a complete beginner, you will completely bypass this and get sent straight into an elementary foundations class.
If you have studied Japanese before, we recommend reviewing what you have learned. But there is no need to study ahead to try to get a higher placement; it is best to be placed in the most appropriate class, since language learning is foundational and scalable. If you want to practice or review what you have learned beforehand, we know an all-inclusive app that you should check out. The test will most likely include:
- Kanji
- Grammar
- Vocab
- Reading comprehension
- Speaking
- Listening comprehension
Practice what you know for all of the above, and you will have nothing to worry about when the time comes.
Ward Office Visit: The Necessary Tasks
This is possibly the most tedious part of moving into Japan for the first time. You must visit your local city or ward office in order to complete processes for living in Japan legally. So here are a couple of tasks you must complete as soon as possible:
1. New resident registration
Every resident must register their address with their local city or ward office. You need to be legally registered with an address in Japan in order to receive certain government documents. You must also update your address whenever you move.
2. NHI enrollment (national health insurance)
Every resident in Japan needs to be enrolled in the NHI or a private health insurance option. The NHI is generally more affordable than private options, and as a student with limited income, you won’t need to pay much as you will be enrolled in the lowest price brackets.
We recommend consulting your school beforehand about which tasks are necessary and whether staff can accompany you. Often, schools have staff lead new students in groups to complete mandatory move-in tasks at the ward office. Make sure to bring your passport, residence card, and a Japanese translation of your new address. Keep in mind, you are legally required to complete these tasks within 14 days of moving in.
While not as urgent to complete in your first week, you might want to consider opening a bank account or getting a mobile phone plan in Japan. A bank account will especially be important for paying school tuition or other essential services. It’ll also be necessary for most part-time jobs since they usually pay your salary directly into your bank account.
What to Expect for The First Class at a Japanese Language School
Starting your first classes and meeting classmates will be a fun, memorable time. Be prepared to meet students from around the world and of all ages and careers. Everyone is excited to make friends and share their culture. Teachers will usually facilitate this environment by having everyone give self-introduction speeches, with no pressure on accuracy. Our bare-minimum recommendation is to practice a one-line introduction and maybe try learning hiragana and katakana. During the first week of class, making friends is especially beneficial because the language barrier makes it hard to socialize outside of school, and it helps to have a social support circle in a foreign country.
Your Japanese language school orientation should cover this topic, but we are informing you here so you can prepare your mindset for what you are getting into. In contrast with Western university classes, these schools are on the stricter side. Important aspects of classroom culture that are highly valued include:
- Attendance
- Punctuality
- Greetings (ohayou gozaimasu, arigatou gozaimasu, onegaishimasu)
- Homework
- Respect
It is important to note that attendance and grades need to be taken very seriously because schools must report these metrics to immigration, and you must maintain a high standard if you want to keep your student visa. If you fall below 50% attendance for even one month, your school must report you to immigration. In Japan, punctuality is imperative, so being one second late counts as late and is frowned upon. Classroom behavior will build good habits for a successful career in a Japanese company. If you take your classes seriously and are respectful to teachers, you will have a great experience!
Common First Week Mistakes to Avoid in A Japanese Language School
Since we operate many schools, we are familiar with all the mistakes new students make. We will share the top three mistakes to avoid making in your first week at a Japanese language school. When we see new students flounder in their life in Japan, it is often due to these 3 reasons:
1. Burnout
Burnout is easy to encounter, as moving to Japan can be quite overwhelming. Lots of students overbook their schedules with sightseeing, job hunting, and socializing. With intensive studying, burnout is right around the corner.
2. Isolation
Isolation can be quite common and may come sooner than you expect. It can be hard to socialize outside of class as you may be busy with your studies, and being in a completely new country could make it hard to know where to find friends or engage in hobbies you like doing. So, loneliness is quite a common issue foreigners face when living in a new country.
3. Avoiding Responsibilities (bills, ward office visits)
Avoiding or forgetting about responsibilities is also a very common problem new students run into; it is easy to miss payments or ward office visits when all your mail is written in formal Japanese. Missing these can have real consequences, so just keep in mind that you can always ask for support from staff at your school. They are always happy to help with specific processes in Japan that could be difficult for foreigners who recently moved here to understand.
New Student Checklist: Japan
- Documents: Passport, Residence Card (Zairyu Kaado), multiple passport-sized ID photos.
- Cash: Sufficient Japanese Yen in cash for immediate expenses.
- Stationery: Notebooks, folders, and a black ballpoint pen.
- Ward Office: Register your address within 14 days of moving in.
- Insurance: (Same time)Enroll in National Health Insurance (NHI) at Ward Office.
- School: Attend orientation, complete the placement test, and purchase required textbooks.
- Commute: Purchase a commuter pass (tsuugaku teikiken) for the train or bus.
- Social: Practice a brief self-introduction and attend optional welcome events.
Conclusion
The first week in Japan is a blur. There are highs and lows, but there is so much going on, you will only end up remembering the most positive moments. So, do not stress, this list has you completely prepared for what to expect in your first week at Japanese language school. If you have not yet decided to take the leap and study in Japan, consider inquiring about our free services with document preparation, school matching, and settling in services.
FAQ
What happens on the first day at a Japanese language school?
Most schools dedicate the first day entirely to orientation and administrative tasks. You will submit your enrollment documents, receive your student ID, and attend information sessions covering school rules, visa regulations, and life in Japan.
Is there a placement test?
Yes, unless you are enrolling in beginner classes with no prior knowledge. Most schools give a placement test in the first few days, consisting of a written grammar and kanji exam followed by a short speaking interview, to place you in the right class level.
Do I need to speak Japanese before starting?
No. While we do recommend learning Hiragana and Katakana beforehand, Japanese language schools offer dedicated beginner tracks that teach you from scratch.
What should I bring?
For the airport immigration counter, bring your passport with visa and printed COE (Certificate of Eligibility). For orientation week, bring your passport, residence card, passport photos, cash, a file folder, and a non-erasable black ink pen.
Are attendance rules strict?
Yes, attendance rules are incredibly strict at Japanese language schools. By law, your school must monitor your attendance and report it to the Immigration Bureau. Falling below an 80% attendance rate may prevent you from renewing your visa, so you must attend class every day and be on time.
