What to Prepare Before You Arrive in Japan

A practical checklist for what to get ready before moving to Japan.

A little preparation before departure makes your first week in Japan much easier. Japan is orderly, but some things go much more smoothly if you handle them before you fly.

Documents to bring (originals and copies)

• Passport that will remain valid throughout your stay
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and any work visa paperwork

Medication

Japan has stricter medication rules than the US. Some medicines sold over the counter in America require a prescription in Japan, and some are not sold at all.

Check these points before you travel:

• If you take regular medication, bring at least a three-month supply if possible
• Some medicines, including certain ADHD medications, may be regulated in Japan and may require advance approval. Check guidance from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare or the US Embassy in Japan before departure
• If you have an ongoing medical condition, ask your doctor for a short document in English explaining your diagnosis and treatment
• Even when the active ingredient is the same, the product name in Japan is often completely different from the US name

Banking and money

It helps to set up a card that keeps overseas transfer and withdrawal fees low, such as Wise or Revolut. Some Japanese ATMs are not available 24 hours a day, so cash matters more than many Americans expect.

Smartphone

Make sure your phone is carrier-unlocked. You will need a SIM-free device to use a Japanese SIM or eSIM.

Cash

Have the equivalent of about 20,000 to 30,000 yen ready before departure, or make sure you can withdraw cash right away from a 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATM. Those are the two easiest options for foreign cards.